We can help restore cherished photos damaged by water

11/8/2023 (Permalink)

If the pictures are old, consult a professional photograph restorer; meantime, have the wet images dry out.

If you’ve experienced a flood in your home, chances are many of your belongings were damaged by the waters. Among your valuables, your photographs are most likely one of your most personal and cherished items.

Whatever the loss, losing pictures to a flood can be one of the most devastating aspects. You feel powerless as these family heirlooms passed down for decades or a priceless image is seemingly damaged and potentially lost due to the waters of the flood.

Don’t stress too much! There may be hope.

There are plenty of tips on how to salvage your photos. Surprisingly, most can be cleaned and dried.

Follow the steps promptly to avoid damage. Please note, you should follow these steps within at most two days, or else they will begin to mold and stick together. 

1. Gently remove the photographs from the water. If any pictures are stuck together, carefully separate. If they will not part easily, do not force a separation.
2. Using cold, clean water, rinse each side of the picture. This way, any dirt will come off.
3. On an indoor flat surface, lay down paper towels. Lay the photo, face-up, on the paper towel, and replace the paper towel (as it will get wet) with a dry one each hour, until completely dried.

If you want to want to put the drying process on hold, place the wet photos (after rinsing with cold, clean water) between sheets of wax paper before storing them in an airtight plastic bag in the freezer. 

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North can help restore your valuables. If you are concerned about water damage in your home (walls, floors, etc.), we will restore your home, too. We are the water damage restoration experts!

If you have any questions or needs, give us a call today at 301-340-1313.