The short answer
Act Fast and Handle Gently
The longer wet photos sit, the more likely they are to stick together or grow mold. Start as soon as you can. Gently lift the photos by the edges to avoid fingerprints on the image area. If they are in a pile, do not pull them apart while dry.
If photos are stuck together, soak the entire stack in a shallow tray of clean, room-temperature water. This can help the layers separate without tearing. Change the water if it becomes dirty. Once separated, move each photo to a flat, clean surface for drying.
- Use clean, cool water for rinsing
- Avoid rubbing or wiping the surface
- Handle by the edges only
- Work on a clean, flat table
- Keep photos out of direct sunlight
- If mold appears, isolate the photo
Dry Them Flat and Slow
Place the wet photos face up on a clean, dry surface like a plastic sheet or a paper towel. Do not use newspaper, as the ink can transfer. A fan can help circulate air, but keep it at a low setting so it does not blow the photos around. Avoid heat sources like hair dryers, which can warp the paper.
For photos that are curling, you can place a clean, dry cloth over them and then a light weight, like a book, to keep them flat. Change the cloth if it becomes damp. Drying may take several hours or overnight. Patience is key to preventing further damage.
- Use a fan on low, not high
- No direct heat or sunlight
- Place a cloth and light weight to flatten
- Change the cloth if it gets wet
- Allow plenty of time to dry
What About Digital Photos?
If your photos are digital prints, the paper is still vulnerable to water damage. The same drying steps apply. However, if the digital files themselves are on a wet device, like a memory card or phone, handle that separately. For a memory card, remove it from the device and let it dry completely before trying to read it.
For a wet phone or camera, turn it off and remove the battery if possible. Do not charge it until it is fully dry. Place the device in a dry, ventilated area for at least 48 hours. You can use silica gel packets to help absorb moisture, but avoid rice, which can leave dust inside.
When to Call the Pros
If the photos are valuable, such as family heirlooms, or if a large number are affected, consider getting help from local water damage pros. They have equipment to dry materials slowly and evenly, which can reduce the risk of mold and further damage. They can also handle the cleanup of the surrounding area if your home was flooded.
If your photos were in a flood, the water may contain contaminants. In that case, protect yourself with gloves and a mask. The pros can assess the situation and advise on the right steps. They can also help dry the room and the structure to prevent mold growth on walls and floors.
- Valuable or irreplaceable photos
- Many photos affected at once
- Floodwater or sewage involved
- Mold is already growing
- You cannot dry them within a day or two
Prevent Future Water Damage
Store your printed photos in a waterproof container or a fireproof safe that is also water-resistant. Keep them off the floor, especially in areas prone to flooding. If you live in a flood-prone region, consider storing photos on a higher shelf or in a closet that is less likely to get wet.
Also, make digital backups of your most important photos. Scan them and save copies to a cloud service or an external drive. This way, even if the physical copies are lost, you still have the images. Regularly check your home for leaks, such as under sinks or around windows, to catch problems early.
Talk to someone now
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Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
Can I use a hair dryer to dry wet photos?
No, a hair dryer can cause the paper to warp or the image to smudge. Use a fan on low or just air dry. Heat can also speed up mold growth. Patience is better for saving your photos.
What if the photos are stuck together?
Soak the entire stack in clean, cool water. This can help the layers separate without tearing. Change the water if it gets dirty. Once they separate, dry them flat as described.
Should I try to wipe off the water?
No, rubbing or wiping can scratch the image or push dirt into the paper. Instead, rinse gently in clean water to remove debris, then let them air dry. Never rub the surface.