When disaster strikes- whether it’s a hurricane, flood, or plumbing emergency- one of the most heartbreaking losses can be your family photos. Many people assume that water-damaged pictures are beyond saving and throw them away. But here’s the good news: most wet photos can be salvaged if you act quickly and carefully. Follow these steps to rescue your precious memories.
how to save water damaged photos after a flood or hurricane
1. SAFETY FIRST: WEAR GLOVES AND A MASK
Before handling water-damaged photos, protect yourself. Floodwater can contain bacteria, chemicals, or mold. Wear disposable gloves and a mask to prevent exposure. Work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors or near open windows.
2. REMOVE PHOTOS FROM ENVELOPES OR ALBUMS
Do not let the photos dry yet. Carefully separate photos from wet albums, frames, and envelopes. If pictures are stuck together, do not pull them apart while dry. Instead, keep them wet and move on to the next step. Trying to peel apart dry, water-damaged photos can cause permanent tearing.
3. FREEZE PHOTOS ASAP
If you can’t dry your photos immediately, freezing is the best way to stop mold growth and deterioration. Mold is the enemy and can begin forming within only 48 hours. Freezing the photos prevents mold growth, buying more time to work on this project. Put the damp photos into plastic bags. Separate the photos with wax paper, if possible. Then place the bags in a freezer. Store them in the freezer until you’re ready to work on them. This buys you time and allows for a more controlled restoration process.
4. THAW PHOTOS IN SMALL BATCHES
When you’re ready to restore your photos, remove only a small batch from the freezer at a time. As they thaw, carefully peel apart photos that are stuck together. If they are firmly stuck, soak the photos in water until they can be separated. If there is debris on the photos, soak in water and agitate until the dirt lifts. Do not rub the photos or use soap.
5. DRY THE PHOTOS
Lay photos flat, image side up, on an absorbent surface. Use fans to circulate air and prevent mold growth. For negatives, hang to dry vertically instead. Once dry, flatten photos under weights or heavy books.
what next?
Now that you’ve saved your water-damaged photos, scan them to create a digital copy and then you can dispose of the original print. Learn more about my photo scanning services or take my Organizing Old Photos course if you want to learn the best settings for scanning at home.
Water damage doesn’t have to mean the end of your cherished family photos. With prompt action and the right techniques, you can save and restore many of them. And remember, once they’re dry and scanned, create a digitize them to protect against future disasters.
