what can i use to clean old photographs rubbing alcohol?

Answer 1

I'd recommend scanning them into a computer, fixing the spots there, and printing out nice new ones on a ink-jet printer that'll be good for another 50 years.

It really depends on what is on them. This may remove light surface stuff.

OK. If you're absolutely determined to clean them - this method will probably cause the least damage.

This has to be a black and white photographic print, untinted, and not hand-colored. And printed after around 1910-1915 and prior to around 1997.

If the print was glossy, it won't be after this.
It's also likely to be a bit wrinkled in the corners.

1. Remove any backing or mounting.
You should have just a photo which, if held up to a bright light, you can see the image somewhat through the back.
If you can't see through it stop.
It's a different process or there's some type of backing material still on it.

2. String up a line in a dust-free area. Get two sets of clips like wooden clothespins. Preferably with 2 heavier than the others.

3. Put them in a tray of room temperature water to which has been added the correct amount of the Kodak chemical "Photo-Flo" (mix according to bottle).

This is usually used for negatives, but should work OK
on your prints and help them dry without water-spots

4. Leave them in for about 10-15 minutes turning them gently a couple of times to make sure that the solution is getting to all parts of the photo.

5. While still in the solution, gently rub them with a cotton ball. If that doesn't do it - nothing else will without ruining them.

6. Hang them up to dry on the line with the lightest clips on top and heavier ones on the bottom. Arrange the clips so as to touch the least amount of the paper - preferably in the white borders if it has them.

Allow to dry completely before handling.

Answer 2

No, no, no! Rubbbbing alcohol will remove the emulsion. If these are valuable prints, seek out a photo restoration service.

Wet the photo under water for a few minutes. Try to gently remove the spots with a wet cotton ball. Place the print in a blotter paper book (available at a good photo store) and place a lot of weight on top of the blotter book. It will take a couple of days for the print to dry completely.

There are better ways to dry prints, but I would not be able to describe them adequately...

Answer 3

As what was said previously, do not use alcohol to clean your old photographs. On that same note, don't use bleach or any household cleaners either. I would suggest taking your images to a professional, or picking up a book on digital photo restoration.

Answer 4

How To Clean Old Photos

Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

I do a lot of photo restoration - I never use the spot healing tool. Instead I blow the photo up to about 300% ( wherever you can see it by pixels), and use the clone tool. Fix it pixel by pixel. Its time consuming, but the end result is great!

Answer 8

trichloroethylene film cleaner made by Kodak ,available at pro camera stores...warning carcinogen...gloves ,ventilation wash hands after...use a qtip and be very gentle....wetting prints works but can destroy the picture if you are not very,very careful...scan and find
somebody with digital ice(NIKON cool scan) software to restore and make epson prints