Tips for recovering photographs and heirlooms from a flood

Like everyone, we are heartbroken over the destruction from Hurricane Helene. The loss of life is devastating, and the loss of property is difficult. Our staff at the East Tennessee History Center has some practical tips for stabilizing family heirlooms, photographs and other important items that have sustained water damage.

First, as with all acts of recovery, personal safety is paramount. Make sure you are working in a safe environment and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Also, the following tips are general in nature; the East Tennessee History Center recommends consulting a professional conservator for historic objects of an especially important or sensitive nature.

Things to consider: 

• If an object is still wet, gently rinse it with clean water.
• If an object is dry, gently clean off dust, silt and/or debris with a clean, soft brush.
• If possible, allow wet objects to dry indoors. Sunlight may dry an object too fast, causing fading, splitting or warping.
• Use fans and dehumidifiers to reduce humidity and help inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.

For wet photographs:

• Carefully remove wet photographs from plastic sleeves. Cut and peel sleeves rather than sliding photographs out.
• Do not pull apart photographsthat are stuck together. Soak them in clean water until they separate (maximum 48 hours).
• Do not touch, blot or wipe the surfaces of wet photographs.
• Air dry wet photographs by hanging them from a line with clips or laying them flat on absorbent paper.
• Remove wet objects from the frame, unless the objects are stuck to the glass.
• If wet objects are stuck to the glass, air dry, glass-side down, until they can be photographed or scanned.

For art and valuable items:

• If the paint layer of a wet painting is unstable, seek the help of a professional conservator.
• If the paint layer of a wet painting is stable, blot the back of the canvas with clean towels and air dry.
• Gently rinse wet wooden furniture, then blot and slowly air dry.
• Collect all broken pieces of pottery, and seek the help of a professional conservator.
• Support wet textiles. Do not wring or twist dry. Remove excess water by pressing with clean dry towels.
• Blot wet metal objects with a soft cloth. Low-heat hair dryers may be used to speed drying.