How to Save Water-Damaged Photos, Books, and Documents After a Flood

During a flooding incident, your most cherished belongings such as family photos, books, and important documents are at serious risk. Beyond their financial worth, these items often carry deep sentimental value. Acting quickly is critical: within just 48 hours, water-damaged papers and photographs can develop mold, deteriorate, and become unsalvageable.
Fortunately, with the proper steps and support from a professional water remediation company, you can still restore them.

Saving Water-Damaged Photos

  • Keep photos in frames wet until removal: Attempting to peel away a photo once it has started to dry can cause it to tear. Instead, gently rinse both the frame and the photo with clean water to separate them.
  • Seek expert help for historical photos: If you’re trying to save valuable or old photographs, consult a conservator first, as these are highly fragile.
  • Handle carefully: Remove photos from water or mud by touching only the edges, not the image surface.
  • Lay flat to dry: Place the photo image, image-side up, on a rigid surface, such as a board.
  • Rinse if dirty: Gently rinse photos in clean water before drying.
  • Use blotting materials: Place them on paper towels or blotting paper, never newspapers, to avoid ink transfer.
  • Store indoors: Keep away from wind and direct sunlight, as these can cause curling and further damage. Replace blotting paper every 1–2 hours.
  • Freeze if necessary: If you can’t dry them immediately, rinse, separate with wax paper, and freeze to prevent mold growth.

Saving Water-Damaged Books and Documents

  • Carefully remove from water: Rinse gently if muddy, then lay flat on blotting paper. Change the paper towels often.
  • Dry indoors with circulation: Keep away from direct sun. Use an oscillating fan to enhance airflow and accelerate the drying process.
  • For waterlogged books, insert absorbent paper between every 20 to 50 pages and lay them flat. Replace the paper every few hours.
  • Vertical drying: Stand books upright and gently fan out the pages.
  • Freeze for later restoration: Seal wet items in plastic bags and freeze to prevent mold until you’re ready for treatment.
  • Remove musty odors: Place dried books in a box inside a closed container with baking soda (without direct contact) to absorb lingering smells.

Why Professional Water Damage Restoration Matters

While you may be able to take immediate action, working with professionals in water damage restoration and mold remediation provides the safest and most effective path to a full recovery. Trained specialists use advanced water extraction, drying, and mold removal services to salvage items while preventing long-term damage from mold growth.

At PuroClean of Pompano Beach, we provide:

  • Emergency flood cleanup and water damage recovery
  • Emergency water extraction
  • Mold assessment, mold cleaning, and odor removal
  • Complete home water damage restoration after roof leaks, water heater leaks, or a flooded basement

Whether you need flood help, mold inspection, or complete water damage remediation, our expert team is here to help.

📞 For professional water damage help, call PuroClean of Pompano Beach today at 954-546-9090.

We’ll respond quickly to restore your property and protect what matters most.

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