How To Save Water Damaged Photos, Books, and Documents

HOW TO SAVE WATER DAMAGED PHOTOS, BOOKS, AND DOCUMENTS After finding that water damage has affected some of your most precious belongings, what is next? This can be a very stressful time as you are most likely unsure of the extent of the damage. Instead of telling you how bad the damage could be, let us help you fix the problem. WATER DAMAGED PHOTOS Depending on how much water got into your photos, the best way to salvage them immediately, believe it or not, is to put them in the freezer. This way, the water damage process is slowed as the photos begin to freeze. You can spread them out in the freezer or layer images on top of one another, using non-stick wax paper between each layer. Do not place photos directly on top of each other without a type of separator such as wax paper. Once ready to be salvaged, take them out of the freezer and let water drain or drip out. You can also place them out on paper towels or newspaper to help the drying process along. As always, using fans helps dry them properly, never use a hairdryer on high heat, however. WATER DAMAGED BOOKS One of the most important first steps to clean up your books just as with photographs is to let all the water drain out. This can be a tedious and long process because soaked up water, unless elevated likes to sit and therefore continues to be absorbed by the pages in the book. Keep the book closed, do not open it, and stand it upwards so that the water can drain out properly. Sometimes putting any type of absorbent paper will help this process go a little faster. If your book is not wet but damp from water damage, you can do this same method, however, this time, open up the book and use a fan to help dry out the pages more. WATER DAMAGED DOCUMENTS Depending on the type of document such as designs, high-ink documents, certificates, etc. using paper towels to help soak up the water could actually further damage them as the ink will be stripped from the paper. For these items, let them sit on a table to dry out instead. However, with any other type of paper documents, paper towels are your best friend. Once your documents are laid out, begin to use a fan to air dry them. DO YOU NEED WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION? Even if you know how to save water-damaged photos, books, and documents, you might still need help with your water damage! If you are concerned about other possible issues regarding water damage, we can help! Rhode Island Restoration is here for you 24/7 to help you with any kind of property damage restoration in RI. We're just a phone call away for immediate emergency property damage restoration. We also offer free quotes even after the mitigation to bring your property back to normal. Rhode Island Restoration Residential & Commercial Property Damage Restoration In RI 401-834-FIRE (3473) • rirestoration.com - [email protected]