Removing smells from photographs.

[Daisypetal]

Hi,

Please can anyone tell me how to get rid of stale tobacco and "old" smells from photographs, negatives and paperwork.

I've seen hints that say use baking soda, I use this for other cleaning and odour removal but I am scared that it might harm pictures etc. (especially precious negatives)

Has anyone tried it?

Regards,
Daisy

[Mart 'n' Al]

They aren't smells. That is nostalgia. You could pay good money for that. I am a bit biased as I am totally against the idea of restoring photographs as I think it is wonderfully cosy to look at them remembering how many of your ancestors have handled them. I won't get started on this topic again.

Martin

[Jebber]

Used Tumble dryer sheets put between the papers and photos will absorb the smell. Should be safe with negatives, but I would test a couple first.

[Treetotal]

Activated charcoal removes odours, you can buy it from pet shops.
Carol

[rayard]

I was given a beautiful old book but it was so smelly it made me sneeze! I left it standing open by the patio door so the pages turned over by themselves in the breeze. the smell went after a few sessions.
I would not leave precious photos face-up in sunlight but maybe face-down on a tray covered with something like window net.
Leave negatives well alone!!
rayard.

[Treetotal]

I wouldn't put old photos outside at all, they will curl up and may even crack.
Carol

[Gadget]

For negatives:

http://howtoscan.ca/scanning-tips/clean-negatives-before-scan-alcohol.php

Otherwise for general smells, as Carol has said, activated charcoal or zeolite rocks.

[rayard]

I didn't put the book outside...just inside by the door.

[Daisypetal]

Thank you for all your replies 

I will give the activated charcoal a try as they are past the fresh air stage.

When I'm feeling really brave I might try cleaning some negatives.

Regards,
Daisy