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How to Save Water-Damaged Photos, Papers and Furniture

Most wet photos and papers can be saved if you work within about two days and dry them gently. Heat and sunlight do more harm than good.

Updated November 2026 · 5 min read

Quick answer

Air dry gently, indoors if you can, with fans and dehumidifiers. Hair dryers, irons, ovens and long sun exposure cause permanent damage. If you can't get photos, papers, books or textiles dry within 48 hours, freeze them (FEMA).

What should you do first?

  • Take photos of damaged items for insurance before you move or throw anything away (FEMA).
  • Move the most important items to a dry, airy room. Put damp items you can't get to right away in open, unsealed boxes or bags (FEMA).
  • Separate things: empty drawers, take photos out of albums, take paintings and prints out of frames (FEMA).
  • Get air moving with fans, open windows, air conditioning and dehumidifiers (FEMA).

How do you save wet photographs?

  • Never pull apart wet photos or negatives that are stuck together. FEMA says to soak them in clean water until they separate (FEMA).
  • Rinse dirty photos gently in clean water, or distilled water if you have it (FEMA).
  • Don't touch the image surface until it's dry (National Park Service).
  • Air dry face up on paper towels or a plastic screen, or hang them by a corner with plastic clothespins, without letting the image touch anything (FEMA).
  • If you have time, take a picture of each photo first so you have a digital copy (FEMA).

The National Park Service suggests starting with color prints, since they're more easily damaged by water, then black and white prints, then negatives (National Park Service). It also advises talking to a professional conservator before freezing older or valuable photos (National Park Service).

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How do you dry documents and books?

  • Air dry papers flat, one sheet at a time or in small stacks (FEMA; National Archives).
  • Change the blotting paper under them as it gets soaked (National Archives).
  • Put paper towels between the pages of wet books, and take off dust jackets to dry separately (FEMA).
  • If there's too much to air dry, freeze it. Wrap items in freezer paper and use a frost-free freezer at its lowest setting. Drying frozen documents can take weeks to months (FEMA).

What about furniture?

Upholstered furniture and mattresses that got wet usually go. The CDC lists upholstered furniture, mattresses, pillows and rugs among the things to throw away if they can't be cleaned and dried quickly (CDC).

Wood and metal furniture can often be cleaned with hot water and detergent (CDC). Dry it slowly and indoors, because sunlight and heat can cause splits, warping and buckling (FEMA). Pull out drawers and open doors so the inside dries too (EPA). Keep any loose veneer or broken pieces in labeled containers, and don't try to glue anything until it's completely dry (FEMA).

What if it was sewage or floodwater?

Books that were in sewage-contaminated water are a health hazard. FEMA says to throw them out or ask a professional conservator (FEMA). For anything precious that touched contaminated water, FEMA recommends getting a conservator's advice (FEMA). Wear gloves when you handle anything that touched floodwater or sewage. See sewage backup cleanup.

What should you never do?

  • Don't use hair dryers, irons or ovens, or leave things in the sun for long (FEMA).
  • Don't pull apart photos that are stuck together (FEMA).
  • Don't rub dirt off fragile items. Loosen it gently with a soft brush or cloth (FEMA).
  • Don't seal damp items in closed boxes or bags (FEMA).

Common questions

How long do I have to save wet photos?

Work within about 48 hours. FEMA says photos, papers, books and textiles should be frozen if you can't get them dry within 48 hours.

Can I use a hair dryer on wet photos or papers?

No. FEMA says hair dryers, irons, ovens and long sun exposure will do permanent damage. Air dry gently instead.

Should I freeze wet photographs?

Freezing can buy time, but the National Park Service suggests talking to a professional conservator before freezing older or valuable photos.

Can a wet couch be saved?

Usually not after a flood. The CDC lists upholstered furniture among the items to throw away if they can't be cleaned and dried quickly.

Related guides

Local water damage help

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Sources:

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