Omar Khalid
Photographs are some of the most precious possessions in a home, with many people treasuring their personal photos and mementos. However, people are less likely to think about how to store them properly. Photographs are delicate and irreplaceable, so it's important to take care when storing them to keep them looking their best. One of the most common ways to store photos is in plastic tubs or containers. But is this the best way to keep your photos safe?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic tubs safe for old photos | Uncoated polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester (Mylar D or Mellinex 516) |
| Plastic tubs to avoid | PVC, plastic bags, plastic boxes, plastic containers in areas with temperature and moisture fluctuations |
| Other safe materials | Cotton or pure wood pulp, acid-free paper, non-PVC/PVA plastic, metal, cardboard |
| Safe locations | Dark, cool, climate-controlled locations with minimal temperature fluctuations, off the floor, away from vents |
| Unsafe locations | Attics, garages, basements, near vents |
| Other tips | Wear cotton gloves when handling photos, avoid adhesives, tape, staples, rubber bands, and paper clips, store photos flat |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic tubs are safe for old photos if they are..
Plastic tubs are safe for old photos if they are stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. Heat and moisture can cause photos to stick together, fade, or become damaged, so it's best to avoid attics, basements, and garages, where temperature and humidity fluctuate. Instead, opt for a bedroom closet or a storage unit with 24-hour access. Keeping photos off the floor can also prevent potential damage from flooding.
Plastic tubs are safe for old photos if they are made of the right material. The National Archives recommends using plastic containers made from uncoated polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester (Mylar D or Mellinex 516). It is also important to avoid PVC, which can severely damage photos. As an added measure of protection, look for photo containers that pass the ANSI IT9.16 Photographic Activity Test (PAT), which determines whether a material will cause photos to fade or stain.
Plastic tubs are safe for old photos if they are properly packed and organised. To prevent scratches, tears, and bends, place photos in a photo box or shoe box to keep them flat and then store those boxes in your sturdy, waterproof plastic container. Avoid using paper clips, tape, staples, rubber bands, and glue, as these can damage photos over time. Instead, use acid-free paper or non-PVC/PVA plastic sleeves to separate photos and look for storage containers labelled "'archival quality', which are free of acids and other chemicals that could cause degradation.
Plastic tubs are safe for old photos if they are handled properly. Photos are delicate and can be damaged by fingerprints and oils from the skin, so it's best to wear clean cotton gloves when handling old photos. Additionally, if you plan to display your photos, make high-quality photocopies of the originals to preserve their quality.
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...made from the right type of plastic
Plastic tubs can be used to store old photos as long as they are made from the right type of plastic. The best way to store photos is to treat them as if they will be in storage for a long time. Photos are delicate and often irreplaceable, so they need to be stored in a way that maintains their quality.
The National Archives recommends using plastic containers made from uncoated polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester (also known as Mylar D or Mellinex 516). These materials are safe for storing photos and will not cause them to fade or stain. It is important to avoid using PVC plastic, which can severely damage photos.
When storing photos in plastic tubs, it is also crucial to consider the environment in which the tubs will be stored. Plastic tubs should be kept in a cool, climate-controlled location with minimal fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Basements, attics, and garages are not ideal for storing photos as they are prone to extreme temperature changes and high humidity, which can cause mould and mildew, discolouring or destroying photographs.
Additionally, it is recommended to store photos in a dark location to prevent exposure to light, which can cause fading over time. If using transparent plastic tubs, cover them to keep out the light. It is also important to ensure that photos are stored flat and protected from flooding, moisture, and pests.
Overall, plastic tubs can be a suitable option for storing old photos as long as they are made from the recommended types of plastic and stored in a controlled environment that minimises potential damage.
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...stored in the right location
Plastic tubs can be used to store old photos, but only if they are stored in the right location.
Firstly, it is important to note that plastic tubs should be stored in a well-controlled environment, such as a bedroom closet. Basements, attics, and garages are not ideal locations for storing photos as they are prone to extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations, which can cause photos to stick together, fade, or become damaged. Basements, in particular, are susceptible to flooding and tend to be very humid, which encourages mold and mildew growth, and can permanently discolour or destroy photographs.
Secondly, plastic tubs should be kept off the floor to prevent potential damage from flooding. They should also be stored away from heating or cooling vents to avoid temperature fluctuations, which can warp photos and cause long-term damage.
Thirdly, plastic tubs should be covered to keep out light. Exposure to light, especially sunlight and fluorescent light, will cause photographs to fade over time. Therefore, it is best to store plastic tubs in a dark place.
Lastly, it is important to ensure that the plastic tubs themselves are suitable for storing photos. Avoid using plastic containers made from PVC, as this can severely damage photos. Look for containers that are labelled "archival quality" or "acid-free", as these will be free of acids and other chemicals that could cause your photos to degrade. Additionally, consider using photo containers that pass the ANSI IT9.16 Photographic Activity Test (PAT), which determines whether a material will cause photos to fade or stain.
Overall, while plastic tubs can be used to store old photos, it is important to ensure that they are stored in a well-controlled environment that is cool, dry, and dark, and that the plastic tubs themselves are made from suitable materials that will not cause damage to the photographs.
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...stored in the right way
Old photos are irreplaceable and often among our most treasured possessions. Therefore, it is important to store them in the right way to protect them from harm.
Firstly, avoid storing photos in places where they will be exposed to excessive heat, moisture, sunlight, and fluctuating temperatures. Do not keep them in attics, garages, or basements, as these areas are prone to extreme temperature changes and high humidity. Instead, opt for a cool, climate-controlled location, such as a bedroom closet, where temperature and humidity levels remain relatively stable. Keep your photos off the floor to prevent potential damage from flooding, and place them on shelving or a pallet instead.
Secondly, choose the right materials for storage. Avoid using plastic bags, as they are not suitable for long-term storage due to their transparency, size, and flimsiness. While plastic containers can offer protection from flooding, moisture, and pests, they can also trap moisture, leading to mould issues. If you decide to use a plastic container, ensure it is well-controlled in terms of temperature and moisture levels. Look for containers made of uncoated polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester (Mylar D or Mellinex 516). Avoid PVC, which can severely damage photos. As an added precaution, choose containers that pass the Photographic Activity Test (PAT) to ensure they won't cause photos to fade or stain.
Thirdly, when storing photos in albums, avoid using sticky albums with adhesive pages, as the adhesive can damage the photos. Ordinary plastic, glue, and cardboard can also harm your photos over time. Instead, opt for archival-quality albums that are photo-safe, acid-free, and lignin-free. Use acid-free sleeves, sheet protectors, or photo corners to hold your photos in place. Avoid mounting or affixing photos with tape, glue, or staples, as these can cause staining, scratches, or dents.
Finally, when handling old photos, wear clean cotton gloves to prevent fingerprints and oils from your skin from damaging the photos. Support the photos properly, as they can sometimes be fragile. When storing, place them flat in a sturdy container to prevent bends, scratches, or tears. Label your storage tubs and boxes for easy identification, and consider making high-quality photocopies of the originals for display purposes while keeping the originals safely stored away from light.
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...and kept in good condition
Plastic tubs can be used to store old photos and keep them in good condition, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid using plastic bags or containers that are not specifically designed for photo storage. Plastic bags are typically clear, allowing for exposure to sunlight and other harsh lighting, and they are also small and flimsy. Instead, look for plastic containers that are labelled ""archival quality" or "photo-safe", as these will be free of acids and other chemicals that could cause your photos to degrade.
Secondly, while plastic tubs can protect your photos from flooding, make sure to keep them off the floor of your storage unit in case of flooding or moisture build-up. Place them on shelving or a pallet instead. Additionally, avoid storing plastic tubs of photos in areas with temperature and moisture fluctuations, such as attics, garages, or basements. These environments can be very humid, encouraging mould and mildew, which can permanently discolour or destroy photographs.
Thirdly, when storing photos in plastic tubs, it is important to handle the photos properly. Wear clean cotton gloves to prevent fingerprints and oils from your skin from getting on the surface of the photo paper. Place the photos carefully in the tub to prevent scratches, tears, and bends. You can also use acid-free paper or soft but stiff dividers to separate the photos and provide extra protection.
Lastly, make sure to label your plastic tubs and boxes for easy identification. This will help you stay organised and aware of your photos, especially if you need to access them regularly. Additionally, if you have a large collection, consider creating an inventory or catalogue of your photos, either digitally or physically, to keep track of what is stored in each tub or box.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic tubs are generally safe for storing old photos, but there are some things to keep in mind. Make sure the plastic is uncoated polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester (Mylar D or Mellinex 516). Avoid PVC, which can severely damage photos. Keep the photos in a cool, dry, and dark place, as heat, humidity, and light can cause photos to fade or become damaged.
Look for plastic tubs that are labelled "archival quality" or "photo safe", as these will be free of acids and other chemicals that could cause your photos to degrade. Make sure the tub has a sealed, water-resistant exterior to protect your photos from moisture.
Store the plastic tub of old photos in a cool, climate-controlled location that is off the ground and away from heating or cooling vents. Avoid attics, basements, and garages, as these areas are prone to temperature and humidity fluctuations.
When handling old photos, wear clean cotton gloves to avoid transferring fingerprints and oils from your skin to the photo paper. Place the photos in acid-free paper or plastic sleeves before putting them in the tub to protect them from scratches and bends. Label the back of the photos with archival-grade pens, including information such as names, dates, and locations.
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