How to Clean Framed Art and Photos: Spring Cleaning Checklist
As the days get longer and brighter, spring offers the perfect opportunity to reset and refresh your space. We’ve put together a spring cleaning checklist that explains how to clean framed art and photos, and keep them in optimal condition. Alongside the usual deep-cleaning tasks—like clearing out closets, tidying the garage, or sprucing up the garden—it’s also an ideal time to give special care to the framed pieces, photographs, and cherished objects around your home.
How to Clean Framed Art, Photos, and Keepsakes
While we enjoy more sunshine, art on paper does not. This is why it’s important to review the protections on our artwork and documents.
Frame Check and Dusting
Dust doesn’t just dull the appearance of your belongings—it can attract pests that damage delicate materials over time. Surfaces like shelves and mantels are easy to remember, but dust also builds up in less visible places, such as behind wall-hung frames, on the tops of artwork, and underneath small decor items.
Take a moment to lift artwork off the wall and clean behind each piece. This gives you a chance to inspect the hardware, too. Look for loose picture wire, wobbly D-rings, or any signs that your mounting system might need an upgrade. Noticing any spots of discoloration or signs of moisture on the back of your frame or the wall behind it? That could indicate mold, and it's worth addressing early.
Protecting Art from Light
Sunlight brings energy to a room, but it’s not so kind to many types of art. Photographs, textiles, and certain pigments are especially vulnerable to fading from UV exposure. Hanging artwork in sunny spots or under direct lighting can cause irreversible damage over time.
If your artwork is important to you, and it’s been exposed to light, it’s worth considering an upgrade to UV-protected glass. Modern UV glass blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, preventing fading and color deterioration. Additionally, anti-glare glass can improve how you see the artwork, reducing reflections without distorting the image itself. It’s a simple way to extend the life of your piece while ensuring it looks its best.
Upgrading to UV-protected glass is a service we offer at Capricorn Framing. If you are considering this upgrade for your artwork, please give us a call!
Rotating Your Art
Rotate sensitive items out of display every so often to give them a break from exposure. Spring is a great time to swap in new artwork, change up your space, and preserve the longevity of your favorite pieces. After 8-12 months in the same spot, you stop seeing your artwork because you become used to it. Moving your art around keeps it visually fresh.
Unsure if something’s light-sensitive? Professional conservators or custom framers (like us!) can help you assess risk and recommend safe handling.
Storage Check-In
Stored artwork and keepsakes still need attention from time to time. Seasonal shifts in temperature and humidity can have an effect on how well items hold up in storage. Basements and attics, while convenient, are often more prone to water damage or pest issues.
Spring Storage To-Do List:
- Walk through your storage areas and look for signs of dampness, mold, insects, or other potential problems.
- Make sure precious items aren’t leaning directly on concrete or pressed against uninsulated walls.
- Take this opportunity to inventory your stored items. Knowing where everything is—and how it’s doing—makes seasonal check-ins easier and can be a huge help in emergencies.
Need help preserving a special piece?
Capricorn Framing offers custom framing solutions to protect and display everything from vintage prints to contemporary art. Stop by our San Francisco picture framing store or reach out for a consultation. We’re here to help your favorite pieces last a lifetime.