Basic remedial treatments for photographs are similar to those for paper, only more complex. Before treatment, the type of photograph must be identified and the condition of the material, emulsion, and support evaluated. A trained technician can conduct some basic cleaning and repair. A conservator should be consulted for problems of mold, pressure-sensitive tape, aqueous cleaning, brittle or broken mounts, remounting, strong curling, and extensive tears.

Surface dirt and dust on photographic prints, which can be abrasive or can contaminate new enclosures, should be reduced by brushing the recto and verso gently with a soft clean brush. Care must be taken to not abrade or scratch photographs during cleaning. Photographs with delicate or flaking emulsions are easily damaged.

Erasers may be used on some types of photographs to further reduce dirt. Photographs should be evaluated individually to determine if eraser cleaning is appropriate and safe. Photographs can be damaged by chemicals in erasers like sulfur, chlorine, peroxides, oils, plasticizers, and abrasives. These contaminants may fade or stain the image and damage emulsions and supports. For this reason, the Staedtler Mars plastic eraser is preferred. Erasers can be used in block or ground form; ground erasers may be more gentle and give a more even cleaning, but they are also more likely to be lodged in cracks in emulsions. Cleaning sponges, which contain sulfur, should not be used on photographic materials.

The versos of photographs and mounts and non-image areas can be cleaned as described for paper. It may be possible to clean the photograph itself, but only after testing in an inconspicuous area.

Minor tears, creases, and weak areas may be stabilized through individual housing (see Housing Photographs). Surrogates (digital copy, photocopy) can be made to reduce additional damage to photographs in poor condition. If tears must be repaired, the repair method described for paper can be used with care on mounts and the verso of photographs. Some photographs are sensitive to moisture, so the type of photograph and the water sensitivity of the emulsion should be evaluated. The repair tissue should be free of bleach, lignin, and other contaminants.