What Memories Are Locked Away in Your Old Photo Albums?

Do you know what’s happening to the precious memories stored in those old sticky “magnetic” photo albums?

While they’ve kept your photos in place for decades, they’re actually causing harm over time. Between the sticky residue and the plastic sheet covering each page, a chemical heat reaction is slowly degrading your photos. If you’ve noticed the edges of your album pages starting to yellow, it’s a sign that action is needed.

Discoloration of album pages

Those magnetic albums may seem convenient, but they are a photo’s worst enemy. The adhesive is highly acidic—very bad news for your photos. Over time, this can lead to yellowing, curling, or even tearing when you attempt to remove them. To preserve these valuable memories, it’s essential to remove your photos as soon as possible. Some may come out easily, while others will require more careful techniques.

How to Remove Photos from Magnetic Albums Without Damage

There are several tips and tricks for safely extracting your photos:

1. Start with a Throwaway Photo: Before diving in, pick a photo you wouldn’t mind losing in case something goes wrong. Test this process gently to see how the photo reacts.

2. Photograph the Originals: Before removing any photos, take a picture of each one. This way, if damage occurs, you’ll at least have a backup image of the original.

3. Carefully Lift the Plastic Sheet: Begin by carefully lifting the plastic cover sheet on the album page. Do this slowly to avoid damage.

4. Use a Small, Rounded Knife: Start with a small, non-sharp knife, preferably with a thin, rounded end. Slowly slide the knife under a corner of the photo, gently working your way around until it loosens.

5. Try Unwaxed Dental Floss: If the photo is stubborn, use a piece of unwaxed dental floss. Slip it under the corner of the picture and gently saw back and forth to break through the adhesive.

6. Heat with a Hair Dryer: If dental floss doesn’t do the trick, try applying a little heat to the back of the photo using a hair dryer. This can soften the adhesive, making removal easier.

7. Use Un-du Adhesive Remover: If all else fails, Un-du, an adhesive remover safe for photos, may help. It’s available online or at hardware stores like Home Depot.

8. Tag Stubborn Photos: For any photos that still refuse to budge, don’t force it! Use a post-it note to mark them, and revisit them later with more advanced tools or professional help.

The key takeaway? The time to act is now. Your photos are at risk, but by following these methods, you can safely preserve and enjoy them for years to come.