How can I safely remove dirt and grime from a 121-year-old photograph without damaging it?

A photograph's oldest enemy is moisture - even slight dampness can cause irreversible damage to the image.

Never blow on a photograph to remove dust, as the moisture in your breath can cause damage.

Before cleaning, lay a clean towel on a flat surface and place the photograph on top to prevent scratches.

Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away dirt and dust from the photo's surface.

A soft, lint-free cloth can be used to gently wipe the photograph, but avoid rubbing, which can damage the image.

A specialized photograph cleaning brush can be used for more delicate photos, but make sure it's clean and dry before each use.

If using a cleaning solution, avoid liquids that can seep into the photograph, causing damage.

Instead, use a dry cleaning sponge or a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol or distilled water.

When using a dry cleaning sponge or cotton swab, gently rub the surface of the photo, focusing on areas with dirt or smudges.

Always wear gloves when handling old photographs, as the oils from your skin can damage the image over time.

Before scanning or restoring an old photograph, clean it properly to prevent further damage during the process.

Digitize your old photographs by scanning them at a high resolution (at least 600 dpi and 48bit color depth) to ensure a high-quality digital copy.

If the photograph is ripped or torn, use photo editing software to rebuild the image digitally, piece by piece, like a jigsaw puzzle.

Online photo restoration tools can help automatically identify and reconstruct damaged areas of old photographs.

Regularly clean and store old photographs in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent fading and damage over time.