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Mickey asked: How can I clean nicotine build up from canvas photos?
Cleaning 
canvas photos is a task best left to the professionals, but if you want to do it yourself, there’s a technique the pros use that can be done at home with proven success. Remember to spot test first, and make sure you are exceedingly gentle as you work so you don’t ruin your photo. If the canvas has been weakened by damage, rips, tears or holes, it is best to leave them untouched. If you choose to clean them, proceed at your own risk.
You Will Need:
- Mild dish soap
- Warm distilled water
- Cotton swabs
- Bowl
- Soft cloth
Steps to Remove the Nicotine:
- Begin by wiping the surface with a clean, soft cloth to remove any surface dirt or dust.
- Make a solution of one part dish soap in four parts warm distilled water.
- Moisten a cotton swab with the solution. Squeeze it gently to remove any excess water. You want it to be moist, but not dripping.
- Hold the print so that it is vertical. This will prevent excess moisture from soaking into the fabric.
- Gently move the cotton swab across the canvas to remove the stains.
- Work from the top to the bottom and use gentle strokes. Change the swabs frequently so you are always wiping the canvas photo with a clean surface.
- Rinse the canvas by working from the top to the bottom with a clean cotton swab dipped in plain distilled water.
- Allow the picture to dry completely before storing or rehanging.
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Additional Tips and Advice
- Keep a clean, dry, soft cloth handy to blot up any drips should they occur.
- White vinegar also works well for cutting through nicotine build up. Use a mix of one part vinegar and two parts water. Test a small, hidden area before using on the entire photo to ensure there are no adverse effects.
- Another option is to use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Test this first to look for any adverse effects.
- If your canvas photo is more durable, you may use a soft brush in place of the cotton swab.
- Do not use oil-based products, especially if the photo is painted rather than printed on the canvas. These products will remove the color and damage the photo.
- This technique works for nicotine as well as general dirt and dust accumulation.
I did exactly what the said ‘tip’ told me to do, and tried it on the reverse side and edges first. I’m glad I did, because it made the cream color canvas more yellowy. I therefore didn’t attempt the front side with the picture on it. Definitely leaving this cleaning to the professionals.
How can I remove the odor of cigarette smoke from photographs that have been stored for years!
Hi Patty,
Photographs can be deodorized the same way as books and other non-washable items: sprinkle a layer of either baking soda or fresh coffee grounds into a box, place a cookie rack in the box, then set the photos on the rack. Seal the box and leave it overnight or for 24 hours. Replace the baking soda or coffee if the smell is not gone and repeat as many times as needed. Here is a guide on cleaning old photos like a pro: How to Clean Old Photographs, or a quick home trick is to wipe them with a slice of white bread (which can help absorb any some residue that may be on them). Good luck!
Should I add vinager to the laundry water to remove cigarette smoke from my drapes which have rubber backing (has turned brown)? Laundry soap is not removing the yucky brown from the backing…
Hi Wilma,
That’s certainly worth a shot! OxyClean may also help. You can also try cleaning the backing directly with a diluted mix of 1 part white vinegar in 2 parts water on a cloth (if putting it in the washer with vinegar doesn’t work). Although the guide How to Remove Tobacco Stains from Clothing recommends alcohol, that should not be used on rubber unless you have a rubber conditioner to use afterward and also test it in a small area first as alcohol can dry out rubber and cause it to crack. Good luck!