Quick answer

Dust frames weekly with a dry microfibre cloth, clean glass with a barely damp cloth and never spray liquid directly onto a frame. Keep albums closed and upright in a cool, dry room, and store loose prints in acid-free sleeves away from direct sunlight. The single biggest mistake is letting cleaning fluid seep behind the glass, where it can stain the print.

Why the print matters more than the frame

Most fading and discolouration happens to the photo, not the frame, so your care routine should protect the print first. Ultraviolet light, heat, humidity and acidic paper are the main enemies. Keep framed photos out of direct sun, avoid hanging them above radiators or in steamy bathrooms, and choose acid-free albums and sleeves where you can. If a print is already mounted behind glass, you can still slow fading by moving the frame to a shadier wall and keeping the room reasonably stable in temperature.

Match your cleaning method to the frame material

Metal and silver-plated frames tolerate a soft dry cloth and occasional gentle polish, while wood and painted finishes need a dry approach because moisture can lift the finish or swell the grain. Glass and acrylic fronts should be cleaned with a microfibre cloth and, if needed, a tiny amount of water on the cloth rather than the surface. Always remove dust before wiping to avoid grinding grit across the surface. If you are unsure what a frame is made of, test a hidden edge first and stick to dry dusting.

Storing albums and coasters between uses

Albums last longest when they are closed, upright and not stacked under heavy objects, which can press creases into covers and pages. Store them on a shelf away from damp walls and direct sun. Photo coasters should be kept dry and separated so they do not rub against each other; a small box or drawer with a soft lining prevents scratches on printed surfaces. Never store prints or coasters in a loft or garage where temperature and humidity swing widely.

Your step-by-step photo display care routine

  1. 1. Dust frames before any wet cleaning: Use a dry microfibre cloth on the frame and glass. Work from the top down so dust does not fall onto areas you have already cleaned. Checkpoint: if the cloth picks up grit, shake it out before continuing.
  2. 2. Clean glass with a barely damp cloth: Dampen a separate microfibre cloth with water only, wring it out thoroughly, and wipe the glass. Never spray cleaner directly onto the frame or glass. Common mistake: spraying liquid, which can seep behind the glass and stain the print.
  3. 3. Handle silver plated and metal frames with care: For plated frames such as the Jadu design, use a soft dry cloth and avoid abrasive polishes that can wear through the plating. Keep the velour back dry. Checkpoint: if the cloth shows grey residue, stop and use a gentler cloth.
  4. 4. Keep wooden frames dry: Wipe wooden frames with a dry cloth only. Moisture can raise the grain, cloud the finish or loosen joints over time. Common mistake: using furniture polish near the glass, where overspray can reach the print.
  5. 5. Store albums closed and upright: Shelve albums vertically or flat with nothing heavy on top. Keep them out of direct sun and away from damp walls. Use the memo spaces to note names and dates while you remember them. Checkpoint: if pages feel damp or wavy, move the album to a drier room.
  6. 6. Protect photo coasters from rubbing: Keep coasters dry and separated in a lined box or drawer. Avoid stacking them face to face without a soft divider. Common mistake: storing coasters loose in a bowl, where edges chip and printed surfaces scuff.
  7. 7. Review your display spots twice a year: Move frames that sit in strong sunlight, and check for condensation behind glass. Rotate prints so no single photo takes years of direct light. Next step: note any frames that need moving to a shadier wall before summer.

Product facts that affect care

  • Jadu Silver Plated Photo Frames: This silver plated frame has a die cast bamboo design profile, a luxury black velour back, a freestanding easel back and hooks for wall hanging, and arrives in its own white gift box. The velour back and plated finish mean you should dust dry rather than wet-wipe, and the easel plus wall hooks let you move it out of direct sun without damaging the frame.
  • Geometric Design Wedding Photo Album: This book-bound album holds 200 photos at 6x4in / 10x15cm with a discreet memo space next to each photo, and has a pearlescent white cover with a geometric design and clear crystals. The bound spine and crystals call for gentle handling, so store it flat or upright rather than crammed into a tight shelf, and use the memo space to record dates before the details are forgotten.
  • Moon & Stars Baby Memo Album: This baby album holds up to 200 6x4in / 10x15cm prints in slip-in pockets with lined memo space beside each photo, and has a moon-and-cloud cover with gold foil stars. Slip-in pockets make it easy to add prints over time, but the foil detail can scuff, so keep the album closed and away from abrasive surfaces.