Cleaning an old photo (not digitally)

[Will__]

Couldn't decide where to ask this, so here we are: I have a 20 year old sepia-ish photo of my parents which is a favourite (professional studio print from Fayer). While changing frames recently, I realised that my grimy thumb had left several smudges on a previously clear part of the photo. It's not that bad; if you didn't know it was there it could be mistaken for shadow but it's annoying me. How on earth do I gently clean a photo? With what substance? What kind of of cloth? Any answers gratefully received. Thanks Will

[paulz]

Will - I faguely recall if you used white breadcrumbs, gently that'll lift the grease from fingerprints & dirt. Very gently - try it on a less valuable phote to see if it works

[Ewood27]

That should work. Bread was traditionally used to clean wallpaper round light switches and such places where it got especially dirty. Or you might try a very soft india rubber, used very gently.

[Will__]

Thanks guys. Will give it a go. W