Do not store glass-based photographic materials flat or stacked. They should be stored vertically. Store negatives and prints in acid-free envelopes appropriate for the type of film used. Gloves Using white cotton gloves is an essential aspect of artifact preservation. The oils and salts transferred from one's hands when handling most museum, archival, or other special collection items causes serious deterioration.
Gloves help to protect the artifacts from that kind of damage.
Always wear gloves when handling paper, photographs, textiles, and wooden items. Metal artifacts are especially vulnerable. Some artifacts, however, should not be handled with gloves. These include items that can be slippery, such as glass and ceramics, and fragile or brittle items that could actually be at a greater risk if the handler is wearing gloves. Change gloves as they become soiled and hand or machine wash them using a mild detergent.