A home repair can be made by using handmade Japanese paper applied with powdered wheat starch paste. Archival repair tape can also be used on book and paper materials that aren't valuable. Photographs and negatives should be stored separately in cool and dry conditions. If photographs are to be handled, archival-quality plastic sleeves are preferable because the photos can be viewed without removing them from the sleeves. Paper sleeves are better if the items will be kept mostly in storage.
Paper is also cheaper than plastic.
Knowing the type of photograph you have is important in determining how it should be stored. I spilled my soda on my microfilm reel. If the microfilm roll is dirty or wet, wash it carefully in cool, clear water. Unwind the reel, and loop film around a clothesline until it dries. If you can't find archival products locally, or if you want to contact a conservator or a bookbinder to work on a valuable book or document, contact The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works for more information.