How To Safely Clean Precious Film

Find a clean and dust-free area to work. Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling the film. This will avoid transferring dirt and oil. Gather Cleaning Supplies

You will need to gather cleaning supplies. Use lint-free, non-abrasive cloths like microfiber or lens cleaning tissues. You will need to take great care with these delicate materials.

Find a Clean and Dust-Free Area to Work In

Find a clean and dust-free area to work. Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling the film. This will avoid transferring dirt and oil. Gather Cleaning Supplies:

You will need to gather cleaning supplies. Use lint-free, non-abrasive cloths like microfiber or lens cleaning tissues. Include a gentle air blower (not canned air) and a soft brush with gentle bristles. Also, use a film cleaning solution designed for classic films, like PEC.

Carefully inspect the film for any visible dirt

Carefully inspect the film for any visible dirt, debris, or stains. Check for sticky substances or mold growth. If you see any significant damage or deterioration, it is advisable to consult a professional film archivist or conservation specialist. They can offer guidance on the best techniques for cleaning and restoring the film without causing further harm. Additionally, proper storage conditions should be established to protect the film from future damage.

Remove Loose Debris:

Use your air blower or a soft brush with gentle bristles before applying any cleaning solution. This will help remove loose debris like dust or dirt. Make sure you gently sweep the film’s surface without applying too much pressure.

Film-Safe Cleaning Solution:

Apply a film-safe cleaning solution to a lint-free cloth or lens-cleaning tissue. Avoid spraying the solution directly onto the film to prevent any potential damage. Gently wipe the film straight and linearly using PEC cleaning cloths or solution to remove any remaining dirt or marks. Avoid areas that have fungus or other more aggressive deposits and seek professional help. Spot Cleaning:

If you come across any stubborn stains or sticky residues, you will need to do some spot cleaning. Lightly dampen a clean cloth with the cleaning solution. Then, gently dab those areas. Take care not to saturate the film or rub it too hard, which can cause damage. Refer to the warning in the earlier paragraph. If a blemish is too difficult to remove, digitize it. Then, remove the blemish during post-editing.

Allow Air Drying:

Once cleaned, allow air drying of the film to take place before handling or storing it. Do not use a hair dryer. Avoid any other direct heat source. This will cause shrinking or warping of the film.

Proper Storage:

Make sure you store it properly. After the film has thoroughly dried, keep it in a cool, dry environment. Avoid direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and excessive humidity.

A supply of acid-free archival film sleeves (x 50) can help protect the film. An acid-free negative sheet folder also aids in preventing further deterioration.

It is important to note that to safely clean film, you should continue cautiously and use only appropriate techniques. If you are unsure, seek the support of an expert restorer with experience working with classic film.

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