How To Safely Clean Precious Film

To Safely Clean Film, You Will Require a Few Items

Find A Clean and Dust-Free Area to Work in:

You need to find a clean and dust-free area to work, then ensure your hands are clean and dry before handling the film to avoid transferring dirt and oil.

Gather Cleaning Supplies:

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

Inspect The Film:

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.

Remove Loose Debris:

Before applying any cleaning solution, use your air blower or a soft brush with gentle bristles to remove loose debris like dust or dirt. Ensure 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 appear to have fungus or other more aggressive deposits and seek professional help.

Spot Cleaning:

If you encounter any stubborn stains or sticky residues, you will need to do some spot cleaning, lightly dampen a clean cloth with the cleaning solution and gently dab those areas. Take care not to saturate the film or rub it too hard which may cause damage. Refer to the warning in the previous paragraph. If any blemish proves excessively difficult to remove you may be best advised to capture the negative and remove the blemish on the digital copy during post-editing.

Allow Air Drying:

Once cleaned, allow air drying of the film to take place before handling or storing it. Don’t use a hair dryer or any other direct heat source, as this may cause shrinking or warping of the film.

Proper Storage: 

You need to ensure proper storage; after the film has thoroughly dried, keep it in a cool, dry environment with no direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or excessive humidity.

A supply of acid-free archival film sleeves (x 50) and an acid-free negative sheet folder can help protect the film from further deterioration.

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

Next: Vintage Film Preservation and Storage