Tech Tip 010: Cleaning Dirty Microfilm and Keeping It Clean

Archival microfilm that is physically sound can be cleaned and rewashed. This guide explains why film gets dirty and simple ways to keep it clean in readers.

Highlights

• Common causes of dirt: improper washing during processing, poor storage and storage environment, improper film handling and dirty film paths in readers
• Before rewashing, check the film for splices, tears and kinks so it does not jam in the processor
• Rewashing may repair minor scratches in the gelatin layer, but most scratches remain
• Use a "cleaning roll" daily on reader-printers to clean the film path
• Film Particle Cleaning Rollers clean film without damaging the surface or images

Cleaning roll method

A roll of processed, completely clear film (D-Min) readily picks up dust because of its greater tendency to hold static. Thread this roll through the reader film path like normal film, advance it for 10 seconds, then rewind and remove it. The collected dust is visible on the film surface. Cut off each dirty section and keep using the roll until it is used up. Contact the processing lab for a replacement roll.

Cleaning rollers

Tacky Film Particle Cleaning Rollers are designed specifically for cleaning film and do not damage the film surface or images. They are available from Kodak Motion Picture in two types: 35mm Shiny (Catalog # 189-2520) and 35mm Matte (Catalog # 833-6919).