Scanner Cleaning
Scanner cleaning sounds simple enough, but it's especially important when you're creating scanner photography.
Your scans are like macro photography ... everything will show.
Images: Before and After
Scanner Cleaning
The first image shown here is a scanner image of two seagrape leaves. I scanned them without removing dust etc. on the scanner glass in advance.
The dust shows up as white flecks. If these were larger photos, you would see even more of the white spots.
The second image was taken after wiping the scanner glass with a dry lint-free cloth.
You can easily see the difference.
Tips to Get Right
For everyday cleaning a clean, soft, lint-free cloth is perfect. Buy two.
If one gets particularly dirty you still have a clean, dry one. I found some in an office supply store (mixed in with computer accessories). It is small, but it does the job!
All manufacturers recommend "turn off your scanner" when using liquids such as glass cleaner. Most manufacturers say to use a "mild glass cleaner".
HP is more specific and submits the following recommended scanner cleaner list:
- 'Cinch' Glass Cleaner,
- 'Spic and Span' Glass Cleaner,
- 'Sparkle' Glass Cleaner and
- 'Glass Plus' Glass Cleaner . . . ".
When in doubt buy a cleaner at a computer store or online marked specifically for 'scanner glass'.
Use your dry cloth for the usual dust.
Spray some cleaner on the cloth to remove sap and other 'hard to remove' messes. If for some reason you have coarse dirt or soil, be careful not to scratch the glass by rubbing. Always wait until the glass is dry before scanning a new item.
Some messes can be totally avoided by using
Acetate Sheets.
A good way to clean dust around the edges is to use compressed air.
Compressed air comes in a can and is useful for cleaning other electronic products also. I also use it on my keyboard. A soft paint brush or even a hair dryer (on cool) may also work.
Things Not to Do
Before cleaning scanner glass, let's also take a look at the things NOT TO USE or do:
- Abrasives, acetone, benzene and carbon tetrachloride can all cause damage to scanner glass.
- Isopropyl alcohol and products containing it can cause streaks
- Avoid products with ammonia
- Never use coarse brushes
- Do not use paper towels (they often leave lint)
- Any product that creates a film or streaks should be avoided
- Never spray lubricants near the glass
- Never spray glass cleaners directly on the glass, spray them on a cloth.
If you have a "really great, cannot be redone" scan and you want to "clean it up" see the page called
Photo Editor for Uglies and Oops.
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