Scanner Cleaning for Scanography

Scanner cleaning sounds simple enough, but it's especially important when you're creating scanner photography. Here are a few tips to get it right!

First of all, some messes can be totally avoided by using Acetate Sheets.

If you do need to clean the scanner glass, let's 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
Don't 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

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 one in an office supply store in with computer accessories. It is small, but it does the job! Far superior to an old t-shirt.

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 or
Any Isopropanol and Butoxypropanol based cleaners".

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.

A good way to clean any dust around the edges is to use compressed air. It comes in a can and is useful for cleaning other electronic products also. I also use mine on my keyboard. A soft paint brush or hair dryer (on cool) may also work in certain circumstances.

Images: Before and After Scanner Cleaning

The first image shown below is a scanner image of two leaves without removing dust etc. on the scanner in advance. It shows up as white flecks. If these were larger photos you would see even more of the white spots.

Scanner photography dust

The second image was taken after wiping the scanner glass with the dry cloth only. You can easily see the difference.

scanner photography no dust

Don't Forget . . .

Some messes can be totally avoided by using Acetate Sheets.

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