Cleaning Film

Hand-Cleaning Film with Isopropyl Alcohol and Webril Pads

When film is dirty but otherwise stable, hand-cleaning can safely remove dust, oils, and loose surface debris. One of the simplest in-house methods uses isopropyl alcohol and lint-free Webril pads.

What You’ll Need:

• Isopropyl alcohol (this is in bottles around the video and film lab, look for a dark bottle with a white label and a blue F on it).

• Webril lint-free pads (do not substitute with other tissues, which may shed fibers).

• A pair of rewinds at a clean, smooth work surface.

• Nitrile gloves to protect the film from skin oils (and protect your hands from chemicals!).

The Process:

1. Set up your reel.

   • Mount the film on rewinds. This keeps tension steady and allows you to control the cleaning speed. The rewind station in the back of the film lab is typically the one that digitization unit staff use.

2. Prepare the pad.

   • Take a Webril pad and fold it so it’s comfortable in your hand. Lightly moisten one side with isopropyl alcohol—damp, not dripping. (Excess liquid can streak or seep into the layers of a wound reel.)

3. Start cleaning.

   • Place the damp pad gently against the film base (shiny side), and if needed, another dry pad against the emulsion (dull side). The emulsion is more delicate, so it’s often best to avoid heavy cleaning there unless absolutely necessary.
   • As you slowly wind the film through your hands, maintain gentle pressure. You’re aiming to wipe away dust and oils, not scrub.

4. Change pads as needed.

   • When the pad becomes visibly dirty, switch to a fresh one, or fold to a fresh section of your pad. Reusing a soiled pad can just smear dirt further down the reel.

5. Check your work.

   • Periodically hold the film to the light. A clean film will look clear and free of haze; streaks or smudges mean you used too much alcohol.

Tips and Warnings:

• Always work in a well-ventilated area—alcohol vapors can be strong. This is what the fume vents in the film lab are for.

• Avoid excessive pressure on the emulsion side, as scratches or abrasion can result.