What Can I Clean Scanners With?
Flatbed scanners work well for digitizing artwork, documents and book pages. However, they can suffer from quality problems if the glass of the scanner bed gets dirty or smeared. Using the cleaning process could make the problems worse. It might even scratch the glass or produce permanent cloudiness. Cleaning your scanner gently, using the right tools and materials, to produce high-quality scans with no risk of damage to the scanner.
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Materials
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Clean your scanner using a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a cotton or microfiber fabric. Use a specialized glass cleaner that won't leave streaks or smears. To clean the inside of the scanner glass, use an appropriate-size screwdriver to open the case. Keep distilled water handy to moisten the cloth to wash off stuck-on dirt or debris.
Surface Cleaning
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Most scanners only need an occasional wipe-down. For regular maintenance cleaning, unplug the scanner, then wipe away all dust using a cloth. If the scanner has smudges or stuck-on dirt, spray the cloth with glass cleaner. For more stubborn dirt, use water, followed by glass cleaner. Dry the scanner with a fresh cloth, removing all residue.
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Interior Cleaning
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Some scanners build up dust or dirt inside, either through use in a dusty office or in storage. To clean a scanner's inside glass surface, first remove any screws or clamps using a small screwdriver. Some scanners will require you to remove the entire upper housing. Remove the entire scanner glass assembly and place it upside down on a soft, non-abrasive surface. Cover the empty space with a piece of tape or plastic to keep foreign material out of the scanner. Wipe and wash the glass surface the same way you would the exterior glass. Allow it to dry thoroughly, then reassemble the scanner.
Warning
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Never use an ammonia-based glass cleaner on your scanner. Also avoid benzene, acetone and carbon tetrachloride cleaners, which can etch the glass. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrub pads, even when dealing with stuck on dirt, as they can permanently scratch scanner glass. Plain water and alcohol do less damage, but are likely to cause streaks, which can interfere with the scanning process. Never dry the scanner with a paper towel or tissue, as they tend to produce lint.
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References
- Photo Credit Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
