Scanning photos and dust

[lrashford]

Hi all! I’m hoping some one might be able to give me advice.
My mum gave me a bunch of negatives that she had kept in a plastic bag (I know, I know). They were from the late 80s onwards and when I scanned them I noticed dust specks on the scanned images. I tried to clean the negatives with lots of things I read online which may help: rubbing alcohol, micro fibre cloths, water etc but they just seemed to rub the dust around, not remove it.
I thought when I go in to scan the family photo albums it will be better because they have been kept in an album behind plastic. I cleaned my scanner by dusting it and using a micro fibre cloth and started to scan. And I noticed the same thing still happens. It’s not marks on the image because when I re scan them after trying to clean the dust they particles have moved.
So I’m wondering if anyone has any idea how to clean dust from negatives, photographs and scanners?
Thank you

[Treetotal]

I use a very soft blusher brush for my scanner, photos an negatives as I find they work best for me. A  soft shaving brush would also do the job.
Carol

[Gadget]

I use an old puffer brush that I used to clean negs in the olden days. Carol's blusher brush is similar but it won't have the little squeezie at the end.

[Gadget]

They still make them. This is the cheapest found but other makes are available!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anti-Static-Camera-Photo-Cleaning-Blower/dp/B001U4J7V8/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_107_lp_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=C3R173RGKVW5BQQWJWAW

[Treetotal]

I knew you would have experience of this Gadget and thanks for the link, what a useful tool...I think I will invest in one 
Carol

[Gadget]

 

One of my tutors maintained that the best thing was to never get dust, etc on them in the first place - but we can't all be as meticulous as she was 

PS - don't forget to make sure the scanner bed is dust free too. We've seen many images put up for restoration that could have been better having the scanner cleaned before they were scanned.

[lrashford]

Thank you for the advice everyone!
I found this puff thing, is it suitable? https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00017LSPI/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?smid=A3KY5TH59FPY5P&psc=1
The reviews talk about it being used for cameras and electronics but I assume it can be used safely on photos and negatives.
I’ve also read rear cleaning the scanner glass with glasses cleaner is a good idea, has anyone had any trouble with that?

A question that maybe I should put in another thread but I was wondering, what resolution do you guys scan in? I’ve been doing 1000 but not sure if that’s right or not?

[Gadget]

The one you've found is not the correct type. Have a look at the link I gave in my Reply #3.

[lrashford]

The one you've found is not the correct type. Have a look at the link I gave in my Reply #3.

Thank you just bought it. Comes here at the weekend, hope it works!