Complete tool kit for cleaning library, archival and museum collections – conservation sponges, paper-cleaning rubbers, specialist book vacuum cleaners, cleaning stations with HEPA filtration, anti-static brushes and ecological cleaning agents safe for delicate materials. Regular cleaning is the first line of defence for collections – it removes dust, soot, fungal spores and insect droppings before they cause permanent damage.
Dust settling on books and documents is not just an aesthetic problem – contains abrasive particles that scratch the surface of the paper, as well as mould spores, which begin to grow under favourable conditions (humidity above 65%). Soot, skin oils from hands, adhesive tape residue and former ownership marks are other contaminants that need to be removed before proper conservation can begin. Professional dry cleaning using suitable sponges and erasers is the standard first step in any conservation process.
The category comprises three specialised subcategories:
The choice of method depends on the type of object and the degree of soiling. Paper and parchment are cleaned dry. – with vulcanised sponges, erasers or cleaning powders. Cloth and leather bindings require soft brushes or cloths. Vacuuming books on shelves is best done with a specialist vacuum cleaner with adjustable suction power, so as not to damage loose pages and covers. In the studio, a laminar flow cabinet with HEPA filtration creates a dust-free workstation for working with particularly fragile items.
