cleaning scanner?

I've been trying to scan in some old (from film) photos and my scanner is all dusty. I've tried a feather duster, and the wipes you use on scanners/monitors and it just doesn't work. Some of it almost seems stuck on there. Any suggestions?

I was going to say the wipes that you just mentioned you already tried. If you really want it done safely, maybe take it to someone that can take it apart and clean it?

• MomTo3CrazyKids Said:

This is what we had to do to my one at work as the underside of the glass was dirty.

If you are still intent on trying to clean the glass yourself, please, PLEASE be very careful! It's very easy to scratch the glass on your scanner bed. Also, remember that you'll want to use a dust/lint free cloth to clean it so that you don't add any extra dust or lint on the scanner bed. If you still can't get it clean, use a professional - it'll be cheaper than buying a new scanner!

I have a weird fuzz on one side of mine--can't seem to get it off. I tied windex (cuz I wasn't thinking of the damage that might cause) and it helped a little. I'd hate to have to buy a new one right now...

Is Windex safe for it? I might try that...

I don't know that it is safe--mine still works tho. I was just saying, that is what I did meaning I wasn't too careful! LOL But I lucked out...

My computer tech uncle told me to use rubbing alcohol and a clean t-shirt to clean the scanner bed. It worked beautifully!

• scraprabbit Said:

Nononononononono...Windex is NEVER safe for electronic stuff. Especially TVs and computer monitors/LCD screens. I have used Endust for Electronics and it works beautifully. It's hard to find now, though, so I've been using Nice 'N Clean Electronic Wipes (found in Wal-Mart's electronics aisle) on all my electronics.

BTW, Windex gradually "cleans" away the protective coating on TVs, computer screens, and I'm guessing scanner-glass. So not a good idea. (I used to sell electronics and cleaning stuff for them at OfficeMax.)

RUBBING ALCOHAL ,, it's the only thing I use on TV, electronic 'screens', and HD windshield. Also supposed to be used for tanning beds - never window cleaner ! They are not 'glass' so any glass cleaner will damage them.

Read it in the owners manual and it does a great job. If you have used other products you may get a 'film' or 'white' look on your screen. I think that is permanent damage to the surface.

See, I'd always been taught not to use RUBBING alcohol, but ISOPROPYL alcohol, totally different thing. I learned that in my college computer hardware class.

There's this stuff called "Perfect Glass" I think, that I got at Bed, Bath and Beyond. They carried either the spray or wipes. It's an ammonia free glass cleaner- I use it on the scanner all the time.

• Bling Princess Ria Said:

oops on me,, could be isopropyl alcohal,,. I just use what I have in the cupboard, and have never had any problems. But what is the difference between the two? If I learned that in school it was toooo long ago to remember..

O.K. I got curious, so I looked at the manuals,, and it's weird,, 2 say alcohal, 3 say warm soapy water. They were all for flatscreen tv, cause the scanner (lexmark) didn't even mention cleaning ,in the easy to find book. Didn't go to the basement for the old scanner manual.

So I would go for the soap and water, mild, unless you look up the manufacturer on the net & find cleaning tips for your product?

For what it;s worth, I believe after a bit of research that Rubbing Alcohol is just diluted isopropyl and what makes it acceptable for the skin is the fact that it's diluted. The rubbing alcohol I have is diluted isopropyl (50%)

According to Wikipedia.org1:

Common, over the counter "Rubbing Alcohol" in pads or in fluid form is generally 60-70% solution of isopropanol in water. Although Isopropanol is sometimes sold as "Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol, 70%" and "Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol, 99%" (harder to find but generally more useful for experimenters & cleaning uses), there is no isopropyl alcohol in the United States Pharmacopeia formula for Rubbing alcohol, U.S.P.. It is used as a disinfectant, and is a common solvent.

I have Endust for Electronics Anti-STatic Wipes that I bought on clearance for $.50 at Staples. It does list scanners on the surfaces it cleans....and it says "contains Isoprolpyl alcohol"....So, I would try the rubbing alcohol you probably have in your bathroom cabinet since that too is isopropyl alcohol or I'd look for the highest concentration I.A. you can find in Wm or somewhere like that.

DO NOT USE WINDEX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!! I ruined my scanner doing that...I cleaned it and then scanned a photo and where the photo was it was black and the rest of the area was neon green. My new scanner says not to use rubbing alcohal on it...I'd have someone else do it.

I would bet your owner's manual tells you how to clean it. If not, you could check out the website of the brand you have. I just did a google search and the tech. info looks about the same. Here's from my hp manual and from the Epson website.

My hp manual says:

Use a soft cloth or sponge slightly moistened with a nonabraisive glass cleaner. CAUTION: Do not use abrasives, acetone, benzene or carbon tetrachloride since they can damage the glass. Do not spray directly onto the glass as the liquid might seep under the glass and damage the device.

To clean the white backing, do not use paper-based wipes as they can scratch the backing. If further cleaning is needed after using mild soap with a soft cloth or sponge, use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing) alcohol and wipe the backing thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove any residual alcohol.



Here's what Epson says on their website:

Cleaning the Scanner

To keep your scanner operating at its best, clean it periodically using the following procedure.

Turn off the scanner using its power switch.

Unplug the AC adapter cord from the scanner.

Clean the outer case with a cloth dampened with mild detergent and water.

If the glass surface of the document table gets dirty, clean it with a soft dry cloth. If the glass surface is stained with grease or some other hard-to-remove material, use a small amount of glass cleaner and a soft cloth to remove it. Wipe off all remaining liquid. Do not apply glass cleaner directly on the glass.

Remove the document mat and clean the transparency unit window as described in step 4.