Are 35mm slides of your family photos gathering dust in an attic or basement? Have you been holding onto 35mm slides from a special event and want to take them with you into the digital age?
Converting 35mm slides to digital is a great way to preserve memories, but it’s important to prep them before you do.
In this article, we’ll explain how to properly clean 35mm slides before you send them off for conversion.
Step #1: Gather the Materials Needed
To make sure 35mm slides are as clean as possible, you need to have the right materials on hand. You’ll want an atomizer with distilled water, a pair of soft cotton gloves, a very soft brush or microfiber cloth, and a compressed air blower.
Distilled water will help avoid leaving streaks on the 35mm slides because it contains fewer minerals than tap water. Cotton gloves are also incredibly important for preventing oil from your skin from transferring to the 35mm slides.
In addition, if you are experienced with handling and cleaning photo slides or other film media, you can use an alcohol-based cleaning solution, such as isopropyl alcohol. Note that this should be done with extreme caution because it can cause damage if not used properly.
Step #2: Put on Gloves
Before you start cleaning 35mm slides, you’ll want to put on a pair of soft cotton gloves that we mentioned earlier. This will help prevent oils from your skin from transferring to the 35mm slides as you handle them.
The 35mm slides should be handled as little as possible, so gloves will help reduce the amount of contact you make with them. If you notice that your gloves are becoming too dirty while cleaning 35mm slides, switch out to a new pair.
Step #3: Start Carefully Removing Dust and Debris
Once you’re ready to start cleaning, use an atomizer filled with distilled water to give the slides a light misting. This will help loosen stubborn particles that may be stuck on the 35mm slides.
Make sure to spray lightly and evenly, without dripping any water onto the 35mm slides. This will help prevent streaks from forming on them. Once you have given the 35mm slide a very light misting with distilled water, use a very soft brush or microfiber cloth to gently remove any dust or debris that is still clinging to it.
If you need to, use a second cotton glove on your other hand and cup it slightly to catch any dust or debris that falls off of the 35mm slide. This will help to keep your work area clean.
Step #4: Dry 35mm Slides Off
Once you have removed all of the dust and debris from 35mm slides, use the compressed air blower to help remove any remaining moisture from the 35mm slides.
Be sure to hold the 35mm slide in a secure position as you do this and keep the nozzle of the air blower at least six inches away from the 35mm slides. Hold the 35mm slide in place with your other hand or with a weight so it does not slide around.
By using the air blower, you can help 35mm slides dry quickly and efficiently without having to wait for them to air-dry.
Step #5: Check 35mm Slides for Clarity
Before sending 35mm slides off for conversion, you must check each one for clarity and make sure all dust, dirt, and debris have been removed.
Look at 35mm slides closely under a bright light to check for any remaining spots or streaks. If your 35mm slides are still not completely clear after you complete the steps above, try repeating the process until satisfied.
Step #6: Converting Them to Digital
Once you have had your 35mm slides cleaned and ensured their clarity, the next step is to send them off for conversion. Capture is an expert in this field and offers fast and easy conversion of 35mm slides to digital files. By utilizing Capture’s video conversion services, you can simplify the process and ensure that your memories are preserved for years to come.
With Capture, 35mm slides can be converted into formats such as JPEG, making them easier to share digitally with others and preserve your memories.
In Conclusion
Taking the time to properly clean 35mm slides before sending them off for conversion can help ensure that they turn out great when they are converted into digital files.
By following the steps outlined above, you can help 35mm slides look their best while preserving their content in an easy-to-share digital format. Capture makes it easier than ever to ensure 35mm slides are properly and accurately converted so you can enjoy them for years to come.
So don’t let 35mm slides become lost in time — preserve your legacy today!
