How to Clean Prints

Prints can get dirty over time, whether from fingerprints, smudges, or general dust and dirt buildup. But don't worry - with a little care and cleaning, you can keep your prints looking their best. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean prints:

Cleaning Materials

First, you'll need to gather some supplies. For most cleaning jobs, you'll just need a soft, lint-free cloth (like an old t-shirt or a microfiber cloth) and some distilled water. If you're dealing with more stubborn dirt or grime, you might need to use a mild cleaning solution like dish soap or window cleaner. You'll also need a clean, dry cloth for drying the print afterwards.

Step 1: Dusting

The first step in cleaning a print is to remove any loose dirt or dust. You can do this with a soft, lint-free cloth or a can of compressed air. Gently wipe the surface of the print in a circular motion, being careful not to damage the print. If you're using compressed air, hold the can about 6 inches away from the print and spray in short bursts.

Step 2: Wet Cleaning

Once you've removed the loose dirt, you can start wet cleaning the print. Wet cleaning is the best way to remove fingerprints, smudges, and other dirt that's stuck to the surface of the print. To wet clean, dampen your cloth with distilled water and gently wipe the surface of the print. You might need to use a little elbow grease to get rid of tougher dirt, but be careful not to scrub too hard - you don't want to damage the print. Once you've removed all the dirt, use a clean, dry cloth to blot the print and remove any excess moisture.

Step 3: Deep Cleaning

For tough dirt or grime, you might need to do a deep clean. To deep clean, mix a mild cleaning solution (like dish soap or window cleaner) with distilled water. Using a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the surface of the print with the cleaning solution. Again, be careful not to scrub too hard - you don't want to damage the print. Once you've removed all the dirt, use a clean, dry cloth to blot the print and remove any excess moisture.

Step 4: Drying

Once you've cleaned the print, it's important to dry it off completely. If you leave the print wet, it could develop mold or mildew. To dry the print, simply blot it with a clean, dry cloth. You can also use a hairdryer on the lowest setting, holding it about 6 inches away from the print. Once the print is dry, you can put it back on display. Enjoy your clean, beautiful print!