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Tools & Supplies
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Collection Cleaning Supplies
Annual exhibit cleaning or cleaning incoming collections requires special care and special tools. We have assembled some tools here that you might find useful. More will be added as we find them. At the moment, we have concentrated on finding the perfect dust-free, cost effective vacuum cleaner. The Atrix vacuums fit our requirements.
Cleaning Kit for basic collection care work using any canister vacuum,
preferably a high filtration unit such as our Atrix vacuum cleaners. Ideal
for removing dust and dirt from incoming collections. Kit includes a soft
dusting brush, an upholstery screen, vacuum cleaner micro-tools, small
polyvinyl alcohol sponges, latex gloves and a cleaning instruction booklet.
Polyvinyl Alcohol Sponges can be wrung nearly dry, so they are
barely wet. This means less water is applied to surfaces during cleaning, causing less damage. Cut down, they make mini sponge for cleaning.
Do not use on collection items without training from a conservator.
Dusting Brushes were selected for their soft feel and non-abrasive
properties. These are natural grey goat hair brushes with a plastic ferrule.
The plastic ferrule is better than metal - plastic is less likely to scratch
surfaces. They have a domed end and unfinished wood handle.
Available sizes:
Dry Methods for Surface Cleaning of Paper by Janet Cowan. This
practical instruction guide is perfect for use by those responsible for care
and preservation of works on paper. Describes problems caused by dirt
and potential difficulties from the nature and / or condition of paper artifacts.
Discusses cleaning materials and techniques and suggests specific
types of works of art and archival material. Price: $14.00
Nelly Custis Lewis’s Housekeeping Book edited by Patricia Brady
Schmit. Publication of George Washington’s adopted daughter’s handwritten
housekeeping book. Includes recipes, medical remedies and
housekeeping hints. Useful for historic sites.
Atrix International Vacuum Cleaners
The least expensive, portable vacuum cleaners we could find with HEPA filtration. Excellent for cleaning exhibits, storage rooms -- the entire collection. All vacuums come with flexible stretch hose, crevice tool with detachable brush and black neoprene flex neck with half-inch opening to reach tight spots. All provide a minimum of 0.3 micron filtration -- ideal for soot, pollen and most atmospheric dust particles. The two larger models can be purchased with finer, 0.12 micron filtration.
 Express Vac (formerly Jr. Vac), our smallest vacuum, weighs 8 lb.
(with accessories and box) and has a top handle. Measures 12”x 8.25”
x 9.5”. Fabric carrying Tote sold separately. Two 0.3 micron filtration systems
are available: (1) a disposable, anti-dump canister filter in a recycled
plastic housing, or (2) a bag and shell filter combination. Low
suction makes this vacuum ideal for collection cleaning. See micro-tools
under accessories.
 Omega Vac Supreme, weighing 12 lb., has a shoulder strap and lid storage area for accessories. Measures 19.5” x 9” x 6.25”. Choice of
filter determines level of dust retention: 0.3 micron and 0.12 micron
(HEPA). Both filters are disposable, anti-dump canisters. The vacuum
meets UL and CSA certified safety standards. Great for general exhibit
and storage room cleaning. Suction is stronger than normally desired
for cleaning collections.
 HCTV Vacuum, our largest vacuum, is designed for high volume us-ers.
A foot pedal makes it easy to clean material while sitting at a table
or lab bench. Its rolling base doubles as a tray for storing the vacuum’s
accessories. With a five-gallon capacity, this vacuum offers two levels
of filtration: 0.3 micron and 0.12 micron (HEPA). Great for general exhibit
and storage room cleaning. Suction is stronger than normally desired
for cleaning collections. It comes with an extra-long flexible stretch
hose, increasing your reach.
 Vacuum Accessories fit our Atrix vacuums, making them more flexible. Micro-tools attach to the hose to create a finer cleaning capability. Floor tools in a hanging caddy, designed for door knobs or hooks, allow general collection room cleaning. Longer hoses and hose couplers ensure any distance can be reached with your Atrix vacuum without risking the collection. We carry a Tote for the Express Vac and filters for all of our vacuums.
(Floor tools come in a hanging caddy, as pictured on the left)
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