Tips for cleaning dust off parts in drawers?

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

I've got a couple sets of storage drawers on top of my desk and since the late 90s I've used most of them for various spare model parts. I want to move those parts and put more supplies/tools in them (because that would make more sense...). The problem is, these have collected dust through the back since the 90s so there's a layer of dust on them. Any good ideas on how to clean them? I'm thinking I may have to just rinse them off, but some drawers have lots of little pieces. I was hoping there's an easier way!

 

[Moviefreak]

If it’s just dust, a can of compressed air can blow the dust off, but if it’s that waxy film type dust, it can be more daunting. Not sure if you know what I’m talking about? It’s almost like the dust is stuck to a wax. I have no idea why that happens, and usually a water/vinegar solution will dissolve it.

 

[Rogviler]

I've soaked piles of small bits in water and dish soap, agitating them as needed, and then rinsed them with a kitchen faucet sprayer after scooping them into a colander. Just be sure to dry thoroughly or they will get moldy.

 

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

If it’s just dust, a can of compressed air can blow the dust off, but if it’s that waxy film type dust, it can be more daunting. Not sure if you know what I’m talking about? It’s almost like the dust is stuck to a wax. I have no idea why that happens, and usually a water/vinegar solution will dissolve it.

I haven't checked, but I know what you mean. I *think* it's just regular dust. After I posted this I started thinking that maybe I could just use my airbrush and blow a handful of pieces off at a time. I'm going for the easiest/laziest way to do it first. If that fails I will go with Rogviler's plan.

I do have a box of kit parts I got on ebay to use as greeblies and I think they sat in a basement since the 60s/70s. They have that stuck on dust/grime, so I will have to soak those. They've been sitting in a box for 10+ years because I keep forgetting about them!

 

[Analyzer]

You could put a sock, or pantyhose, or other thin material over the end of a vacuum hose. That will trap the model bits but suck up the dust

also a great way to rescue things from the carpet monster

 

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

Thanks, I'm banking these ideas. I think this will be a Winter project.

 

[JediMichael]

Instead of a whole new thread, I'll ask in here.
So about dust, and dusting off things like models. I know the ideal setting is having everything in glass/plastic cases, but that hasn't been something I've been able to do.
While I dust here and there, its clearly never enough, and plus, do not want to damage any of them, as some have very delicate parts or decals that could get ruined.
I have these diecast Deloreans. While cleaning off the hood wouldn't even so bad, other parts would be, and sadly, the dust has caked itself on.
I usally use a can of compressed air, with the vacuum next to it. But there's only so much you can do.

Wiping the hood with my finger, it smears.
This would be tricky to clean every single model I have....but I hate to see them all get ruined.

Wondering what everyone else does, and if anyone has any ideas for me to clean them without destroying them.
I think when the kitchen was being redone last year, it's what really made the dust super bad.

 

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

I would just wet a paper towel (very smooth, some are like sandpaper) and try that. It usually works, and if not make the water soapy. Be careful with the Deloreans because I know from experience the wipers can tear off while dusting.

 

[JediMichael]

I would just wet a paper towel (very smooth, some are like sandpaper) and try that. It usually works, and if not make the water soapy. Be careful with the Deloreans because I know from experience the wipers can tear off while dusting.

I've started dusting the house now, although haven't gotten to this shelf yet.
At least the one Delorean has the driver side mirror gone. I think in moving so many times in the past, stuff had got broken.
My small Hotwheels Delorean, the Mr. Fusion broke off and is lost.

 

[JediMichael]

I took everything off, and using a lightly wet paper towel, white erasers, and this little brush, along with the vacuum and can of air, it's gotten it all pretty clean.
Quite time consuming though....and of course, I broke the wiper off the one Delorean, just like you said no to.
It glued back on just fine thankfully.
Got all the windows open and trying to also air out the house.
Once I get it all dusted, I'll probably use the wet vacuum on all the floors the get all that dust.

 

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

I used to have a bunch of the 1/18 American Graffiti cars and I think I broke off at least three of them. They love to catch dusters like Swiffer sheets.

 

[ZeroSum]

Be careful with those white erasers. They're mildly abrasive and can remove paint if you're not careful.

 

[JediMichael]

Be careful with those white erasers. They're mildly abrasive and can remove paint if you're not careful.

Yeah. Mostly just was hitting the diecast DeLorean hoods, and a few other things that I knew would be safe.
I think I've been going at this one room for like 10 hours, with little breaks here and there.
I'm so allergic to dust, that I've gotten a sore throat now.
But, good to get it all really clean. So needed it.
Took apart my computer and vacuumed it all out and used the compressed air, which I've done before.
Once all put back together and plugged back in, Windows couldn't boot up, saying there was an error.
I was afraid I hit something, maybe unplugging a wire.
It asked to go to the last restore point, which was yesterday. I let it do its thing, and it then booted up fine.
I've never had it do that before, but its a bit nerve wrecking, as I only know the very basics of that type stuff.

 

[PVmodels]

Late to the thread but have a couple suggestions. For cleaning small parts, you can get zippered garment pouches. They are fine mesh and they have different sizes. They’re intended for protecting delicate items in a washing machine. Sometimes I will double bag them just in case the zipper opens. You could put the parts in the bag and wash them in a bucket. For dusting uncovered items, I use a high quality paint brush. 2.5” angled brush from Home Depot or Lowe’s. I lightly go over the surface to knock off the dust. This is very useful for my daughters and my Lego as well.

 

[rbeach84]

Accumulations of dust! Universal problem, what?
I typically follow this procedure:
1. Dusting dry with a large, soft paint brush to get most of the stuff off. This is done over a fine wire strainer in the kitchen sink, so the cast off can be rinsed down the drain.
2. If more is needed, then a gentle but thorough soak and clean with again a soft brush, usually a well-worn soft toothbrush. I use a good degreasing dishwashing detergent followed by a warm water rinse. Again, over a fine mesh strainer bowl so nothing small and delicate gets washed away.
3. Let everything air dry on a towel, with a light fan blowing over it. Arrange the pieces so any internal water can drain out. (Similar to the procedure I follow when washing oils/release off of plastic kit parts...) Leave for as long as it takes (shake things to listen for internal water as a check periodically...) Drying can be sped up by gentle hand drying with a soft towel, but be careful of "snags"!
4. Once all is clean, then make any necessary repairs.

Storing stuff in closed, sealed boxes (if not able to display in a proper case...) can prevent damage and dirt contamination. If in a case, make sure it seals and doesn't have ways for air to circulate within the case. If equipped with lighting, make sure it doesn't develop a lot of heat. Sealed containment is especially important if near kitchen areas and/or smoking household fumes.

Cheers! R/ Robert

 

[rbeach84]

I realized my prior post wasn't directly a response to the initial question... basically, washing in a 'bucket' of soapy, warm water then rinsing through the wire strainer so you can clean the parts in batches. Using compressed air is likely to blow parts away too, and can just raise the dust back into the air (pointing to doing it outside I suppose...) where it will re-circulate. Wet washing has the advantage that it takes the dust out of action and prevents it re-aerosoling. If the dust has a 'oily' component, then the soapy water will help to remove those oils, preventing or at least slowing future accumulations.

Hope this helps! Cheers again!

 

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

I'm rethinking storing spare kit parts in these bins for that reason because the back is open and there's gaps in the front. So any dust that lands on the lip (that you open it with) gets blown in. I think I'm going to put the parts in something else and use these for actual building supplies, which would make way more sense. Here's an old pic of my Endor rifle to see that drawers in question.