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How to Remove Mold From Picture Slides

As the photography world edges ever closer to digital domination, it is easy to forget about the shoe boxes full of 35 mm slides you have stowed away in the closet or the rafters of your garage. During storage mold, dirt and dust can attack the film and tarnish the memories that it has captured and held for so many years. If you plan to scan and digitize your family's collection of slides, you can reclaim them from mold and other spotting using the steps that follow.

Things You'll Need

Compressed air
Microfiber cloths
Lighter fluid or denatured alcohol
PEC-12 photo emulsion cleaner (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Lift a slide up to a bright window and investigate both sides of the film. Blow away any loose dust or dirt using several blasts of compressed air. Hold the can about 6 inches from the slide and use short bursts.
- 2
  Wipe the slide gently with a dry microfiber cloth. Hold the slight up to the light and see if it has had any effect on the molded area. If not, continue to the next step.
- 3
  Moisten a fresh microfiber cloth with pure lighter fluid or denatured alcohol. Wipe the molded area in a straight, back and forth motion with the damp cloth until the mold has been removed. Hold your slide up to the light and check progress often.
- 4
  Blot the slide dry with a microfiber cloth and give it a few blasts of compressed air for good measure. Repeat for all slides requiring mold removal.

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