Dust on Glass

Erik

Grumbler in Training
Joined
Oct 12, 2003
Posts
3
Loc
Ellington CT
I dont know if anyone else does this, but i have found this item invaluable when cleaning dirty glass, or glass that has those annoying fuzzies after cleaning. The Swiffer dusters are like the best thing to happen to we framers. Those things get all the dust not some, gets the microscopical particulates that annoy us all. try it you might like!!!!
 
Somebody else mentioned using a Swiffer on glass not too long ago. Are you using the refills and folding them up or are you using the whole head and everything?

My only concern would be the chemicals that are in the pads and what they do to whatever is inside the frame package. I have no clue what they put in those pads to pick up dust so efficiently.

Framerguy
 
Originally posted by Framerguy:
My only concern would be the chemicals that are in the pads and what they do to whatever is inside the frame package. I have no clue what they put in those pads to pick up dust so efficiently.

Framerguy
Neither do I, but welcome to the Grumble, Erik!
 
I use Swiffers too. I think it's just electrostatic attraction, no added chemical.
I'll ask my usual suspects and see if they have any info on this.

There is a similar kind of cloth called a "Dust Bunny" which is more expensive, but reusable. They used to be distributed by Leapfrog Technologies, but now many archival suppliers carry them.

Rebecca
 
Rebecca,

If that is the case, Swiffers may have just broken through into the framing field as a major player in the glassing cleaning process! You will still need to use glass cleaner for streaks, finger marks, (or is that "marcs") :D , and such but it will be a simple and inexpensive matter to remove dust and lint from glass with them.

I have used an anti-static brush for quite a few years for mats and glass after cleaning the glass so I would probably continue to do that. (until I lose my brush or the dog eats it). But Swiffers would be a nice alternative for those who are having dust problems and don't want to spring for a fairly expensive anti-static brush.

As an aside, I have mentioned before that I use a "knuckle" brush to take marks/marcs out of suede mat board. It is stiff enough to remove those lines you get from the edges of other mat boards leaning against the suede and will clean every bit of lint and dust off of the boards. You can buy knuckle brushes at WalleyWorld for a buck or two.

Framerguy
 
Out of interest I emailed the manufacturer today to find out if there is any residual chemical left in the Swiffers after manufactur that may cause problems in the long term.

I have deleted posts from this thread that had no relevance to the subject, should you be offended by this please contact me personally and I will tell you personally that I have deleted any posts that were not of relevance to this topic. Otherwise, keep it real. Thank-you.
 
I e-mailed them too Lance - maybe they will think it is a conspiracy!

I did a quick google search on Conservation on Line, and no one had any hard info. One person thought they might have surfactants or humectants on them, but that doesn't make sense to me. I think those materials would actually lessen the static charge.

Rebecca
 
Thats great Rebecca, yours probably made much more sense to them than mine!
I found plenty of MSDS sheets about other products they make but with their terminology it was impossible for me to figure what products are used in a Swiffer.
 
The MSDS says Swiffers are polyester/polypropylene, with a secret coating. I don't think Proctor and Gamble are going to reveal what that is. They say Swiffers leave no residue, and I'm inclined to believe it. But, until some independent testing happens there's no guarentee.

(Personally, I'm still going to keep using them till they're proven guilty of anything).

Rebecca

"The cloths made of polyester and polypropylene build up a negative charge as they are rubbed over a surface. Close contact transfers electrons from the dirt to the duster, increasing its negative charge, P&G's Johnson said. Hair and dust articles are positively charged and are attracted to the Swiffer cloth like iron to a magnet. "

I found this in some googled newpaper article, and it sounds right to me. I'm guessing that the secret "film" is just a sizing agent to smooth out the cloth's surface, so they handle more easily.

[ 10-18-2003, 02:38 PM: Message edited by: Rebecca ]
 
I'm interested as to whether they got back to you or not Rebecca??? I'm sure I saw a notice at some stage of the "email a question" marathon that stated they would reply withing 24 hours...
 
Lance, the reply e-mail with MSDS was prompt, but didn't really say anything except that Swiffers leave no residue. The MSDS just said what polymers the cloth is made from, and that it has a propritory coating.

Rebecca
 
Wow! I'm not to sure how this works, but I have just discovered "the Grumber"! Fairly new at this trade....but love it!!!!
Tried a Swiffer pad....leaves a film. Am I doing something wrong or using the "wrong thing"?
Also would LOVE some tips on glass cleaning. Like what background etc., etc., etc. ( With apologies to Yul Brenner).
 
I'm new here too, just found your link today in the Framers magazine. Sure glad I did!

You might be trying the swiffer cloths for floors, Those have a substance in them, kind of a polish almost. Use the swiffer for dusting furniture, should work well. I use them all the time on my displays in my gallery and gift shop but never thought to use them on the glass for frames but I will! Thanks for the heads up. I'm going to like this place!
 
Hmmmmm, dusting furniture, I knew there was a reason for that! If I would have just helped out with the housework more often I would have figured out the difference. Figured one swiffer was just like the next!

Thanks angelwing...this is a great place....lots of good stuff!!!
 
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