How do I clean my new flat files?

Information on shipping, storing and repairing your art, plus your reviews on products for art collecting, making, storing, etc..
Post Reply
abfmsportscards
Art Enthusiast
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Jun 11, 2021 4:37 pm

Thu Feb 10, 2022 9:54 pm

Hey all,

I just scored two 47 x 37 x 16 grey flat files for $100 total – and they’re both in great condition! No rust as far as I can tell, but I’ll take a better look at it tomorrow morning. I was wondering though: how do I go about cleaning these flat files? Should I avoid chemicals, and just use a wet & dry rag? Is a mild soap okay to use? Any suggestions would be helpful. The last thing I want to do is clean it with something that could affect my prints down the line.

Thanks for helping a noob art collector out!
User avatar
ygolohcysp
Art Expert
Posts: 2623
Joined: Wed Jun 04, 2014 12:57 pm

Fri Feb 11, 2022 12:19 am

Congratulations, what a steal! I just wiped mine out with a semi damp cloth, but maybe other people have more specific advice.
User avatar
cotis
Art Expert
Posts: 5406
Joined: Thu Jul 05, 2012 11:03 pm
Location: USA

Fri Feb 11, 2022 10:51 am

look around the hinges for grease. also don't forget to look "up" as in the underside of the flat file lid and on the bottoms of the drawers. lot of times especially with the old metal flat files, you'll have dust/cobwebs/etc built up in there to clear out.

and good luck!
Post Reply