Answers.Body: <p>Have you tried one of the smaller portable vacuum cleaners? I've had a few of the battery operated "Keyboard Cleaner" type of thing, which usually come with a brush nozzle and work quite well.</p>
  
  <p>Unlike firing compressed air and scattering dust/crumbs/contaminants everywhere, they are designed to catch most of it.</p>
  
  <p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/LyLqS.jpg" alt="Battery Operated Vacuum Cleaner"></p>
  
  <p>Faster than doing it by hand with a tooth brush or cotton bud.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2012-06-29T06:19:12.863Z
Answers.Text: Would be nice to have some tool which combine both compressed air and vacuuming
Answers.UserDisplayName: Joubarc
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2012-06-29T07:44:37.187Z
Answers.Text: @Joubarc You might be onto something there!
Answers.UserDisplayName: Ric
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2012-06-29T08:06:13.740Z
Answers.Text: Some of the more advanced ones can reverse the flow of air to generate that sort of effect. Alternatively just reverse the batteries ;)
Answers.UserDisplayName: Zhaph - Ben Duguid
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2012-06-29T21:19:22.667Z
Answers.Text: I've tried a handheld car hoover but it doesn't have enough suction power. Instead I've been using a Dyson Animal vacuum to get rid of most of the dust.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Ambo100
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2012-06-28T13:49:25.483Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2012-06-28T13:49:25.483Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Zhaph - Ben Duguid
Answers.Body: <p>I've successfully used a paint brush to clean my dust-covered MOCs.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2012-06-29T20:55:10.003Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2012-06-29T20:55:10.003Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Nathan
Answers.Body: <p>A soft toothbrush can do a good job on an assembled model. Just make sure the bristles aren't too stiff. They could scratch the elements. It's still tedious, but easier than cotton swabs.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2012-06-29T06:18:36.780Z
Answers.Text: I'd recommend using a paint brush - larger, and ca, be very soft too.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Joubarc
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2012-06-29T08:08:50.587Z
Answers.Text: I'd considered that option but felt there was still a danger of floating dust...
Answers.UserDisplayName: Zhaph - Ben Duguid
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2012-06-29T00:13:26.343Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2012-06-29T00:13:26.343Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Major Stackings
Answers.Body: <p>When cleaning dust from scale models, sculptures, figurines or LEGO models I use an artist 'Fan' brush.  This is the best method I've found to clean dust rapidly without damaging models.</p>
  
  <p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/gfYaG.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></p>
  
  <p>The fan brush's long hairs combined with the thin spread enables you to dust 'any shapes and surfaces without risk of damage.  For example, it would clean a LEGO antenna (1 stud attachment only) without making it fall.  You can can really push the brush into the bumps and cracks and the long hairs will bend and reach around the features.<br>
  Also, when dusting a big piece, I also set an electric fan a low power to blow air across my work table. This prevents the dust from just going up and settling back down on the model.</p>
  
  <p>A huge advantage, learned after cleaning model boats, is that it is also perfect for dusting ropes (small cables).  This worked like a charm on my LEGO Technic crane with all the complex cable system.  It is also good on cloth, so it would work for the minifigures capes.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2012-07-13T01:21:07.300Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2012-07-13T01:21:07.300Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: pcantin
Answers.Body: <p>Try the cyberputty gunk that picks up dust. it's basically silly putty but it does what it says it does. I use it for random things like this all the time. Radioshack has it for $1.99 last I saw.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2012-07-11T07:34:34.740Z
Answers.Text: I couldn't find a link for the one sold at RadioShack, but [Cyber](http://www.joker-group.net/technology/index.php?page=cyberclean&language=english) [Clean](http://www.cyberclean.net/cleaning/) looks like what you describe - and it does indeed look like it could be a good solution for LEGO too. If I can find some, I'll definitely try it. Read also [this thread](http://www.fbtb.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2134) on fbtb, people who tried it there seem to find it useful too.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Joubarc
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-10-27T14:47:00.767Z
Answers.Text: I did try it since then, and for that kind of usage (built model which you don't want to take apart), I would tend to say it's very good - just press it on the model around, and it captures (most of) the dirt. The only downsize I see if the limited life of the stuff, so you'll need to replace it after a while, sooner if your models are very dirty.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Joubarc
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2012-07-06T22:47:16.250Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2012-07-06T22:47:16.250Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: act5312
Answers.Body: <p>I use a static duster for dusting models. They use soft polyester filaments that won't scratch, and which attract dust using static charge. It may take a few passes to get all the dust if it is thick, but they work well.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2012-07-04T14:08:33.290Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2012-07-04T14:08:33.290Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: 62Bricks
Answers.Body: <p>My personal favorite method is using a <strong>submerged</strong> toothbrush. It works much better than any other method I've tried, as the brush dislodges the dust and the water ensures that the dust does not fall back.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2019-12-19T04:28:45.863Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2019-12-19T04:28:45.863Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: technicguy1
Answers.Body: <p>I just use my Dyson DC39 vacuum cleaner with either the crevice or dusting tool. As long as you're careful, this works well.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2017-03-07T23:26:17.733Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2017-03-07T23:34:32.447Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2017-03-07T23:34:32.447Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: BlockRocker7
Answers.Body: <p>Most of the answers here use various combinations of air and brushes to get rid of dust. This works fairly well; I used to dust my model airplanes with the same paintbrushes I used for painting them. I second the tiny portable vacuum cleaner too.</p>
  
  <p>However, my go-to option for dusting models that have been standing around too long is soapy water. I recently partially disassembled the <a href="http://brickset.com/sets/4483-1" rel="nofollow">4483 Lego AT-AT</a> that's been standing on my desk for years. Pop the legs off, the head off, and the panels off the top, etc; it comes apart into, say, 10-15 large modules. Dunk them in soapy water then rinse in warm clear water, and let it dry. It takes a while to dry but when it's done, it's clean. Much cleaner than the dusting approach. </p>
  
  <p>I've washed individual pieces this way too, by putting them in a mesh bag (like the kind for washing delicates in a clothes-washing machine) first, then dunking the whole bag of parts into the water. It takes a while to dry though.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-07-13T05:08:20.500Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2014-07-13T05:08:20.500Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Mr. Shiny and New 安宇
Body: <p>I've unpacked a few of my models after moving home some time ago, these models have been in a cardboard boxes for several months and need cleaning:</p>
  
  <p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/y3Qgu.jpg" alt="A dusty build"></p>
  
  <p>I've tried compressed air, which only makes some of the dust airborne. I've also tried cotton buds but the process is tedious and they end up looking like <a href="https://i.sstatic.net/9Oeip.jpg" rel="noreferrer">this</a> after several stokes. </p>
  
  <p>More importantly, I would like to be able to clean my models without going through the tedious process of taking them apart, washing, drying and building them again.</p>
  
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2012-06-29T14:42:18.053Z
Comments.Text: Anything wrong with a quick submerge in water? You shouldn't have to take them apart if you only care about surface dust.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Pubby
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2012-06-29T21:22:00.060Z
Comments.Text: @Pubby Drying models can take a long time and damage stickers. I find it doesn't get rid of the deeply ingrained dirt.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Ambo100
Tags: <cleaning><tools>
Title: Cleaning between the studs of a build
UserDisplayName: Ambo100
ThreadText: # Cleaning between the studs of a build
  
  (Asked by: username_0 on 2012-06-28)
  
  I've unpacked a few of my models after moving home some time ago, these models have been in a cardboard boxes for several months and need cleaning:
  
  ![A dusty build](https://i.sstatic.net/y3Qgu.jpg)
  
  I've tried compressed air, which only makes some of the dust airborne. I've also tried cotton buds but the process is tedious and they end up looking like [this](https://i.sstatic.net/9Oeip.jpg) after several stokes.
  
  More importantly, I would like to be able to clean my models without going through the tedious process of taking them apart, washing, drying and building them again.
  
  **Tags:** cleaning, tools
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_1**: Anything wrong with a quick submerge in water? You shouldn't have to take them apart if you only care about surface dust.  
  > **username_0**: @Pubby Drying models can take a long time and damage stickers. I find it doesn't get rid of the deeply ingrained dirt.  
  
  ---
  
  ## 9 answers
  
  ### Answer by username_7 on 2012-07-13. Score: 20
  
  When cleaning dust from scale models, sculptures, figurines or LEGO models I use an artist 'Fan' brush. This is the best method I've found to clean dust rapidly without damaging models.
  
  ![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/gfYaG.jpg)
  
  The fan brush's long hairs combined with the thin spread enables you to dust 'any shapes and surfaces without risk of damage. For example, it would clean a LEGO antenna (1 stud attachment only) without making it fall. You can can really push the brush into the bumps and cracks and the long hairs will bend and reach around the features.  
  Also, when dusting a big piece, I also set an electric fan a low power to blow air across my work table. This prevents the dust from just going up and settling back down on the model.
  
  A huge advantage, learned after cleaning model boats, is that it is also perfect for dusting ropes (small cables). This worked like a charm on my LEGO Technic crane with all the complex cable system. It is also good on cloth, so it would work for the minifigures capes.
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_2 on 2012-06-28. Score: 16
  
  Have you tried one of the smaller portable vacuum cleaners? I've had a few of the battery operated "Keyboard Cleaner" type of thing, which usually come with a brush nozzle and work quite well.
  
  Unlike firing compressed air and scattering dust/crumbs/contaminants everywhere, they are designed to catch most of it.
  
  ![Battery Operated Vacuum Cleaner](https://i.sstatic.net/LyLqS.jpg)
  
  Faster than doing it by hand with a tooth brush or cotton bud.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_3**: Would be nice to have some tool which combine both compressed air and vacuuming  
  > **username_4**: @Joubarc You might be onto something there!  
  > **username_2**: Some of the more advanced ones can reverse the flow of air to generate that sort of effect. Alternatively just reverse the batteries ;)  
  > **username_0**: I've tried a handheld car hoover but it doesn't have enough suction power. Instead I've been using a Dyson Animal vacuum to get rid of most of the dust.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_5 on 2012-06-29. Score: 9
  
  I've successfully used a paint brush to clean my dust-covered MOCs.
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_6 on 2012-06-29. Score: 7
  
  A soft toothbrush can do a good job on an assembled model. Just make sure the bristles aren't too stiff. They could scratch the elements. It's still tedious, but easier than cotton swabs.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_3**: I'd recommend using a paint brush - larger, and ca, be very soft too.  
  > **username_2**: I'd considered that option but felt there was still a danger of floating dust...  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_8 on 2012-07-06. Score: 6
  
  Try the cyberputty gunk that picks up dust. it's basically silly putty but it does what it says it does. I use it for random things like this all the time. Radioshack has it for $1.99 last I saw.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_3**: I couldn't find a link for the one sold at RadioShack, but [Cyber](http://www.joker-group.net/technology/index.php?page=cyberclean&language=english) [Clean](http://www.cyberclean.net/cleaning/) looks like what you describe - and it does indeed look like it could be a good solution for LEGO too. If I can find some, I'll definitely try it. Read also [this thread](http://www.fbtb.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2134) on fbtb, people who tried it there seem to find it useful too.  
  > **username_3**: I did try it since then, and for that kind of usage (built model which you don't want to take apart), I would tend to say it's very good - just press it on the model around, and it captures (most of) the dirt. The only downsize I see if the limited life of the stuff, so you'll need to replace it after a while, sooner if your models are very dirty.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_9 on 2012-07-04. Score: 3
  
  I use a static duster for dusting models. They use soft polyester filaments that won't scratch, and which attract dust using static charge. It may take a few passes to get all the dust if it is thick, but they work well.
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_12 on 2014-07-13. Score: 2
  
  Most of the answers here use various combinations of air and brushes to get rid of dust. This works fairly well; I used to dust my model airplanes with the same paintbrushes I used for painting them. I second the tiny portable vacuum cleaner too.
  
  However, my go-to option for dusting models that have been standing around too long is soapy water. I recently partially disassembled the [4483 Lego AT-AT](http://brickset.com/sets/4483-1) that's been standing on my desk for years. Pop the legs off, the head off, and the panels off the top, etc; it comes apart into, say, 10-15 large modules. Dunk them in soapy water then rinse in warm clear water, and let it dry. It takes a while to dry but when it's done, it's clean. Much cleaner than the dusting approach.
  
  I've washed individual pieces this way too, by putting them in a mesh bag (like the kind for washing delicates in a clothes-washing machine) first, then dunking the whole bag of parts into the water. It takes a while to dry though.
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_10 on 2019-12-19. Score: 1
  
  My personal favorite method is using a **submerged** toothbrush. It works much better than any other method I've tried, as the brush dislodges the dust and the water ensures that the dust does not fall back.
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_11 on 2017-03-07. Score: 0
  
  I just use my Dyson DC39 vacuum cleaner with either the crevice or dusting tool. As long as you're careful, this works well.
  
  
  ---
  
  