Cleaning 4x5 film holders

[2F/2F]

So, all of that good advice, and you ended up doing the one thing that only one person suggested, and that was by far the worst suggestion in the entire thread: to fully soak the holders with water. They might be fine in the end, but would not common sense tell you to never completely soak something that contains elements of wood and cloth...especially when true and straight wood and properly "fluffed" light traps are necessary for proper operation of the tool?

[filmamigo]

Oh, I agree, it was drastic. Foolish even.

But you didn't smell these film holders! :-)

Seriously, they were worse than I thought. They were going to get a thorough scrub in detergent and water or they were going in the garbage.

These holders are now smell-free, and free of particulate matter (unlike the water they were cleaned in.

Wood swelling in water is largely a function of finish and time. These are painted finish, and spent the minimum amount of time in the water possible. They were immediately dried as well.

I have now also retaped all of these holders. The original tape on them was in tatters. Between their bath and their new gaffer tape, these holders are now quite respectable looking. And did I mention they don't smell anymore? :-)

[Shadowtracker]

Hi all, I'm new to LF and found this thread very helpful. I have 10 holders on the way and two at home that came with my used 4x5. The two holders I have are in ok shape and I was wondering what the best way to make sure they are clean is - all of you answered that for me and I now have a standard to go by in working out the details of a step-by-step process for myself. Apug has been a great find for me on all counts! Thanks much for the question and the answers.