Never ever vacuum in a darkroom. You have to understand that the hoover sucks in larger particles that are trapped in the bag/cylinder (depending upon design of the hoover) but the exhaust pumps out tons of micro-dust that you can't see until they get stuck (with a massive magnetic charge due to passage through the hoover mechanism) on to your negatives.
If you must hoover then you need to double earth your hoover but you are still courting untold problems.
Semi-damp wiping of all surfaces including equipment is the most effective.
If you have carpet/rugs in the darkroom get rid of them as soon as possible.
likewise if you have vinyl, lino or concrete on the floor never sweep or hoover it but use a slightly damp mop and clean the mop after every few square metres.
Bests,
David.
www.dsallen.de
A built in vacuum with a hose connection in the darkroom but a waste container well removed from the darkroom works well, without David Allen's concerns.
I have tested this and found that an out hose removed from the darkroom helps a bit but, given that most hoovers are plastic in construction, the charge that the hoover builds up in operation attracts dust to the outer surface which is then released into the air when the hoover is switched off.
When I worked for British High Speed Rail as a photographer I was initially appalled at how dirty and messy the darkroom was. The building's cleaner was banned from coming in to the darkroom and, as a newling, I was told in emphatic terms that I was not EVER allowed to clean the darkroom. The only permissible cleaning was thoroughly cleaning chemical spills (which when dry would turn to powder that could then be released into the air). It was probably the dirtiest darkroom I have worked in but, with no cleaning to disturb the dust, no air intake from outside, it was a period of time when I printed 100s of negatives per day with little to no need for cleaning required. I learnt very quickly that 'let sleeping dogs lie - they will stay where they are' was an appropriate approach to darkroom dirt and dust practice.
Positively charged dust combined with unearthed enlargers are the great enemy - environments, however inherently dirty, that are left in piece to coagulate dust are, surprisingly, the true friend of the photographer.
Bests,
David.
www.dsallen.de
I can handle dust, but I do not need a spider rappelling down on me in the dark. Ick!
I can't remember the last time I vacuumed my darkroom. I mostly agree with David as I've not had huge dust problems. I will never hang wet film to dry in my darkroom, however. Did that once. When I move back there, I may do a big cleanout and then wet wipe everything before I go back in to use it. I have a hunch I need to do it to evict a bunch of spiders that may have taken up residence. I can handle dust, but I do not need a spider rappelling down on me in the dark. Ick!
What does double earth mean?
How often do you vacuum your darkroom?
How often do you vacuum your darkroom? Did mine today and noticed lots of spider webs and dead flies. Perhaps I should do it more often.
I have tested this and found that an out hose removed from the darkroom helps a bit but, given that most hoovers are plastic in construction, the charge that the hoover builds up in operation attracts dust to the outer surface which is then released into the air when the hoover is switched off.
When I worked for British High Speed Rail as a photographer I was initially appalled at how dirty and messy the darkroom was. The building's cleaner was banned from coming in to the darkroom and, as a newling, I was told in emphatic terms that I was not EVER allowed to clean the darkroom. The only permissible cleaning was thoroughly cleaning chemical spills (which when dry would turn to powder that could then be released into the air). It was probably the dirtiest darkroom I have worked in but, with no cleaning to disturb the dust, no air intake from outside, it was a period of time when I printed 100s of negatives per day with little to no need for cleaning required. I learnt very quickly that 'let sleeping dogs lie - they will stay where they are' was an appropriate approach to darkroom dirt and dust practice.
Positively charged dust combined with unearthed enlargers are the great enemy - environments, however inherently dirty, that are left in piece to coagulate dust are, surprisingly, the true friend of the photographer.
Bests,
David.
www.dsallen.de
Get a cat - If it is anything like mine, it will pounce on any spider before it gets anywhere near you. The legs are crunchy, and the soft body makes for a tasty little snack.
I can't remember the last time I vacuumed my darkroom. I mostly agree with David as I've not had huge dust problems. I will never hang wet film to dry in my darkroom, however. Did that once. When I move back there, I may do a big cleanout and then wet wipe everything before I go back in to use it. I have a hunch I need to do it to evict a bunch of spiders that may have taken up residence. I can handle dust, but I do not need a spider rappelling down on me in the dark. Ick!
How often do you vacuum your darkroom? Did mine today and noticed lots of spider webs and dead flies. Perhaps I should do it more often.
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