Static dusters

I work for an organisation with a large collection of items on open
display that, due to their location require regular cleaning.
Currently the practice is to use natural bristle brushes (hogs and
pony hair depending on the material).  In recent years a number of
cleaning tools have been developed that use static to attract the
dust particles, without requiring contact with the item.  Common
examples are static dusters and the recently developed Du.Static
wand.  Both of these can be used to remove dust from surfaces
*without* having any contact with the surface of the object.

Obviously it would probably not be as effective on getting trapped
dust and a more thorough clean with a brush may still be needed
occasionally.  However, for more regular routine cleaning it would
seem to do less damage, as it would reduce the amount of physical
contact with the item.

I am wondering if there is any literature on the effects of static
on collections that anyone would be able to recommend; if anyone has
experience with using such cleaning methods; or if anyone can
explain on a scientific/molecular level why this would not be a
better alternative to the mechanical damage caused by regularly
brushing away of the dust.

Miss Melissa Hainsworth
Collection Technician
Baha'i World Centre


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 27:2
                  Distributed: Thursday, June 13, 2013
                        Message Id: cdl-27-2-023
                                  ***