| Duster/Compressed Air - You should always make sure your boxes are dust free before cleaning. A dusty box will only make cleaning that much more difficult. You also don't want to rub any loose dust or dirt particles into your lithograph, possibly scratching it. For your lunch boxes and thermoses on display, it's a good idea to regularly dust them. The more time you take to keep them clean now, the less time you'll spend cleaning them in the future. Only use a soft, dedicated duster against the lithograph, keeping the duster free of coarse dust and dirt. |
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| Gloves - Use gloves while cleaning, picking up, and moving your lunch boxes. Dust and dirt are attracted to the oils left by finger prints. Gloves will keep finger prints and oils from your hands off your boxes. Latex gloves work best for cleaning. They grip well, are cheap, disposable, stay dry, and keep your hands free of the cleaners or chemicals being used. Cotton gloves should be worn for moving and picking up clean boxes. You want to use gloves that fit snuggly, but allow your hands full open and close motion. |
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| Sponge - A sponge can be used to apply and remove excess cleaner. Only use soft sponges, never scrubber sponges. Sponges intended for scrubbing may scratch/damage the lithograph. If you need to remove a stubborn stain or dirty area, use the scrubber with caution. When using the sponge, always make sure no coarse particles are caught within the sponge. This will prevent scratching of the lithograph. Always rinse thoroughly after each use. |
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| Sand Paper - Sand paper can be used for removing heavy rust on the rims of your thermos. You should first try to use chrome polish on the rims before using sand paper, and never use sand paper to remove rust from the lithograph. Sand paper can also be used for rust on the box hardware. Only use metal sand paper with a fine grit, 220 or higher, and always finish with the highest grit available. Always apply chrome polish after final sanding. Sanding is not recommended for beginners. |
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| Pipe Cleaners - These are great for removing excess cleaner that may have found its way into the lunch box handle or inside the latch. You can shape the cleaners into tight spaces. Always be careful when using, as you don't want the wire core to scratch the metal. |
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| Paper Towels - A good wipe for removing excess cleaner inside your lunch box or thermos. A soft paper towel works best, and won't harm the inside white paint. Don't use paper towels on the lithograph however, use a cotton cloth/pad for final cleaning and buffing. |
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| Buff Pads - These pads can be used for applying/removing the cleaner, or for final buffing of the lithograph. Soft cotton pads are recommended for use with your lunch box and thermos. Replace when the pad becomes dirty or fully absorbed. Quality pads can be washed and re-used. |
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| Cotton Cloth - Can be used as an all purpose wipe-- great for wiping excess cleaner off your lunch box or thermos. Larger cloths can be folded for longer use during cleaning. Cotton won't scratch the lithograph, and good quality cloths can be washed and re-used many times over. |
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| Cotton Swabs - Swabs are excellent for cleaning crevices and areas that can't be reached by other means. Uses include cleaning the corners and edges inside of the lunch box, and applying treatments-- such as nail polish remover, alcohol, and chrome polish. |
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| Cotton Balls - These can be used for almost anything-- from applying cleaner, to wiping away excess cleaner. Cotton balls won't scratch the lithograph. Great for soaking nasty sticker problems. |
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| Tooth Brush - Great for cleaning your lunch box handles-- the bristles can easily clean the textured area of the handle. Other uses include brushing away loose rust flakes, and cleaning any tough grime that may be stuck on your box. |
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| Towels - Before you begin to clean your lunch box or thermos, always remember to keep your work on a soft pad or towel. During cleaning, your lunch box may be moved around, and you don't want to scratch the lithograph. |
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Friday . September 05 . 2008
