Cleaning slides

[KenR]

I found some Kodachrome slides at the bottom of a drawer. They are dated December, 1986 and look like they have 23 years of dust and grime on them, although the underlying colors look as vibrant as if ithey were new (nothing like Kodachrome). So the question is - how should I clean them before scanning?
a - Dustoff and PEC emulsion cleaner?
b - Remove the slide from the mount and rinse in cool water, then hang them after Photoflo?
c - a + b?
d - other?
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

 

[spyder2000]

Dustoff, a soft brush, and PEC if needed. Anything else invites damage to the film.

 

[Dwig]

... So the question is - how should I clean them before scanning? ...

The answer is "don't" or at least very very little. A reasonable blast from and ear syringe or similar is all you should do before making your first set of scans. ANY further cleaning runs some risk of damage. It is very important to get the best pre-cleaning scan possible before attempting anything that may make the film worse.

After you get the first scans, you may want to attempt further cleaning. DO NOT use "canned air". DO NOT attempt any liquid cleaning of slides. Unmount them (they are then not "slides" but are "transparencies" instead) first.