On some cylinder presses, for example, a sheet cleaner can be used in between the area where the sheet is automatically fed and before it goes to be printed. An inline cleaner travels one way and can also be positioned between a sheet dryer and stacker. This type of cleaner will also ensure that protective premasks aren't inadvertently pulled off the substrate. Automatic sheet cleaners are very cost-effective. Tack cloths One of the oldest and most basic methods of removing dust from an object is the tack cloth, a loosely woven fabric encapsulated by a tacky substance that picks up the dust when the cloth is wiped over a surface.
Many printers use tack cloths to clean off every sheet that needs cleaning.
Tack cloths still remain one of the most popular quality-control devices for people who are printing asymmetrical products, like awards and decorations. One problem with tack cloths is their reliance on manual cleaning, which is slow. Another problem, however, is their tendency to deposit their sticky substance onto the substrate if too much pressure is applied during cleaning. It is not uncommon for a tack cloth to actually add another contaminant to a substrate while it is removing dust. Furthermore, these are disposable items that must be periodically replaced as they become dirty.