How to Clean Dust off Gundam Models

by | Jan 16, 2023 | Gundam, Maintenance, Model Kits

Dust can be a major problem for collectors of Gundam Model kits, also known as Gunpla, if they are not properly displayed in a cabinet or display case. When left out in the open, dust can accumulate on the surface of the models, obscuring the intricate details and making them appear dull and dirty. There is also the potential that dust could damage your models indirectly (more on that later).

In this article, we will discuss various methods for effectively cleaning dust off of your Gunpla collection as well as some measures you can take to prevent dust from accumulating on your models.

 

Methods for Cleaning Dust off Gundam Model Kits

There are several simple yet effective methods you can use to clean dust off your Gunpla. It’s important to be gentle when cleaning your models, since pieces and stickers can come off if you get too aggressive.

Here is a list of common tools that people use to clean dust off their Gunpla:

These tools are great for general cleaning and can even be pretty effective for getting into hard-to-reach areas and removing dust without causing any damage to your models. The key is to be gentle and take your time when cleaning your Gunpla. Depending on the level of dust and the type of part you are cleaning, you may want to use a combination of these tools to remove dust from your models. When cleaning, it’s essential to be mindful of the the fragility of the parts and types of decals that have been applied to the Gunpla.

 

Can I Wash My Gunpla with Water and Soap?

 

It’s not uncommon for the truly dedicated modelers to wash off pieces before and during the building process, especially when preparing for priming and painting. But what about after model kit has been assembled and the decals are applied? Is it fine to wash your Gundam Model kits as a way to combat dust build-up?

While using a little bit of water cloth on a Q-Tip or cloth can help greatly with the cleaning process, some have recommended going a step further. Some have said that washing your Gunpla with water and even dishwashing/degreaser liquid is an effective way to do a thorough cleaning. Though potentially efficient, this may be more trouble than it’s worth. Intentional or unintentional disassembly can occur when washing your Gunpla. Also, there is a real chance that decals could be damaged or come off during the washing process if you’re not careful and have not taken the appropriate actions to ensure this doesn’t happen.

 

Can Dust Damage My Gundam Model Kits (Gunpla)?

While dust itself may not directly damage your Gunpla, it can certainly make your collection look unsightly and detract from the overall appearance of your models. Humidity, however, is your real enemy.

If the humidity in the room where you display your Gunpla is too high, dust can indirectly damage your models. When dust and dirt are combined with high humidity, the layers of dust build-up can trap the moisture from the air. This makes cleaning your Gunpla problematic; because you might actually damage your kits when trying to clean off the dust. For example, humidity can cause stickers to peal off easily when you’re attempting to clean off the dust.

To prevent this, it is recommended to keep the temperature of your display room at around 70°F (21°C). Also, consider purchasing a dehumidifier to keep the humidity at around 35-50% if humidity is a problem in your home.

 

How to Stop Your Gundam Model Kits from Getting Dusty

While its likely impossible to completely prevent dust from building up on your Gunpla, there are measures you can take to greatly reduce the build-up of dust over time.

Dust accumulation is the result of dust being spread around by foot traffic from people and animals as well as through air circulation. To effectively prevent dust build-up, it’s important to have your Gunpla displayed in an enclosed area so they are shielded from most of the dust in the air. Cabinets and display cases can work great for this. These types of enclosures are designed to protect your collection from dust and other environmental factors and are a much better option than placing them on simple bookshelves.

If you use a cabinet or display case to display your Gunpla, you will occasionally need to dust off the piece of furniture, but its going to be a pretty simple process and can be done with a simple microfiber duster—much easier than cleaning dust off your Gundams.

Sterilite 01423V01 4 Shelf Cabinet, Grey (Amazon)

Wanfu Metal Storage Cabinet (Amazon)

If purchasing a cabinet or display case is not feasible to you, you could use a closet to display your Gunpla as an alternative. Closets can work well for displaying collectibles since they are not traversed as often as the rest of your home.