A machine-assisted treatment method of removing dust and biological contaminants from paper, photographic materials, and textiles. Contaminant removal is performed by frictionless application of an electrostatic foil. The technology allows removal of dust contaminants from both sides, even from delicate surfaces, while keeping existing drawing and writing materials or pigment layers intact. In the cleaning and hygiene industry, the term is often used interchangeably with electrostatic disinfecting, which sprays a negatively-charged disinfecting solution onto a contaminated surface.