A system for electrostatically cleaning surfaces includes an electrostatically chargeable brush, having conductive polymer bristles, moveably disposed adjacent to a solid surface to be cleaned. The system also includes an actuator, configured to linearly move a solid element toward and through sliding contact along the solid surface, the brush being positioned to contact at least one of the solid surface and the solid element prior to the sliding contact, to electrostatically remove dust and the like therefrom.