KEEPING YOUR MICROSCOPE CLEAN

 

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN OPTICAL SURFACES OF

DIRT AND DUST UNLESS PERFORMANCE IS AFFECTED

 

Microscopes can get pretty dirty after just a few hours of hard work.  Keeping your instrument clean is one way of prolonging the life of the microscope and its parts.  The following tips may help you keep your microscope happy and productive throughout its lifetime. 

 

CAUTIONS

• These are basic cleaning guidelines.  Do not attempt to disassemble your microscope.  Contact Micro Imaging if your microscope requires a full optical and/or mechanical service and repair.  The internal mechanical parts are lubricated with specialist microscope greases and disassembly of the microcope may void its warranty.
• Avoid sharp knocking or jarring of your instrument.  When moving your microscope, firmly grasp the limb or arm and cradle the bottom with your arm.  Gently move the microscope taking care not to bump or jar the instrument which can damage it internally.
• Avoid the following conditions: dust, vibration, exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.
• Avoid getting dust, dirt or fingerprints on lens surfaces.  They will prevent clear images from your specimens.  Use your plastic cover provided with your microscope and ALWAYS cover your instrument when not in use, even for short periods.  When storing your microscope, always keep it in a place free of dust, moisture and fungus.

CLEANING MATERIALS

 

The following materials are generally accepted by most microscope and optics suppliers:

• lint-free cotton swabs (cotton buds)
• mild soap and detergent that is fragrance and colour free
• powder-free latex or plastic gloves
• reagent or medical grade isoproply alcohol or reagent-grade acetone (use acetone ONLY when absolutely necessary)

LENS CLEANING

 

Eyepieces and objectives are the "front-line" optics of your microscope.  They are the parts that will get the most exposure to dust, dirt, oils from fingers or eyelids and other contaminants depending how your microscope is used.

 

Most dust you see on objective lenses, mirrors, eyepieces and filters is harmless and rarely affects the quality of your optics or image quality whatsoever.  This dust can be left alone or simply blown off with high quality compressed air product that uses dry-nitrogen as its propellant.  If dry-nitrogen propelled compressed air cannot be found, consider using a very soft cosmetic or bellows brush (sold at camera stores). 

 

Note: most compressed air products for electronics or computers use solvents for their propellant and SHOULD NEVER BE USED ON OPTICS.  The main issue is that cheap canned air will frost the area you are cleaning with propellant leaving behind a light milky film that is even more difficult to wipe off or remove.  Excessive wiping will then damage the optic further by making microscopic scratches or, at least, damaging or removing the optical coating from which there is no going back!

 

For removing smears or oil from optics use a pure grade of isopropyl alcohol with lint-free cotton swabs.  Do not use lens tissues made for eyeglasses.  They tend to use silica powder and other ingredients that could potentially scratch or harm your optics.

 

CLEANING DIRECTIONS

1.  Gently blow away the coarse dirt particles with a bellows brush
2.  Using a lint-free cotton swab, dip the end into your cleaning solution
3.  Shake off excess fluid from swab
4.  Start at the centre of the lens using a circular motion and work your way to  the outer edge   
5.  Gently wipe of any excess liquid with another dry lint-free swab
6.  Using another lint-free swab, gently wipe off any residue on the glass
7.  Use the bellows brush to blow off any residual lint, dust or debris
8.  Check the cleaned part with jeweller's loupe looking for any uncleaned spots
9.  If not clean, repeat procedure again always using fresh new lint-free swabs
10.  If the object still cannot come clean, consider professional help or simply replacing the optic

CLEANING STAGE AND STAGE PLATES

 

Stages can get pretty messy from examining biological or industrial specimens.  Using just a lint-free soft cloth with a mild, soapy solution works best.  Don't use an overly wet cloth as moisture may seep into the stand which may have electronics inside.  REMEMBER TO UNPLUG THE MICROSCOPE FROM THE POWER SOURCE BEFORE CLEANING. Do not use alcohol, acetone or other solvents on your instrument as they may cause damage to painted surfaces.

 

For glass stage plates, we recommend using mild, soapy water and using your bare hands.  Have a soft paper or cloth towel to set the glass on after you have washed and rinsed the glass stage plate.  Carefully dry the glass.  It can be a bit damp and let the air dry the glass completely.  If you use distilled water, the glass will dry without leaving mineral deposits.  Then, by holding the glass by the edges, carefully drop the glass back into the stage and tighten the locking thumbscrew.

 

 

Micro Imaging is not responsible and will be held harmless for any and all published or non-published documents for errors, and for any damage to any product or products as the result of end users use of any equipment or documents pertaining to the use or repair of applicable products and services.

Copyright 2008 Micro Imaging

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