Cleaning With Microscope Wipes

What are microscope wipes? These are clean, clear, smudge free optical cleaning pads. Just as it is important to clean all your devices, cleaning your microscope is equally important. The most delicate part that needs the most care is the microscope lens. Microscope wipes take care of the lenses too.

 

It is often said that we live in the center of infinity. The Universe is endless and expanding. The stars that we see are light years away from us. However, there is another world right here on the Earth that is made up of such tiny things that we can not even look at them with our naked eyes. This world is as fascinating and dramatic as the world of astronomers. Understanding these tiny things can make us understand the working of the Universe itself. A microscope comes to our aid in this exciting journey of exploration.

It is easy to shop for a microscope. Just choose the one that suits your needs and your pocket. Being an informed customer helps in this area. For children and the hobbyists, a high power microscope is very popular. Real microscopes with metal frames and glass optics can keep you engrossed, educated, and entertained for hours. However, one must know how to take good care of one’s microscope.

 

The essential ingredients for this task are:-

·        Cotton swabs

·        Ethanol or Methanol alcohol

·        Window cleaner

·        A 10X hand magnifier

·        Microscope wipes (tissues)

 

The microscope parts must be cleaned with cotton swabs and alcohol every day. Any excess oil should be wiped off the surface.

 

On a weekly basis, you must unscrew all the objectives and remove them one at a time. The front lens should be cleaned using the cotton swab dipped in alcohol. The swab should be just moist and not drip. Start cleaning from the center of the lens. Keep on cleaning in a circular motion till you reach the edge of the lens. Discard the swab and look at the front lens through the magnifier. If there is still any dirt on the objective, examine it well. Is the dirt water based? In that case dip the swab in the window cleaner and clean the lens again. Start with the center, follow circular pattern and clean the entire lens. If it still looks hazy then clean it once again. Once you are sure that the lens is sparkling clean, replace it by screwing it back in. Under any circumstances take care that you do not screw it more than finger tight.

 

Now remove the slide holder. Unscrew the screws that hold it in place. Go ahead and wipe the stage with a microscope wipe dipped in alcohol. Repeat the cleaning process with the window cleaner. Make sure to clean the back of the slide holder. Once you are very sure that the stage has been cleaned to your satisfaction, replace the slide holder. Again ensure that you do not tighten the screws more than finger tight.

 

The next step is to clean the top of the condenser. Once more use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Similarly each eye piece should be cleaned with cotton swab and window cleaner. To clean the in-base lens use these wipes and the window cleaner.

 

Remember not to clean inside an objective, inside an eyepiece, and inside the condenser. Do not ever clean an optical surface with dry cotton swabs or dry microscope wipes.