Microscope Maintenance

MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING OF YOUR MICROSCOPE.

The Frame

It is important to always use a neutral detergent when removing any stains from the microscope frame.  Wipe the frame with a cloth dampened by the detergent then with a cloth dampened in luke-warm water.  Ensure the lens is not touched.

If dust is your problem and you are finding it difficult to remove from painted parts, wipe with a solution on cloth of 7 parts ether to 3 parts alcohol.  Keep away from plastic parts.

Optical System

To obtain the best image quality it is essential to keep the optical system clean at all times.  Mould caused by leaving dust spots unattended can become difficult to remove.  To prolong the life of your microscope always keep the exposed optical surfaces clean (objectives, eyepieces, filters and condensers).

An air gun or blower brush is best to remove dirt and dust that sticks to the surface, this will prevent scratches on coatings and optical glass.

Lens tissues should always be used when cleaning the optical system.  It can be wrapped around a lollypop stick (to just use the tip, for small areas) or used on its own using a cleaning mixture of 7 parts ether and 3 parts alcohol.  It is important to discard the lens tissue after each single use.

If cleaning a large lens surface it is important to wipe from the centre in a circular motion towards the periphery.  The tissue can be wrapped around your finger.  Always use a clean part of the lens tissue as you rotate your index finger.

If cleaning an accessory like a filter that has large glass surfaces on both sides, it is useful to fold two or three layers of lens tissue soaked in the cleaning solution.  Hold the item at its edges rotating slowly as you wipe from the centre towards the periphery.

To clean the surfaces of the condenser and the light exit glass, use the lens tissue between your middle and index fingers, fold it and wrap it around your index finger.  Hold the tissue down with your thumb while wiping the lens surfaces clean.

   By viewing through the bottom of an eyepiece, you can use it as a magnifying glass and examining the lens surface after cleaning, if colour reflected from the lens surface looks uneven, it is an indication that there is still dust specks and dirt on the lens.

Spectrographic offers microscope maintenance by approved engineers and microscope cleaning kits to be used by laboratory staff.

Warning: 

If internal or major cleanning becomes necessary it is important to contact your microscope engineer.

Organic solvents may damage plastic parts