+ Cleaning Optics

General Tips:

If it's not dirty, don't clean it!

You should handle optics in a clean, low-dust environment while wearing powder-free acetone-impenetrable Gloves or Finger Cots. Since oil and debris from your hands or from used Lens Tissue can stain or damage optical coatings, you should not touch any transmissive or reflective surface of your optic and never reuse a lens tissue. Remember that lens tissues are inexpensive compared to the price of an optic

Step 1. Use a clean-air duster:

Dusting is always the first step in cleaning your optics.

Step 2. Use solvent and lens tissue:

The way to use them depends on the optic, but always wipe slowly and clean

the edges first.

Always use lens tissue with a solvent, because dry lens tissue can scratch optical surfaces. A good solvent to use is a mix of 60% acetone† and 40% methanol. (Acetone alone dries too quickly to dissolve all of the debris. The methanol slows the evaporation time, and also dissolves debris that acetone alone would not clean.) Isopropyl alcohol is safe and effective, but its relatively slow evaporation can leave drying marks on the optic. Cleaning your optic's edges before cleaning its faces prevents dirt from being drawn up onto the face. Wiping slowly allows the solvent to evaporate without streaking. Remember, slow and steady cleans the optic.

The “Brush” Technique

Use the “brush” technique for small optics. Wipe slowly straight across from one edge of the optic to the other.