The lens of a microscope is very delicate and so it is difficult to clean. It is not advisable to remove the lens from the microscope to be cleaned. The microscope lens belongs to one of the three most important elements that make up the microscope. The lens allows an increase in the objects that are to be observed through filters called "subsequent anti-gel". As it's important to keep your lens clean in order to maintain the quality of the image the microscope gives, at OneHowTo we want to give you some advice so you can clean a microscope lens. Follow these steps closely:
- Lens cleaning paper
- Ether
- Xylene
- Cotton swabs or pads
The first step to clean a microscope lens is to take some lens cleaning paper that you can find in specialty shops or distributors of laboratory equipment. Alternatively, use certified cotton.
Never touch the microscope lens with your fingertips since fingerprints can affect the microscope's visibility. When fingerprints are dried onto the lens, it is very difficult to remove them and this should be done with distilled water.
If it is loose debris, the easiest way to remove it is by gently applying some compressed air so it simply blows away.
If the dirt doesn't come off with air, then add a few drops of ether on the cotton or lens cleaning paper and gently clean the lens.
Rub the lens cleaning paper that has been soaked in ether over the microscope lens making circular movements as you go.
Cedar oil left on the front lens of the immersion objective must be removed immediately after the observation has ended.
For this you can use "clean lens" paper with a drop of xylene.
To protect the lens, it is customary to place the value of a smaller increase on the gauge and to go down in focus till the capacitor is in its lowest position.
To avoid skipping over any of the focus points. Store the lens in a dry place to prevent moisture and fungal growth. Certain acids and other chemicals that produce strong fumes. These should be kept away from the microscope.
When drying the microscope lens after cleaning, do not use dryers or any appliances. Let it dry naturally.
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- Never touch the ocular lenses with your fingers.
- Do not clean the lens of a microscope every day. If you must clean it, do so with great care.
- Remember to put the dust hood back on every time you use the microscope.