Cleaning Your Microscope

In order to effectively clean your microscope there are a few factors that need to be considered:

1. Quality and Type of Microscope
2. Frequency of Use
3. Type of Use

In order to prolong the life of your microscope, it is recommended that you use a cover to help protect it from any airborne contaminants. Another factor that helps, is where you store your microscope. Try to store your microscope in a clean, dry area with a regulated temperature. 

Try to stay away from solvents because they can destroy delicate components of your microscope. You can clean your microscope with a dust removing surface cloth and distilled water or microscope cleaning wipes.

 

Helpful Tips:

• Unplug your microscope before cleaning it
• Never clean the internal lens
• Clean eyepiece tubes and rims with a dry cloth
• Clean optics with cotton clothes
• Use lens cleaning paper as directed for camera lenses

Shop Lens Cleaning Paper: http://bit.ly/11o1GFphttp:/bit.ly/11o1GFp

Microscope Maintenance

Routine optical and mechanical maintenance of compound microscopes can ensure that your microscope works well for many years to come. Periodic microscope servicing by a qualified microscope technician is recommended. Compound microscopes should generally be serviced after about 200 hours of use. For most schools, this would be about every three years, possibly more frequent if the microscope is used multiple times each day.

Handling and Storage

Most microscope problems occur as a result of mishandling. When carrying the microscope, always hold it by the base and the metal support arm. If you will be traveling with your microscope frequently from one location to another you might consider purchasing a microscope carrying case. Aluminum cases work best for protecting your microscope in case it falls or tumbles while in transport.

When the microscope is not in use keep it covered with the dust cover. This alone will extend the life of your microscope. Even if the microscope is stored within a cabinet, you should still cover it with the dust cover. Do not store a microscope without any eyepieces, even if it is covered. This can allow dust to collect within the eye tubes, which can be difficult to clean. If the microscope eyepieces must be removed, simply cover the tubes with caps or a plastic bag with a rubber band around the eye tube.

Try to always store your microscope in a cool, dry place. 

Mechanical Maintenance

Each microscope should come with a user's manual. If it did not with a manual in the packaging you can download the manual on the company website. Always consult your user's manual before making any adjustments to your microscope. Avoid using excessive force when performing any maintenance on your microscope. This can damage metal parts in the microscope or strip the parts of their binding. 

Microscope Diagram Nose piece Adjustment

The microscope nose piece can sometimes become loose. Generally there is an adjustment mechanism on the nose piece. A simple loosening or tightening of the slot-headed screw in the middle of the nose piece should generally resolve this problem. Check your microscope's manual for complete instructions on how to adjust it.

Cleaning Your Microscope

Caring for your microscope is essential to keep all the components working smoothly and maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of your microscope will help ensure clear visibility when looking through your eyepiece. 

It is best to only clean the eyepiece when needed. Use the proper cleaning materials which can be purchased on our website under the accessories category or from another independent retailer. If your eyepiece needs cleaning you can dip your cloth into an alcohol solution to remove stubborn spots.

The eyepiece and objective lens can obtain build up easily from use. If your objective lens is also dirty you can clean it with lens paper dipped into a diluted ammonia solution. Place a few drops of ammonia into about 1/2 cup of water. 

To ensure you will not scratch your eyepiece(s) or lenses refrain from using anything other than a special lens cleaning cloth or tissue. Do not use your finger nails to try to remove any spots or debris.
Click here to browse our selection of cleaning tissue.