Top Ten Tips for Microscope Cleaning

Microscopes are an important resource and significant investment for any clinical environment. Microscopes collect debris like dust, dirt and oil over time, so regular periodic maintenance and cleaning is necessary to guarantee high-contrast images. Avante Health Solutions has compiled tips so your facility can prolong the image quality and life span of your microscope investment.

Always cover your microscope with a dust cover while you are not operating it. Whether the microscope is being stored out in the open or in a closed cabinet, it is imperative to cover the device with a dust cover at all times.

A major contributor to microscope wear and tear is dust and debris. Any microscope, especially a unit that is not used often, can collect dust from the air and causes damage and deterioration in the image quality over time.

Remove coarse dirt first, then fine dirt.

The best process of cleaning your microscope is to first brush off coarse debris, then blow off fine debris and lastly wipe off any remaining contaminate. Clean microscopes perform the best, but lenses cleaned least last longest.

Clean knobs, nosepiece, levels, control rods and microscope stand regularly.

A microscope that is used often collects dirt, dust and oil from your hands that can cause damage on the knobs, nosepiece, levels, control rods, microscope stand and other areas of the device over time. Be sure to clean these areas regularly with either a damp cloth or a mild soap if stubborn dirt and oil cannot be removed. Pay close attention to grooves or hatches on knobs and levels as they can house skin oil and dust that is harder to remove.

For blowing off debris, only use microscope-specific compressed air.

Oil residue or additives in some compressed air may damage the microscope lens. Instead, use a camel hair brush, ear balloon or microscope-specific compressed air in short bursts across the lens.

To remove dust and fibers from the optic, gently spray air across the lens, not perpendicular to it.

This decreases the likelihood that the particles will get stuck in crevasses, making it more difficult to remove them. Avoid compressed air, as the localized freezing can cause irreparable damage.

Never use sharp instruments, rough cloths or cleaning solvents not designated for lens cleaning to clean your lens.

Microscope lenses are made of a coated soft glass that can easily be damaged or scratched during cleaning, disrupting the picture clarity and capabilities of the microscope. Always use specified lens paper and lens cleaner with gentle, circular motions.

Never apply a liquid lens cleaner directly to the lens surface.

Instead, moisten a soft cloth with lens cleaner. Do not saturate the cloth, use as little cleaner as is necessary.

Immersion oil enhances optical performance, but it is very important to remove the oil after each use to prevent buildup in the gears and mechanical components of the microscope.

Immersion oil left on the lens can dry and create issues with the microscope optics. The safest and most effective way to remove immersion oil is to clean with lens tissue, without an added solvent. Continue to wipe the lens with a clean cloth each wipe until no more immersion oil is apparent to ensure that the lens is completely clean.

Replace immersion oil every two years.

Immersion oil more than two years old may not produce the same optical quality as fresh oil and the resulting thickness can make it more difficult to remove. Record the date you received the oil and toss if after two years.

Never attempt to disassemble your objective.

Lens elements are precisely centered optically, and replacing the objective cannot be duplicated outside of a manufacturing setting. If your microscope requires further maintenance, have it serviced to prevent damage to the objective.

By following these tips, the microscope manufacturer’s standards of care and preventative care guidelines for your microscope model, you will be able to use and enjoy your microscope much longer.

Follow manufacturer’s instructions at all times, regardless of what is written in this article.