How to clean mirrors and focus lens?

[Mike Teachman]

I am looking for recommendations on how to clean reflection mirrors and ZnSe focus lenses. I can't find anything on the forum, yet, this is an important topic to protect the investment in your optics.

Right now here is what I'm considering:

1. wear nitrile gloves to avoid getting finger oils onto the optics
2. use an air bulb to first blow loose material from the mirror or lens
3. wet a lens cleaning wipe with isopropanol
4. drag the lens wipe across the mirror or lens with it's own weight bearing on the surface (don't apply pressure)
5. repeat 3 until the mirror or lens is clean

Your advice please !

[tansh]

One thing that is very important in cleaning the lenses and mirrors is never apply too much pressure on the surfaces. As most of the lenses and mirrors are coated with a thin layer of reflective material.

[Tech_Marco]

I'd to mix 99% isopropanol (alcohol) and acetone in half & half.
Alcohol - take too long to evaporate
Acetone - get evaporated too quick.

Mixed these two solvent will get the best result and left not much residue

Also, get the de-grease cotton ball. Regular cotton ball may left oil or residue after clean. Slide the lens paper is a good way to clean mirror or lens


Marco

[Mike Teachman]

Thanks a lot Marco. We'll start using the recommended 50/50 mix as part of our lens+mirror maintenance program. I appreciate your support on this forum.

[Tech_Marco]

Please write back and tell me how well is it
I may not correct for everything. May be there is an issue by using my 'formula'

Marco

[Mike Teachman]

Hi Marco,

The 50/50 mix has worked well for me so far. The mirrors and lens come clean with no residue.

Mike