microscope objective clean with rubbing alcohol

#Microscope objective clean with rubbing alcohol manual#

Just blot, don't swirl or twist or scrub or fold into a point or make like you're shining a pair of army boots. Research for your specific equipment!!!Īnyway, blot the oil immersion objective with these and you'll probably be fine-you won't need any solvents at all. Most miceobiology textbooks/websites/manuals I've read (I was a librarian in a technical school) recommend xylene, naptha or turpentine to dissolve immersion oil, but those are organics too! EVERYONE says NOT to use acetone.

#Microscope objective clean with rubbing alcohol manual#

My microscope manual says not to use organic solvents but then recommends (organic) alcohol!?! Umm, my plan is to just use the cover and not get the objectives dirty. If they say 'alcohol' the don't mean the usual 70% rubbing alcohol in most drugstores: get the 90% at least. Distilled water is safest and cheap to buy. That's usually fine, but if you've got residue than research *exactly* what solvent is safe for your lens but will still dissolve the crud. Just take a wipe and hold it under the lens, pull upward and it will leave a circle of oil on the wipe. *We recommend first reviewing the specific product manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure you do not use any supplies or methods that could void the product warranty.Blot, don't wipe your oil immersion lens. You’ll get many years of productive use, and your co-workers will thank you for it! If dust or residue is ever on a camera sensor, consider sending it to the manufacturer to handle this type of service.įollow these simple steps to keep your microscopy equipment safe and sanitized. Digital microscope camera external housings can also be cleaned and disinfected with a 70% ethanol wipe, but camera CCD and CMOS sensors should be avoided at all times. Be sure to take care when cleaning delicate components, for example, the heating/cooling block. Cleaning microscopy accessories – Linkam thermal stages, cameras, etc.: Microscope accessories such as Linkam thermal stages can be easily cleaned and disinfected using a lint-free wipe with 70% ethanol.Keep the bench space around the microscope clean and dust free, as well. If you don’t have one, it’s a great idea to purchase one large enough to cover the entire instrument to keep it dust-free and protected against spills and other accidents.

When not in use, keep it covered: A vinyl dust cover is provided with most microscopes.Using a lint-free cotton swab or lens tissue, wipe from the center to the edges in a circular motion, as shown: Sparkle brand works well and is alcohol and ammonia free, or you may use 70% ethanol which will safely clean and disinfect the surface. Place a small amount of lens cleaning fluid in the middle of your eyepiece or objective lens. Avoid compressed air as these can leave a film behind. Remove any loose dust particles with a blower brush. If you don’t have a loupe, you can use the microscope eyepiece (usually 10X). Cleaning optical components – eyepieces and objectives: Start by inspecting all lens surfaces using a magnifying loupe.Then, disinfect all parts using a wipe with 70% ethanol. Using a neutral detergent and warm water solution, wipe the microscope frame including the eyepiece shades, focusing knobs, stage handles, and knurled edge of the nosepiece. Always be sure to avoid organic solvents which may damage plastic parts.

Cleaning and disinfecting the microscope frame: It’s best to wear gloves.Here are the basic steps* to clean and disinfect your instrument: Since microscopes are typically shared by many users, it’s a great practice to frequently sanitize your instruments. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve been fielding questions regarding decontamination methods of microscopes for safe usage.