How to maintain a microscope
Microscope is a valuable and delicate instrument which is indispensable in our experiments and teaching. Therefore, we need to maintain and keep it properly before and after use so that it can serve our work and learning better.
1. Handling of mold or fog on the objectives and eyepieces
Prepare 30% anhydrous ethanol + 70% ether and separately place the lenses in desiccant vessels. Use soft materials such as cotton swabs, gauze, soft brushes, etc. to wipe them gently. Do not rub too hard to avoid damaging the coating layer. Oil lenses should be cleaned immediately, especially the 100X oil lens which tends to soak in oil or come unglued if not handled properly. The eyepiece can be removed and cleaned, but ensure not to reverse the 16X eyepiece; the concave surface should be facing upwards. Do not remove the objectives arbitrarily. Do not use hair as a pointer to avoid dirtying the lenses; a pointer can be equipped by the manufacturer. It is recommended to conduct regular maintenance every two months when the microscope is frequently used. Label the lenses to prevent misplacement.
2. Cleaning of lenses
Use soft materials such as cotton swabs, gauze, or soft brushes to clean the dust. For stubborn stains such as oil stains or fingerprints, use a clean soft cotton cloth, cotton swab, or lens paper dipped in anhydrous ethanol to gently wipe them away. If removing oil from an oil lens, use lens paper, soft cotton cloth, or gauze dipped in xylene to gently wipe it away. Do not use xylene to clean the prism surface of the eyepiece or the surface of the incident lens at the bottom of the eyepiece barrel. Beware that pure alcohol and xylene are highly flammable, so do not ignite them when turning the power switch on or off. Preventative measures should be taken.
3. Cleaning of paint or plastic surface
We advise against using organic solvents (such as alcohol, ether, or thinners) to clean the paint or plastic surface of the instrument. Instead, use a silicone cloth or a mild cleaning agent for stubborn stains. For plastic surfaces, just use a soft cloth dipped in water to clean them.
4. Handling of unused microscope
When the microscope is not in use for a long time, such as during holidays, please cover it with a plastic cover and store it in a dry place to prevent dust and mold. It is highly recommended to store the objectives and eyepieces in a container with desiccant.
5. Regular inspection
The delicacy and value of the microscope require us to take good care of it. In order to maintain its stable performance, it is recommended to conduct regular inspections and maintenance.