How to Clean a Meade Telescope

Meade telescopes originated in 1972 and were first made for amateurs. Today, they are used for many different purposes such as land viewing and star gazing. Meade telescopes have been upgraded over the years with stronger lenses and brighter contrasts. Most people take very good care of their telescopes, but sometimes they still get dirty and dusty. You should store your telescope in a cool, dry area, such as a garage. Covering it is also suggested. Cleaning your own telescope is not easy, but if done carefully, it is possible.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camel-hair brush
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Water
• Soft cloth
• Dust-free cloth
• Dry cloth

1. Make your cleaning solution. Combine pure isopropyl alcohol and water so that it is at least 80 percent alcohol and 20 percent water. If it is diluted any more than this, it may not be effective.

2. Dust off the optics (lenses and viewfinders) on your Meade telescope. The best way to dust is to blow very gently on the optics or to use the camel-hair brush.

3. Roll up a soft cloth. Point the ends of the cloth you roll up toward the lense. Wipe the lense with the end of the cloth in a circular motion with a slight amount of pressure. Apply as little pressure as possible so that you do not break your lense. Use the ends of the cloth also to reach the smaller parts.

4. Wipe off the excess moisture with a dry cloth. Wipe in soft, outward sweeping motions, lifting the cloth slightly as you near the edge of the lense.

5. Cover the Meade telescope with a dust-free cloth or tissue and let it air dry. Once it is dry, store in a cool place--always covered.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not dust your Meade telescope before you clean it, you risk spreading the dust around the glass parts, making it harder to clean and clouding your vision through the lenses. Do not use paper towels or regular rags as you run the risk of scratching your lenses. If a piece of dirt, dust or debris will not come off your Meade telescope, do not force it or press down. If you let your Meade telescope air dry, your lense could have streaks in it. Keeping your Meade telescope covered while you're not using it keeps dust from collecting on it.

Resources

• Watch videos on proper use and cleaning of Meade telescopes
• Read a forum on how to clean Meade telescopes