Homemade Telescope Lens Cleaner

Avoid removing the lens from the cell while cleaning.

Telescopes are an essential tool for astrologers--both professional and amateur--to explore the universe. The lens on a telescope provides you with a clear view of the stars. Your telescope lens will accumulate dust and dirt over time, and will require cleaning in order to maintain optimal viewing. There is no need to buy commercial lens cleaner for your telescope. You can make your own lens cleaner solution right at home.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl
• ½ cup glass cleaner
• ½ cup warm water
• Spoon
• Sterile surgical cotton balls

Instructions

1. Fill a bowl with ½ cup of glass cleaner. Add ½ cup of warm water.

2. Use a spoon to thoroughly combine the ingredients.

3. Clean your telescope lens with sterile surgical cotton balls dipped in the homemade cleaning solution. Buff the lens with a dry cotton ball after cleaning with the solution.

Tips & Warnings

• Use canned air to blow off loose dust and dirt from the lens prior to cleaning.

• Avoid using lens or tissue paper for cleaning. Do not use alcohol or plain water.

• Avoid using pre-packaged cotton balls found in the beauty section of stores. These are often not made of cotton and may scratch the lens. Only use sterile surgical cotton balls.

References

• Astro Tom.com: How To Clean Mirrors and Lenses