This might seem like a random topic, but we actually do supply lens paper! We have been supplying lens paper books for many years. We offer them in two sizes, 4” x 6” and 6” x 8” in books of 50 or 100 sheets. We share a lot of helpful and technical information about our test strips, so why not write an article about how lens paper is used?

It’s important to clean your microscope lens because if you don’t, the quality of your imagery will not be as good or as clear. There can be several causes of poor quality imagery through the microscope. If you don’t know how to properly use it, you could have it on the wrong settings, the slide could be dirty, you could have used the wrong immersion oil, etc. There’s a lot more to using a microscope than just sitting down and looking into it.

If you have reviewed all the possible causes, and still can’t find a reason for the poor quality, it could just be that there is dirt on the microscope lens.

Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as just wiping off the dirt. You have to be careful not to scratch the lens, so there is a certain way to go about cleaning it. Be sure to use the proper materials!

First, try to locate the dirt. Look to see if it’s on the eyepiece or the objective lens. If the dirt somehow managed to get inside the lens, you will have to carefully take it apart. At that point, you may want to have it professionally serviced or contact the manufacturer to learn more about cleaning internally.

If the dirt is on the outside, the steps are much easier. You can try using a squeeze bulb or compressed air can to blow the dirt off the lens. Just make sure you don’t use any spray cans with cleaners in them. Once you have blown the lens clean, gently wipe it using lens paper.

Lens paper is a soft, lint-free tissue paper meant to be used for just such applications. To properly clean the lens with lens paper, wipe in one direction. Do not use a circular motion. Definitely don’t clean the lenses with paper towels, Kleenex, fingers, or anything along those lines. You can wind up leaving more lint and dirt behind or potentially scratching the lens.

We have two types of lens paper available. Our regular lens paper is often used in educational settings, as it is a less expensive alternative and works well for an inexpensive microscope. We also carry fine lens paper, which is an even better option. This would be best for more expensive and high-end optical equipment.

If after using the lens paper, the lens is still dirty, you may need to use a solvent, such as distilled water or alcohol. Put a couple of drops of solvent on a piece of lens paper and hold it against the lens. Then gently wipe it off with a dry piece of lens paper. Just be careful what type of solvent you use.

When cleaning your microscope with anything more than lens paper and a spray can, it’s best to thoroughly read the instruction manual to ensure you do not accidentally ruin the equipment. There is a lot more to it than you may initially realize. Now go have fun observing microscopic objects!