What is the best way to clean a Newtonian mirror.
Mirror Cleaning.............
Started by David W, 08/12/2004 01:59AM
Posted 08/12/2004 01:59AM
Opening Post
Posted 08/12/2004 05:55AM
#1
Very carefully! 
There have been many threads about this in the past.
First of all the mirror needs to be removed from it's mount. After removal, most of the dust and foriegn matter can be removed by rinsing it with distilled water or just plain running water. Next, preferably on or in the kitchen sink or bathtub, place a solution of warm water and dish washing liquid onto the mirror to soak any sharp bits off the mirror surface. Let the solution soak and then tip it off. Rinse again. Place another solution onto the mirror and using a piece of surgical cotton or cotton balls, swirl the solution around the mirror gently to remove any dirt that has been soaked off or is still sitting on the mirror. The less swirling, the better. Finally rinse the mirror with distilled water and let it dry on it's side to prevent watermarks. Prop it up with a towel under the edge against the side of the tub or basin. You can blow off the water droplets with a hair drier on the cold setting. Small droplets which remain on the surface can be removed with the corner of a tissue or cotton without touching the surface. Generally if the mirror is cleaned properly, there will be minimal droplets left.
Re-install the mirror when it is dry.
Keeping your optics clean will reduce the amount of dew since dust particles promote condensation.
This method works for me.
Floyd
There have been many threads about this in the past.
First of all the mirror needs to be removed from it's mount. After removal, most of the dust and foriegn matter can be removed by rinsing it with distilled water or just plain running water. Next, preferably on or in the kitchen sink or bathtub, place a solution of warm water and dish washing liquid onto the mirror to soak any sharp bits off the mirror surface. Let the solution soak and then tip it off. Rinse again. Place another solution onto the mirror and using a piece of surgical cotton or cotton balls, swirl the solution around the mirror gently to remove any dirt that has been soaked off or is still sitting on the mirror. The less swirling, the better. Finally rinse the mirror with distilled water and let it dry on it's side to prevent watermarks. Prop it up with a towel under the edge against the side of the tub or basin. You can blow off the water droplets with a hair drier on the cold setting. Small droplets which remain on the surface can be removed with the corner of a tissue or cotton without touching the surface. Generally if the mirror is cleaned properly, there will be minimal droplets left.
Re-install the mirror when it is dry.
Keeping your optics clean will reduce the amount of dew since dust particles promote condensation.
This method works for me.
Floyd
[SIZE="Large"][/SIZE][COLOR="Blue"][/COLOR] Floyd Blue
Amateur Imager
Funding Member
