Mirror cleaning question

Hello and Happy New Year to all:

It has been a while since I posted. Perhaps, that is a good thing.

Anyway, I was hoping to get some advice.

I have read all of the various posts on mirror cleaning. I also have made the decision to clean my 22" mirror (I weighed all of the pros and cons, I think). There is pollen on it (my fault) and I want to get the pollen off before any harm is done.

I read that Starmaster owners (I own a NightSky scope) are encouraged to clean their mirror while in the mirror cell.

My 22" mirror is large and heavy (2" thick) and I am reluctant to remove it from the cell if I do not have to do so. I know Obsessions are generally cleaned with the mirror installed.

So, does all of this mean the cell will not be damaged nor the felt pads under the mirror? No rusting or corrosion of any components of the cell, right?

Thanx for any help.

Gregg
Augusta, Maine

Greg,
You can safely clean it in the cell if you allow the cell to dry quickly. You can cover the mirror to keep the dust from settling on it while it dries with a cardboard or art paper cover cut to fit. The cardboard will not touch the surface, just the raised edge of the mirror so it is safe. Just tape it with a couple of pieces of tape to hold it in place while the cell dries. I would have it on a table and after you cover it, put a fan on it to aid the drying. The house is pretty dry in the winter, so it will dry before anything corrodes.
Floyd