recommendation needed for cleaning the glass ...

[rohanpai]

Got these streak on the glass when trying to clean it with isopropyl alcohol. Any recommendations on how I can get rid of these?

[johninderby]

Get some Baader Optical Wonder cleaning fluid is the safe way to clean telescope objectives. It’s the only thing I will use. 

[Moonshed]

Isopropyl alcohol is a powerful substance, I used it in model making to remove glue for one thing, I would not put it anywhere near my telescope optics. I think you have already been given good advice for the correct cleaning fluid and fingers crossed it does the job. The general advice given when cleaning is to avoid using circular motion and instead start from the centre and work out in straight spoke lines.

Hope it works out.

[jacobingonzo]

and I was just about to use IPA to clean a similarly affected EP!!!- oh well its off to FLO i go

 

thanks People

 

J

[happy-kat]

Before you started was it dirty or just dust.

[Moonshed]

1 hour ago, happy-kat said:

Before you started was it dirty or just dust.

That’s the sort of thing my wife asks, I didn’t know there was a difference,

[Davey-T]

12 minutes ago, Moonshed said:

That’s the sort of thing my wife asks, I didn’t know there was a difference,

You should blow off any dust with a rocket blower before cleaning.

Dave

[wulfrun]

I've used IPA on photographic lenses for years without issue, it's a fairly mild solvent and won't harm coatings, just don't flood it on. It's the basis of many optical cleaning solutions anyway. I think a lot depends on what you were trying to clean off - greasy or not? Dust should always be blown off as much as possible and only use soft, lint-free cloths. Probably preaching to the choir here though!

EDIT: dilute white vinegar is also something I use. Just not the malted or wine-derived sort!

Edited December 15, 2020 by wulfrun

[Moonshed]

17 minutes ago, Davey-T said:

You should blow off any dust with a rocket blower before cleaning.

Dave

I don’t know about using a rocket powered blower, I only use a hand held squeeze bulb. 😄

[jacobingonzo]

like most things in life its all about experience- everyday is a school day- but I did wonder why it was my £100 EP and not my crappy £20 one?? I will keep reading this forum to hopefully reduce the chances of future frack ups!

 

J

[rohanpai]

alrighty - will add Baader Optical Wonder cleaning fluid to my shopping list.

[Second Time Around]

I start with one of those squeezable puffers to blow away anything loose, then a brush that retracts like a pen,  These 2 items are available in kits on Amazon very cheaply.

Then I use Zeiss Lens Wipes.  They're individually sealed in small packets and so don't dry out.  Most importantly though, unlike a cloth, they're always clean.  I bought them in a box of 200 off Amazon for a tenner. 

 

 

[Bruce Leeroy]

On 15/12/2020 at 00:50, rohanpai said:

Got these streak on the glass when trying to clean it with isopropyl alcohol

The grease from your hands will transfer to any cloth then onto the optics, try to use a brand new cloth (with gloves) or use wipes and allow a little time for the cleaning fluid to completely dry/evaporate then "if" you see any residue give a little buff with a dry unused part of the cloth.

I've had best results using wipes rather than the Baader wonder fluid.