cleaning with air can

[iwols]

Hi just wondered if it was ok to use the compressed air cans for cleaning optics/ccd,i know you can buy rocket cleaners but is compressed air better/ok thanks

[johninderby]

No, no, no 🙀

Those air cans contain propellants that can be harmful to optics. The rocket type blowers are the best way.

Edited December 5, 2021 by johninderby

[callisto]

13 minutes ago, iwols said:

Hi just wondered if it was ok to use the compressed air cans for cleaning optics/ccd,i know you can buy rocket cleaners but is compressed air better/ok thanks

As John say's deffo NO!

 

Mark

[Space Hopper]

If you really must clean your optics, use Baader optical wonder fluid. But be careful.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-optics-cleaning-protection/baader-optical-wonder-set-cleaning-fluid-and-cloth.html

I'm not sure about a CCD. I wouldn't recommend going near one to clean it.

Speak to your local camera store and let them do it if necessary. Better to be safe than sorry.

[Space Hopper]

Just now, Space Hopper said:

If you really must clean your optics, use Baader optical wonder fluid. But be careful, and try with a rocket blower bulb first to remove any bits of dirt / dust etc

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-optics-cleaning-protection/baader-optical-wonder-set-cleaning-fluid-and-cloth.html

I'm not sure about a CCD. I wouldn't recommend going near one to clean it.

Speak to your local camera store and let them do it if necessary. Better to be safe than sorry.

And definitely don't use compressed air as it will leave a stain on your optics and potentially damage the coatings.

 

[ONIKKINEN]

I scratched my primary mirror with an air can because the jet is far too powerful and can dislodge dustspots and make them projectiles so no i wouldn't recommend that.

[mikeDnight]

Compressed air can also contain refrigerant, which can shock the lens.

[LuckieEddie]

I have a different opinion. We use canned air when cleaning optics at work. There are a couple of things you need to take care of though. There's a big difference in the quality between different brands, particularly in propellant discharge. Always keep the can upright. Start the air discharging while pointing away from the glass and then pass the stream over it and off the other side. Then stop and repeat if necessary. It's a bit like the technique for paint spraying.

[iwols]

thanks guys thats a big no then👍

[johninderby]

1 minute ago, iwols said:

thanks guys thats a big no then👍

Definitely with the air cans available from your local high street or Amazon.

[inFINNity Deck]

1 hour ago, Space Hopper said:

If you really must clean your optics, use Baader optical wonder fluid. But be careful.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-optics-cleaning-protection/baader-optical-wonder-set-cleaning-fluid-and-cloth.html

I'm not sure about a CCD. I wouldn't recommend going near one to clean it.

Speak to your local camera store and let them do it if necessary. Better to be safe than sorry.

When seriously dirty I clean my ZWO cameras (ASI1600MM, ASI174MM, ASI 290MC) using Baader fluid and that works like a charm, no harm done. Spray it on a micro-fiber cloth and use that to wipe the chip. But I only do it when really dirty (over time they tend to get deposits of the grease that is used to seal the cameras). For normal cleaning I recommend one of those power blowers as John suggested.

Nicolàs

[johninderby]

And if it's really dirty.. 🤔

Just kidding. 😁😁😁