Lens and mirror cleaning materials?

[GTom]

I am in the process of cleaning my recently acquired LX200 SCT. As mold just started to set foot, I had to act quickly, had a rough cleaning with isopropanol de-ionised water 1:1 mix followed by pure isopropanol. This worked so far with camera sensors and less-dirty mirrors. This one seems to be dirtier than usual, quite a bit of sludge remained.

As already wasted about 1/2L of precious isopropanol, I wonder what could be a more economical cleaning solution? Also, any recommendations for the water part, where to get larger quantities of pure distilled water? Can I add some detergents to get rid of less soluble-more stubborn contaminants that prefer just changing pattern instead of leaving the corrector plate😄?

Edited August 19, 2023 by GTom

[Mandy D]

I find that large motor-factors stock de-ionised water. I buy mine in 25 litre containers. You could also try forklift truck service businesses and battery suppliers for forklifts. I'm not cerrtain on this, but I thought I'd add it: dry-cleaners seem to use it, too.

Edited August 19, 2023 by Mandy D

[GTom]

I was wondering if distilled water could be cleaner-better than de-ionised. Automotive suppliers nearby only stock de-ionised as it is perfectly fine for all kind of motoring use. Distilled from amazon/ebay is a bit more expensive (won't break the bank though at £2/L) but might be better...

Never added detergents before, guessing a fragrance, etc. free type is needed for telescope cleaning.

[Dr_Ju_ju]

I've always used this https://www.baader-planetarium.co.uk/shop/baader-optical-wonder-fineoptical-cleaning-set-fluid-cloth/   together with a home made clean air box....

[fozzybear]

 

 

[skybadger]

Of course you can use condenser water from your dryer...

 I use a bag of cotton buds from boots, lots of blu roll and.industrial IPA

[GTom]

Industrial IPA is likely good, would get a cleaner water though 😄

[bosun21]

I just clean my mirrors with tap water with a few added drops of washing up liquid. It's the final rinse that needs to be distilled water to ensure there is no residue left when dried. I bought 5 litres, have cleaned two scopes and still have half leftover. This is only for mirrors and corrector/meniscus plates and not lenses per se.

Edited August 20, 2023 by bosun21

[kbrown]

On 20/08/2023 at 01:17, bosun21 said:

I just clean my mirrors with tap water with a few added drops of washing up liquid. It's the final rinse that needs to be distilled water to ensure there is no residue left when dried. I bought 5 litres, have cleaned two scopes and still have half leftover. This is only for mirrors and corrector/meniscus plates and not lenses per se.

That's what I do as well. No point on wasting expensive stuff if you're just trying to get the dirt off the surface to begin with...

Edited August 21, 2023 by kbrown

[skybadger]

Yep, just use the expensive stuff at the end.