Microscopes are expensive and sensitive scientific instruments, so be sure to store them properly after use. Always avoid dust, clean the microscope and lenses, and replace the microscope dust cover. That way, the microscope will stay in perfect condition and be ready for your next big discovery!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Dusting
Step 1. Wash and dry your hands before holding the microscope
You must make sure not to spread any dust or dirt residue on the microscope or its parts. Use soap and water to wash your hands, and dry them well with a towel.
Step 2. Spray the microscope with compressed air to remove dust
Spray the microscope frame with compressed air to clean out any dust residue. It only sprays its frame and body surfaces (not the lenses).
You can buy compressed air at an office supply store
Step 3. Clean the microscope with a solution, lens cleaning paper, and a lint-free cloth
Wet the lens cleaning paper or a lint-free cloth with a cleaning solution. Then clean the lenses and the frame of the microscope. Move the cloth in a circular motion. Let the microscope air dry or wipe it with a lint-free cloth to avoid scratches caused by dust.
- To clean the lenses, use lens cleaning paper or a lens cleaning solution.
- You can use any cleaning solution to clean the frame of the microscope. Clean the tube, arms, stage, and base.
- You can buy lens cleaning paper and cleaning solution at camera stores.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing the Microscope for Later Use
Step 1. Disinfect the eyepiece and noseband
Your eyes, nose, and mouth will spread germs easily, so be sure to clean the eyepiece and noseband. Clean the nose and eyepiece with a disinfectant cleaning solution and a lint-free towel.
Disinfecting the microscope prevents the spread of germs or illnesses, such as the common cold or the flu
Step 2. Clean, remove and store the microscope slides
Remove the used slides from the microscope, clean them with a cleaning solution, and store them in a slide storage container or box. This will prepare your slides for later use.
Make sure to remove all dirt or dust to avoid scratches
Step 3. Attach the objective lenses and noseband to the lowest power objective
Turn the coarse adjustment until the noseband is on the lowest power target. That keeps the microscope working properly for future use.
Lenses may appear blurry and out of focus. No problem. You will adjust their focus when you use them later
Step 4. Rotate the lenses so they are facing the microscope platform
The platform is the part of the microscope where you will place the slides to view the objects. Rotate the lenses closer to the viewing area, with your hands, to store the microscope safely.
Moving the lenses makes the microscope more compact. That prevents them from getting damaged
Step 5. Turn off the microscope light
Turn the light switch on and off, which is usually located at the back of the microscope base. Leaving the light on is a safety risk.
The microscope bulb can overheat and explode if you use it constantly, so be sure to turn off the microscope to avoid damage
Step 6. Disconnect the cord, wrap it, and secure it with a tie
To disconnect, hold the lighting plug in place of the cord. Avoid disconnecting from the cord to avoid damaging the microscope. Wrap the cord and secure it with a tie to avoid accidents.
- A slack cord can get caught in other objects and cause the microscope to fall during shipping.
- Use a platinudo, a bridle or girdle.
Part 3 of 3: Store the microscope
Step 1. Cover the microscope frame with a dust cover
Use the plastic cover to prevent dust from settling on the clean microscope.
The microscope must come with a cover when you buy it. Otherwise, you can buy one online or order at a camera store
Step 2. Protect the microscope by closing the cover properly
Close the zipper or retractable snaps to secure the dust cover. That is an important step in keeping the microscope safe and dusting it off.
If the cover doesn't have a zipper or clasp, be sure to cover it completely with a dust cover. You can tuck the cover around the base to secure it in place
Step 3. Store the microscope on a flat surface where no one will touch it
Keep the microscope on a flat surface so that the parts are not damaged. The last thing you want is for a passerby to hit the microscope or a lens to drop and break.
- You can store the microscope on a table, cabinet, or shelf.
- Store the microscope in a plastic tub with a lid to give it more protection from dust and damage.
Warnings
- Toilet paper, tissue papers, and paper towels have fibers that will scratch lenses or glass. Always clean the microscope with a lint-free cloth to avoid damage.
- Only use high-quality lint-free cloths on any optical surface. These parts are very sensitive and scratch easily. Organic solvents can cause damage or separation to lenses and covers.