Guide to Cleaning and Handling
Optical Filters and Lenses

Optical filters and lenses are essential to a wide variety of scientific and industrial applications, and their proper cleaning and maintenance is critical for optimal performance.

This guide provides essential tips for the care, handling and cleaning of optical filters and lenses to ensure their longevity and efficiency. Understanding the function of optical filters and lenses is just the beginning; proper maintenance and handling are equally important. To help you keep these components in top condition, we've created an easy-to-use guide that outlines best practices.

Handling Optical Filters and Lenses

Always wear gloves when handling optical filters and lenses to prevent contamination from skin oils and other residues. Nitrile gloves are recommended for their chemical resistance and durability. Make sure your gloves are clean and fit snugly. Clean them with an alcohol wipe before use to remove any residual contaminants. Replace damaged gloves immediately. Avoid touching your hair, face, or unclean surfaces to avoid contaminating the gloves and subsequently the filters or lenses.

Optical filters and lenses are delicate and should be handled with care. Hold them by the edges to avoid touching the optical surfaces. When setting down filters or lenses, place them on clean, soft surfaces such as lens paper or lint-free wipes. Be careful with tools, as improper use can easily damage filters or lenses.

Cleaning Optical Filters and Lenses

Clean optical filters and lenses only when they appear dirty. Unnecessary cleaning can introduce contaminants and degrade performance.

Clean your filters and lenses in a temperature-controlled, dust-free environment. Ideal conditions include a darkened area with a black background and appropriate lighting for inspection, or a dedicated optical inspection booth.

You will need reagent-grade anhydrous ethyl alcohol (or equivalent), lens cleaning solution, lint-free wipes such as Kimtech Kimwipes, a light bulb puffer, and lens cleaning paper or microfiber cloths.

Cleaning Procedure for optical filters

Remove loose dust: Use a bulb puffer or filtered compressed air cleaner to blow off loose particles.
Avoid blowing on the filters with your mouth to prevent contamination.
Wipe (if necessary): If wiping is necessary, use reagent grade alcohol and lint-free wipes or swabs. Soak the wipes or swabs in fresh alcohol and wipe gently from the center outward to avoid picking up contaminants from the edges. Acetone may be used as an alternative to alcohol. Do not oversoak the wipes or swabs.
Swabbing technique: Use a slow, steady motion across the surface with minimal force. Dispose of used wipes and swabs properly to prevent recontamination.

Lens cleaning procedures

Remove loose dust: Similar to filters, use a light bulb blower to remove loose dust and debris. Avoid blowing on the lens with your mouth.
Apply cleaning solution: Apply a small amount of lens cleaning solution to a lens tissue or microfiber cloth.
Do not apply solution directly to the lens surface to avoid oversaturation.
Wipe gently: Starting at the center of the lens, gently wipe in a circular motion toward the edges.
This will help prevent dirt from moving from the edges to the center.
Dry: Use a dry, clean piece of lens cleaning paper or microfiber cloth to gently dry the lens using the same circular motion

Get in Touch

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Our dedicated team is here to help you every step of the way.
Whether you need assistance with product selection, technical specifications, or general inquiries.

Jos. Schneider Optische Werke GmbH
Ringstraße 132
55543 Bad Kreuznach | Germany

Tel: +49 (0) 671 601 205
isales(at)schneiderkreuznach.com
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