Cleaning Glass

This page is a work in progress. I hope to have videos here or at least pictorial essays.

DISCLAIMER:

This is what I learned and I have never, to my knowledge, damaged anything. It is presented here as a concept, not as an implementation. User results may vary. Do not attempt, professional driver on closed course. Contact your physician if any of the following symptoms appear…etc.

Cleaning Glass

The first step is to blow off any dust and debris with a high quality air source. Ideally dry nitrogen from a tank, filtered for oil and then filtered for particles below a half a micron, delivered through an anti static negative ion generator. Cans of CO2 are acceptable. Cans of “air” for dusting off your computer should be avoided, the propellant can make life very difficult if you get any on your lens surface.

Step two is to get a KimWipe. Take one out of the box and dispose of it if there is a chance it is dusty, then take a second one, by the edge, not touching the middle.

Fold it without creasing it to make a strip that is as wide as you need it for the size of the lens you are cleaning. Narrower for smaller lenses and wider for larger lenses.

The next step is to fold it in half lengthwise, making sure not touch the surface other than the one you are holding or are going to be holding.

Moisten with a small amount of cleaner. Ethanol, Windex, etc.

This is where things get tricky, and in the future I will try to illustrate this better.

  • Fog the lens with your breath. This produces a lubricious film of moisture.
  • Starting in the center, and spiraling out, slowly turn the lens and move the moistened cloth from the center to the edge. You will be leaving a film behind. If the motion is too fast, you may hear a squeaking noise (very bad, that is mechanical abrasion.)
  • As you turn the lens, you slowly rotate the wipe so that you are continuously cleaning with a new surface. You start at the pad of the finger and end with the tip.

If that doesn’t work, do it again, If there are spots, try a sterile cotton swab fresh from its envelope. Again, fogging with your breath, and again rolling the swab to always use a fresh surface.

Remember to never double dip a soiled wipe or swab. That leaves contamination.