Telescopes are expensive devices that need a great deal of gentle care in order to maintain them. There are lens cleaning cloths that you can purchase when you decide to clean the telescope. Keep it clean can add to the life of your telescope. Scratching the lens could mean having to replace the entire item. Read on to learn how to properly clean and take care of your telescope as well as its lens.
It is important that you know exactly how to clean your telescope to keep from damaging it. Some scratches and other damages to the lens occur when the owners try to clean them, whether using lens cloths or other objects. You want to first make sure that the lens does in fact need to be cleaned, as you do not want to risk damaging it if the cleaning is not really necessary. If there are dust particles and other impurities altering your ability to get a clear view, it is likely time to clean the lens.
The optic lens of a telescope is very sensitive and fragile, so you want to take a great deal of care when handling and cleaning them. The lens should not be touched by your hands or fingers, as the oils from your skin could damage it or cause it to become even dirtier. Instead, using lens cleaning cloths are a good idea. You can purchase these wipes that are made just for cleaning the lens of a telescope.
Start the cleaning by wiping the lens with a lens cloth in a circular motion. This helps to remove any dust collected on the lens. If you have cleaning solution, apply this to the lens with a q-tip. Again, use a circular motion when putting the solution on the lens. Allow the lens to air dry. Avoid rubbing it again with a cloth, as that could bring the impurities back to the surface.
There are a few things to keep in mind when storing your telescope to reduce the chance of the lens accumulating dust. Be sure to keep the lens cap on the telescope any time it is not being used. Store the telescope face down, and purchase a hood to remove the device from floating dust and particles. Keep additional lenses and other parts in sealed bags so that dust cannot reach them.
As you can see, it is recommended that you be extremely careful when cleaning your telescope. Use lens cleaning cloths designed specifically for the job, and only clean the telescope when it is absolutely necessary. Storing your telescope properly will help to reduce the amount of dust and other debris that collects on the lens. Improper cleaning and storage could mean you have to replace the device much sooner than expected.
