This is a short how-to video for cleaning dust or fingerprints off of an optic using methanol.

  1. Put on gloves or finger cots to avoid contaminating the optic.
  2. Use a suitable solvent like methanol (select a grade with extremely low water content, like ACS/Reagent grade)
  3. Use dry compressed air to blow off as much dust as possible from the optic to reduce the chance of scratching it.
  4. Take a sheet of lens tissue, fold it up (note the fold pattern from the video), and apply a small amount of methanol to it.
  5. Give the optic one smooth, light wipe.
  6. Use dry compressed air again to blow off any remaining dust.
  7. Store the cleaned optic in a clamshell or a clean plastic container with cleanroom paper at the bottom to keep it safe and clean.
  8. For stubborn dust, you can more aggressively scrub the optic with another lens tissue and slightly more pressure, but this is not recommended due to a higher risk of scratching.