Cleaning Instructions for Optics

Caring for your Precision Optical Components
The methods outlined in this document are intended to assist our customers when it is determined that maintenance is required. JTI recommends that all optics be handled with care and the need for cleaning is eliminated or at least reduced. If however, cleaning is deemed necessary, the methods herein are accepted industry standards and should yield good results.

Before You Begin:

• Identify the type of optic to be cleaned

- Is it hard or soft material?
- Is it coated & with what?

• How is it contaminated?
- Particulate or film or both?

• Set a standard of cleanliness

- What is clean enough?

• Establish & document a standard

• Know your solvent

- Read the MSDS
- See recommended solvents

• Assemble your supplies:

- Latex gloves or finger cots
- Clean bright work area
- Inspection light
- Lens tissue or cloth
- Dust bulb or filtered air
- Proper solvent
- Solvent dispenser

Always wear gloves & never touch the surface of your optic

The Drag Wipe Method:

• Setup clean area to work from with an anit-roll barrier around the edge to prevent anything from leaving the table
• Use a clean, lint free cloth or lens tissue
• Wear latex gloves - clean them with alcohol or detergent before handling optic NEVER touch the face of the optic
• Cover the optic and store in dry - dust free area immediately after cleaning
• Blow or brush loose particles from surface. Don't let them contaminate your work area. Use air from a can or a filtered source.
• Apply solvent directly to your cloth. Use slow, even, light pressure working from edge to edge across the optic.

Recommended Solvents