Cleaning filters - Forums

Topic starter

Jan 28, 2022 · Edited: Jan 28, 2022

Hi,

so I would like to clean my set of 36mm filters (Astronomik, with protective plastic ring).

Since the filters have this plastic ring, it is not as straight forward as applying a cloth with cleaning fluid, since the "dirt" just gets moved to the inner edges of the ring.

I do own a ultrasonic cleaner (essentially a small tub with water + dish soap, in which objects are then blasted with ultrasonic emissions to "rattle off" any dirt) which I use for my glasses). Would this be a good alterantive? Or is this a big no-go ? Any other suggestions on how to get my filters properly cleaned?

Cheers,
Marc

Engaging

Björn Arnold

Jan 28, 2022

Hi Marc,

I once bought a cleaning kit from Zeiss which included a bellows, lens brush, a cleaning fluid and a microfiber cloth.
My process is this:
1. Use the bellows to blow off the dust
2. Remaining dust is removed with the lens brush
3. spray the cleaning fluid on a spot on the micro fiber cloth and gently swipe the filter surface with the moist part of the cloth.
4. Fine wipe with the dry part of the cloth.
5. Clean

That’s my process.

CS,
Björn

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Daniel DeSclafani

Jan 29, 2022

Hi Marc,

I would order yourself some kimwipes.

You will want to blow of any dust. Next you should take distilled water and with another kimwipe *gently* wipe around the filter. You don't need to use too much water. Keep wiping until the water is gone and then use the dust blower again and evaluate how clean it is.

Some people use an alcohol solution to clean as well, but I have never done that. I also find that a microfiber cloth smears rather then picks up. However it may work. Preferably, I would use kimwipes.

Dan

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George Yendrey

Jan 31, 2022

Hi Marc,
Just to add an option, I have gotten some of the CMOS sensor cleaning kits from Amazon (they come for different sensor sizes). I follow the technique already details on blowing dust/particles off the filters first.

Then I take the CMOS sensor cleaning fluid and spray a light mist over the filter surface. I then use the sensor swab (they are sized for specific sensors) to wipe the cleaning fluid off - one direction only, one wipe per side of the swab (they are paddle shaped). They are cheap, and intended to have many used per cleaning so you don't 'wipe' a hard particle against a CMOS sensor window with a repeated swipe with the same swab. Repeat as necessary if there is a stubborn bit of residue/stain on the filter surface.

I typically get the APS-C or 4/3 sensor size swabs as they are small enough to 'curve' around the edge of a mounted 2" filter.

I found this technique works well on cleaning my refractor objective lens as well. It seems to me that having been cleaned like this, the particles are removed easier with the blower, I guess because of the lack of residue or film from the cleaner.

I believe that using these swabs (and not reusing) makes it very unlikely that the filter surface will be scratched while cleaning. The kits (swabs and solution) are intended to safely clean a CMOS sensor without damage or scratching, so they should be safe for just about anything else in your optical train.

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Björn Arnold

Jan 31, 2022

I found this technique works well on cleaning my refractor objective lens as well.

I strongly recommend against spraying anything on refractor lenses or compound optical components in general. The amount of fluid can be excessive and crawl into the optics and in worst case between the lenses.

Better spray the liquid on the „tool“ you intent to use and avoid using large amounts.

Björn

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