How to clean optics

Came across this guide to cleaning optics compiled by Dr Clay Sherrod (author of A Complete Manual of Amateur Astronomy and a well known ETX expert). Looks fairly comprehensive!
www.arksky.org/asoclean.htm

Skylord

Just remember that that advice is NOT for cleaning mirrors.

Just remember that that advice is NOT for cleaning mirrors.

Yes, he says that at the bottom of the page but no harm in emphasising it!

Just remember that that advice is NOT for cleaning mirrors.

Pitty, I was looking for advice on cleaning bird-poo off mirrors. (don't ask but it suffices to say that you should not lend your telescope out lightly)

One method I have tried once before is liquid detergent, like Aerial. NOT the powder, as not all the granules dissolve, thus adding to the problem of floating abrasives.

You add barely a capful to warm water in 1 basin, leave to dissolve and cool down, then simply immerse your mirror into it. DO NOT rub it. Then, remove it holding it by the sides, and place in a second basin of clean water for a few minutes. Both basins of water at this stage being the same ambient temperature, thus causing minimal expansion/contraction of the mirror.

Take out, place on a towel silver side up, and with a hair dryer on a cool setting, blow over the mirror. If you leave it to air dry you run the risk of leaving water marks on the surface. But these won't distort the optics.

Distilled water for the second basin is best.

Worked for me.

Seanie.

I'll have to pay the Chemistry department a visit so to get some Distilled water!