Chapter 13

Cleaning Optics in the Field

Not all optics are used in a controlled environment such as a
laboratory, production floor, or inside the home. Optics are used
outdoors for video, communications, photography, nature viewing,
nighttime observation, surveillance, hunting, shooting, transportation,
vehicles, and lighting. This chapter explains the methods used in the
field to clean optics in less-than-ideal conditions.
These methods are temporary solutions to clean optics to a
functional state until the optic or system can be properly cleaned.
Follow all company and manufacturer guidelines, and all work
instructions on the proper cleaning procedures.
This chapter can be used as a guide to write instructions or used
to develop cleaning procedures for field cleaning. Pre-packaged
cleaning kits are available and may be useful. Sections in this
chapter offer suggestions on how to develop and assemble a
cleaning kit.
For the outdoor enthusiast, this chapter recommends tools that
can be packed in hiking, hunting, nature-viewing, and camping gear.
Some of the items can be used as part of an emergency kit. Add items
or tools that may be necessary for cleaning specialized equipment, and
consider the environment in which you may be traveling. Refer to
Section 6.3.3 for how to cover and protect optics and instruments
while using them outdoors. This will reduce the need to clean optics in
an outdoor environment.

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 194 Chapter 13

13.1 Field Cleaning Kit

It is prudent to have a small optical cleaning kit on hand for
emergencies while using a camera, binoculars, or spotting scope for
outdoor hobbies, maintenance work, or general observing. The kit
should contain the necessary supplies for handling basic optical
cleaning in the field (see Fig. 13.1). Pack it in a small container, plastic
case, metal tin, or plastic bag. Choosing the right container depends
on the length of time of the activity and the type: observing nature,
hiking, biking, hunting, boating, scuba diving, kayaking, maintenance
of outdoor optical equipment, etc. The container should be dustproof
and waterproof, and preferably watertight.
Small metal containers with a tight and secured lid, such as those
used for candy or food storage, are a good choice. They come in various
shapes, so choose the best shape for storing the items. Thoroughly wash
and dry the inside of the container before packing the kit.
Small plastic containers are manufactured in a wide selection
of styles, shapes, and sizes (see Fig. 13.2). Note that certain types
of hard plastic will crack if they are hit, bounced, or dropped. Small

Figure 13.1 Outdoor cleaning supplies and containers.

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 Cleaning Optics in the Field 195

Figure 13.2 Placing cleaning supplies in different containers.

soft-plastic containers with screw-on or pop-off lids are a good choice

(e.g., containers used for food or liquid storage). They can be ordered
through catalogs or available at supply stores.
For a lightweight container, use a plastic, zipper-type food bag or
a solid nylon bag with pull strings. Smaller plastic bags can be used to
hold loose items inside the larger bag.
The kit should have the following:
• Carbon-tip cleaner and brush (small)
• Folded cloth wipes (small size), one for wiping and one for
drying
• Two types of applicators (cotton and foam)
• Round-nose and cone-shaped wooden sticks
• Cotton balls (1–2)
• Toothpicks, matchsticks, or chopsticks
• Small tweezers
• Black electrical tape (300 mm in length), wrapped on an applicator
or around the container
• Small spray or drop bottle of pre-mixed solution (water, alcohol,
and soap)

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 196 Chapter 13

• Several packets of alcohol wipes

• Small brush with a hand puffer
• Small micro-wipe cloth
• Small hemostat
• Single-edge razors (2)
• Small, plastic lens magnifier, with or without an LED light
• Small single LED (keychain type with a lock on switch)
• Pocket knife or multitool
Some of the items on the list can also be used for other purposes
(i.e., they may serve as part of an emergency kit). Replenish what is
used to ensure that the kit is complete for the next outing.

13.2 Field Setup and First Process

An outdoor setup or layout of a temporary workstation is very similar to
the indoor (production) or laboratory setup. Outside, only basic cleaning
is performed; this reduces the amount of equipment required. Field
cleaning is not performed in a controlled environment, so use what is
available to make the workstation as functional as possible—be creative.
Begin by removing the instrument from its contaminated
environment. The first process is the removal of most of the dirt,
dust, or mud from the instrument body before placing it in or near the
work area. If necessary, cover or bag the exposed optic before cleaning
off the instrument body. Cover the optic with its lens cap; if one is not
available, use plastic wrap or aluminum foil as a cover, securing it
with a rubber band or string. To prevent accidental scratching or
other damage to the optic, be careful not to rub the dirt or dust into
the optical area.
Lightly dampen a cloth or paper towel with clean water to capture
and lift away the dirt, dust, or mud from the instrument body. Repeat
as needed. The instrument body should be thoroughly cleaned; blot
away any moisture on it using a clean cloth or towel.
Set up the workstation in one of the suggested locations noted in
Section 13.4, such as a vehicle (shown in Fig. 13.3). The field cleaning
kit should be secured on or near the workstation and be easily
accessible. Roll out a clean mat, plastic sheet, or cloth to cover the

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 Cleaning Optics in the Field 197

Figure 13.3 Outdoor work area setup in a vehicle.

surface of the workstation. Next, position the lighting, tools, and

cleaning supplies on the workstation. Use the laboratory layout as a
guide; be as organized as possible.

13.3 Outdoor Lighting

When cleaning optics in the outdoors, the choice of lighting is limited,
so use whatever light resource is available. The best outdoor lighting
source is the sun. Inspect the optics in partial or total shade—do not
look directly at the sun though the optic or at its reflected image off
the optical surfaces. If it is necessary to look through the optic, point
the optic away from the sun (at least 90 deg or more). A blue or cloudy
sky is useful as a diffused light source.
To look at the surfaces, tilt the optic for the best view of the
contamination. Stains, smears, and fingerprints are highly visible
under bright sunlight; they will appear more intense than under a
standard diffused light. Dust and fibers are best viewed under
diffused sky light. Do not be overly concerned about seeing more
contamination under the sun’s glare. Remove only what is causing

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 198 Chapter 13

the concern, as the optic can be thoroughly cleaned later in a controlled

environment.
A small flashlight with either a clear bulb or LEDs (white is
preferred) is a good source of light. Mount or hold the flashlight
~150–250 mm above the work area. Refer to Section 6.1.1 for how to
view instruments.
A map reading light with adjustable positions, or a headband or
hat light will also work. Adjust any of these lights to ~45 deg relative
to the work area. A vehicle’s interior lighting, such as the roof or
overhead light, can also be used.
Other possible lighting sources include a candle, gas/oil lamp,
campfire, or fireplace. Candles and gas/oil lamps were common light
sources in optical shops before electricity, and they worked well then.

13.4 Field Work Area

It is important to protect the instrument or optics from contaminants
while cleaning. An outdoor work area should be as free of dust as
possible, with minimal exposure to the weather (rain, wind, and
pollen). It should ideally be covered on all sides and positioned away
from blowing dust, moisture, and smoke. Possible locations include a
picnic or camping table, vehicle seat, covered truck bed, tailgate, or
inside a tent, RV, or cabin.
The cleaning results will not be the same as working in a
cleanroom or in front of a flow bench. Cleaning will often be limited
to the outer surfaces of the objectives, eyepieces, and camera lenses.
Going beyond general cleaning will depend on the skill of the cleaner,
the level of contamination, and the work area conditions. Minimize
exposure to direct sunlight or windy conditions, as they will quickly
dry the cleaning liquid or evaporate the solvent.
Depending on the size of the optic or instrument, the work area
can be as small as 150 mm × 300 mm, with enough room to arrange
the equipment, cleaning liquids, and tools. Care must be taken to
prevent tools and other small items from rolling off of the work area
or falling onto the area. The work surface should be as firm and fixed
as possible to prevent items from bouncing and moving. The surface

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 Cleaning Optics in the Field 199

Figure 13.4 Outdoor work area set up on a table.

should be flat and preferably made of wood, plastic, or cardboard

(such as the table shown in Fig. 13.4).
A cabin, camper, or RV kitchen is the ideal work area, with access
to a table, overhead lighting, power, water, and a sink. Inside a tent,
the work area can be arranged on top of a sleeping bag or mat covered
with a flat surface.
Be prepared when using optical equipment in outdoor settings, as
there is often a need for unplanned cleaning. Follow the procedures in
previous chapters for cleaning the optic or instrument.

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