There is no substitute for good microscope care. A unit that is stored and covered, with its lens protected in a constant temperature/ humidity environment, which is dust free (in the laboratory away from acid wash areas) speaks for itself. During cleaning, oculars in particular, microscope rubes should be covered to prevent entry of dust. A lens should be inspected with a view to cleaning if there is a lack of contrast, cloudiness or poor definition in the images it produces.

While extolling the virtue of cleaning microscope components, it should be emphasized that cleaning can cause considerable damage if it is done incorrectly.