How to Store a Microscope

While the light compound and stereo microscopes have a plastic or metal body, some microscopic components are fragile. Thus, you must handle microscopes with care when moving them from one place to another or storing them. Storing microscopes requires immense care to ensure you do not damage any of the sensitive parts of the microscopes. Inadequate storage may also cause problems in the assembly besides glass components. This article brings you all details on how to store a microscope.

How to Store a Microscope – Step by Step

Clean the Microscope

The first step in storing your microscope is to clean it thoroughly after use. Here’s how you can clean it:

Make sure to wash your hands properly before handling the microscope to avoid transferring germs.
Spray compressed air onto the microscope to remove dust particles as much as possible; do not spray the lenses.
Now, clean the microscope slides and lenses with a lens cleaning liquid and lens paper. Alternatively, you can use a lint-free microfiber cloth.
Wipe the arm, tube, base, and stage of the microscope using a clean cloth to remove dust.

Preparing the Microscope for Storage

The next part of the process is to prepare the microscope for storage and next time usage.

Disinfect the eyepiece and revolving nosepiece to avoid germ transfer via eyes, mouth, or hands.
Change the objective lenses to the lowest power to keep them working longer.
Move the lenses toward the center of the microscope stage, and make sure to keep the stage at the lowest position.
Remember to turn off the microscope’s light as it can overheat and blow up if left on for a long period.
Unplug and wrap the cord to avoid tangling or damaging the wire while keeping away the microscope. You may use a zip or cord tie to keep the wire secured.

Storing Your Microscope

The last step of how to store a microscope is covering it with a dust cover to prevent dust from accumulating on your microscope before shifting it to the cabinet.
Ensure the cords are unplugged so they do not get damaged when moving the microscope.
Next, carry the microscope carefully to a flat surface where you want to store it.
Slowly place the microscope in the cabinet, avoiding dropping it suddenly.

6 Tips for Storing the Microscope

Store the microscope in a dry place.
Always cover the microscope with the dust cover when not in use.
If you store the microscope in a container, ensure it is the right size.
Do not keep the microscope in direct sunlight, as it can influence the imaging quality.
Store the microscope in a waterproof box with a drying agent in humid areas.
Keep the microscope in an upright position to avoid damaging any of the components.

Though you now know how to store a microscope, students can easily take care of student microscopes in their respective institutes. But, you may wonder why so much care is needed regarding microscope storage.

Why Should You Store the Microscope Carefully?

Dust Protection

Keeping your microscope covered in the dust cover in a cabinet helps protect it from dust. Continuous dust accumulation on the surface can hinder the adequate functioning of the instrument.

Damage Care

Leaving the microscope on the shelf can lead to damage in case of carelessness. Storing the microscope properly saves the microscope from physical damage.

Lens Protection

Lenses are the most sensitive part of any type of microscope, and you must clean them thoroughly to increase their lifespan. Also, keep them at a lower magnification when storing the microscope to avoid deterioration.

Protection Against Environment

Enclosing the microscope properly in its dust bag in a cabinet saves it from environmental damage, including temperature fluctuations and moisture.

How to Clean Your Microscope?

You must clean your microscope with care to not damage any parts. Furthermore, it is also not suitable to wipe the microscope lenses.

Add a few drops of lens cleaning liquid onto the lens paper and wipe gently. Work in circular motions from the inside to the outside to remove germs and dirt. The cleaning liquid helps remove dirt and also disinfects the lenses.

How to Maintain your Microscope?

While microscopes go years without needing repairing, if you use them carefully, annual maintenance can help increase their lifespan. You can get it inspected and lubricated by the local microscope dealer or do it yourself.

Keep the lenses and the microscope body clean and inspect the plugs and power cords for safety. Moreover, clean and lubricate the moving parts of the microscope.

Microscope Safety Tips

Use two hands to lift the microscope to make sure you do not drop it.
Use a soft brush to clean the plastic assembly and remove marks from the lens with lens paper.
Clean the microscope thoroughly with a microfiber cloth and dry it properly.
Wipe the microscope lens with lens paper before and after use.
Do not touch the lenses with your hands for any reason.
Gently make adjustments and focus slowly to avoid damaging the optics.

The Bottom Line

Microscopes are sturdy lab instruments that help observe microbes and other samples invisible to the naked eye. However, they also have delicate components that may get damaged if stored improperly. Students often wonder, “How to store a microscope properly?” You must clean it thoroughly, cover it with the dust cover, and place it in the cabinet with both hands carefully.

FAQs

How often should you clean a microscope?

To ensure the smooth working of the microscope, you must clean it regularly, at least once a month. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe off the dust and germs. Remove dirt and germs from the lenses using a lens paper.

When storing a microscope in what position should the mechanical stage be?

When storing a microscope, you must keep the mechanical stage in the lowest position, as the objective lenses are sensitive. Storing the microscope with the mechanical stage in a higher position for a long time can damage the objectives.

Should you always store your microscope?

Yes, you must always store your microscope in its dust cover when not in use to avoid physical and environmental damage. Keeping the microscope stored properly also saves the lenses from dust and scratches.

How should the microscope be stored when not used?

Cover the microscope with its dust cover after proper cleaning when not in use. You can also add another layer of protection by transferring the assembly to a microscope box.

Should the microscope be stored with the oil?

No, you must always clean the lenses, including the oil immersion lens, to protect them long term. Also, never leave the microscope with the oil immersion lens over the stage; turn it to a low-power objective lens.