
15
Now, remove the mirror from the mirror cell by removing the
three mirror clips that secure the mirror in its cell. Use a
Phillips head screwdriver to unthread the mirror clip anchor
screws. Next, hold the mirror by its edge, and remove it from
the mirror cell. Be careful not to touch the aluminized surface
of the mirror with your fingers. Set the mirror on a clean, soft
towel. Fill a clean sink, free of abrasive cleanser, with room-
temperature water, a few drops of liquid dishwashing
detergent, and if possible, a capful of rubbing alcohol.
Submerge the mirror (aluminized face up) in the water and let
it soak for several minutes (or hours if it is a very dirty mirror).
Wipe the mirror underwater with clean cotton balls, using
extremely light pressure and stroking in straight lines across
the surface. Use one ball for each wipe across the mirror.
Then rinse the mirror under a stream of lukewarm water. Any
particles on the surface can be swabbed gently with a series
of clean cotton balls, each used just one time. Dry the mirror
in a stream of air (a “blower bulb” works great), or remove any
stray drops of water with the corner of a paper towel. Water
will run off a clean surface. Dry the bottom and the edges with
a towel (not the mirror surface!). Cover the mirror surface with
Kleenex, and leave the entire assembly in a warm area until it
is completely dry before reassembling the telescope.