Cleaning Your Dermatoscope

The steps (and supplies) needed to clean your Dermlite dermatoscope essentially parallel those of cleaning other high-end optics, like cameras and coated eyeglass lenses. A tip for easily finding the right cleaning supplies would be to simply look for quality camera or eyeglass cleaning kits.

• Microfiber Cloth: Soft, lint-free, and less likely to scratch or leave residue.
• Optical Lens Tissue: Single-use tissue that is specifically designed not to scratch coatings.
• Lens Cleaning Solution: Alcohol-based or specialized lens-cleaning fluids are typically safe for most dermatoscope lenses. Ensure any product you use is approved for anti-reflective coatings.
• Compressed Air or Lens Blower (optional): Useful for gently removing dust from the lens surface before wiping.
• 70% Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes (for sterilization steps): Ensure that they do not contain additional chemicals that might damage the lens coating.*
• Soft Lens Brush (optional): Helps remove larger dust particles from edges or crevices, preventing scratches during wiping.

1. Initial Dust Removal: Use compressed air or a gentle lens blower to remove larger dust particles. If you have a soft lens brush, use it to lightly brush away debris from the lens and surrounding surfaces.

2. Applying Cleaning Solution: Do not spray or apply cleaning fluids directly onto the lens. Instead, apply 1–2 drops to a microfiber cloth or lens tissue. This prevents liquid from seeping into seams around the lens and minimizes the risk of damaging internal components.

3. Wiping the Lens: Using a gentle circular motion, start at the center of the lens and move outward toward the edges. Apply only light pressure to avoid warping or scratching the lens coatings. If the lens surface is very dirty, you may need to repeat with fresh cloth or lens tissue. Change cloth or tissue when it accumulates noticeable dirt or moisture.

4. Surface and Body Cleaning: Wipe down the exterior surfaces (including handles, on/off switches) with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. If needed for infection control, use a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe, but avoid saturation. Excess liquid can infiltrate electronic components or degrade rubber seals.

5. Drying: Use a clean, dry portion of the microfiber cloth (or a new lens tissue) to remove any residual moisture. Inspect under a strong light source to ensure no streaks or smudges remain on the lens.

With proper care and maintenance, your dermatoscope should last for quite a few years and many thousands of uses before requiring any significant service or repair.