Cleaning mould on lens

[yagon]

On the weekend I pulled out my telescope for the first time in years. In fact the first time since I tried to sell it per the thread below:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=97889

The mould that can be seen in the photo has got a lot worse. I'd like to sell the scope and want to clean the mould for the new owner.

How can I clean mould from the lens without damaging it?

[ZeroID]

'a lot worse' ? Just checked and the original pix were pretty bad. Needs to be cleaned professionally I'd say but that will probably remove the coatings and render the lens and system well below par. Shame to happen to a nice WO scope. I don't think any serious astronomer would have much interest in it afterwards. I don't what it would do to the price.

[dannat]

because you have left it so long the coatings will be wrecked -and basically not repairable [costs too much]
if you are lucky then the lens may be ok...but id hazard a guess youll be selling it for the cost of the tube/focuser.

id sell your other items separately - youll prob get more that way

hit the inside [ie no edges] of the lens with acetone - make sure whatever cloth you use is nice & moist--dry will scr further. also keep the acetone away from the edges [you dont want it getting to the lens rings] ; make sure to rinse it off with distilled water

[LewisM]

I would say the coatings at this stage are beyond help. They were close to it when originally photographed. The mold has most likely eaten into the glass by now.

Best bet is to clean it as best you can using acetone and alcohol and selling it for parts. Perhaps someone could make an OK solar scope out of it, or a guidescope for an imager.

Shame - I hate seeing ANYTHING fluorite damaged beyond repair.