Mirror Cleaning

[vaztr]

Hi All,

After a few years away, I'm finally getting back to the 12" dob (hence all the cloud around the ACT now!!!).
As part of that I thought I'd give the main mirror a clean (lots of dust).
I noticed while cleaning it that it seems very 'cloudy' and not 'mirror like', almost as if the coating is marked. I'm too scared to rub the mirror surface, but did notice that when water was on the surface it looked more 'mirror like'.

Any thoughts?

Thanx

VAZ

[dannat]

might be some grime, did you just wash with water? try some detergent with a soft cloth, if your worried just start at the outer edge

[el_draco]

May be a build up of oil deposits from the air. Had a similar problem once. I used the Bintel cleaning solution and it cleared it away easily. Might be worth a try.

[Shiraz]

won't write it all again - this may be useful http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=153638

[sn1987a]

This video by a mirror maker covers how to do it, pretty much the way I do mine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y8xFnXFVGQ

Source: I have some mirrors :D

[jmiller1001]

I second the mirror cleaning process in the YT video. I had similar grime on my 14.5" Zambuto mirror and used the tried and true Dawn, water and finger method with a DI water rinse. The mirror came out looking new.