Primary Mirror Cleaning

[Wombat68 (Trevor)]

I have a Skywatcher 8" Dobs scope.
To be honest I have always avoided doing collimation but after looking at a 'how to' on youtube it seemed fairly straight forward.
Collimation was as per the video - pretty easy and straight forward to do.
I did notice however that the primary mirror seemed noticeably dirty.

Would love some advice on the best way to clean this mirror would be.

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

First observation would be, try not to look too hard at your primary, especially if that involves shining any light on it. It will always look ghastly.

Second one would be if you absolutely must clean it, this guide http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-345-0-0-1-0.html worked for me.
Reassembly will be slightly different as the make is different, but same principles apply. Mistake I made was over tightening the mirror clips which made the stars all look triangular!!

Remember, a mirror has to be pretty dirty before it seriously affects the image.

Cheers
Malcolm

[Don Pensack]

It's just as easy to clean a mirror as it is to collimate it--maybe easier.
Watch this short video and never fear doing it again:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y8xFnXFVGQ
It's an excellent technique and very unlikely to damage or scratch anything.

[glend (Glen)]

I agree with Don and use the techniques in the utube video. Clean it whenever you think it needs to be done, but obviously any removal of the mirror, cleaning, and reinstall represents an opportunity for accidental damage so be careful, but not obsessive.

[AlexN]

A mirror needs to be pretty grubby before it will affect your view. I wouldn't get too carried away.

[Wombat68 (Trevor)]

Thanks for the advice everyone......very much appreciated