Originally posted by a5m I'm also glad you found this solution and shared your experience. I may try out your method since it is effective and affordable. Plus there's a joy in using something you made yourself.
I'm guessing you would not get the same results if you had just used tap water. I think distilled water is the key here.
I think the bottom line is that the material you use to wipe the solution on the lens is what's important. I tried the lens tissues but those didn't work. I bought three types, the Rosco ones, Kimwipes, and the ones made by the same company that makes Formula MC. They all didn't do a good job with removing all streaks and smears and required way more effort than necessary to get a mostly perfectly clean surface. I think a cotton cloth like you used or a microfiber cloth is best.
This is something that I have to point out. The 100% cotton has the ability to absorb very well, and it is a factor in using a cleaner to effectively clean the optical glass without leaving streaks/spots of fluid behind. As I said I use one small piece to get a dab of the solution and do the cleaning, then I use another small dry piece to wipe/dry the surface. If you use the solution I am describing, you will notice after first using the dab of solution (wiping with solution) that the solution will start to dry almost right away by itself, so after a few seconds just complete the process by doing the dry wipe with the second cloth lightly. The type cotton cloth I got at Wal Mart in the sewing/fabrics dept. where they have the rolls of cloth is 100% cotton, sort of like off white muslin. It came on about a yard long roll, and I got something near a foot of it for under two dollars. Basically I got a 1 foot by 1 yard piece (2 yards if it was double folded on the roll). I just cut off small pieces as I need it and keep the big piece in a plastic bag to avoid dust. I also have this small, clear, plastic container that is only about 1 inch x 1 inch that has a white snap on lid that I keep a small amount of the solution in to use when I want to. I got a pack of about 6 of them at a "Dollar Tree" store (for a dollar). If you get the isopropyl alcohol, the type I got at Wal Mart was 91% (32 ounce), not the weaker more common type.
---------- Post added 04-12-16 at 09:15 PM ----------
Originally posted by jatrax Well, I checked the bottle of optician recommended stuff I've been using and all it says is: "environmentally safe, alcohol and ammonia free". Hmm, so does that mean it's just distilled water?
I might be making a batch of @C_Jones homebrew.
It may possibly be, you would only find out by seeing a list of its' actual ingredients though. Distilled water does dry more clearly than regular tap water.
I wanted to mention to you that the absorption capability of the 100% cotton is one of the other reasons I use it instead of the microfiber cloth. The 100% cotton muslin is what I use as I mentioned in an earlier post.
So, if you whip up a batch, it is only going to cost you approximately under 4 dollars (Wal Mart) for both the 91% Isopropyl Alcohol and gallon of Great Value (Wal Mart brand) distilled water. The cloth as I mentioned is most likely available there also (100% cotton white or off-white muslin) on rolls. It was only about $1.50 for an approximately 1 foot x 1 yard (2 yard if double folded on fabric roll) piece.
I really had success with the solution, and you usually only have to use a small dab of it on the cotton cloth.