Learning how to use a simple microscope is easier than you think. Even though the simplest microscopes seem to be designed with state of the art technology, don’t let yourself be intimidated by it. A few minutes are all that’s needed to learn how to use it as well as learning important cleaning and maintenance tips along the way.

Tips on How to Use a Simple Microscope

Even though most microscopes have rubber-covered bottoms, it’s still best to find a flat and firm surface to place your microscope on. It’s better if there are lots of space available around the microscope as this will allow you to work in comfort without risking knocking off your microscope. Look for a well-lit area and one with adequate electrical outlets as well.

Plug it in then start with Low Power. Put the sample in place – make sure you position it for optimal viewing - and begin with adjusting the coarse knob. The dark line you see can be used as a pointer for focused areas of your sample. Proceed with adjusting the fine knob.

Adjust the diaphragm. This controls the amount of light being used on your sample. Lesser light used means greater detail so make sure you adjust the diaphragm for lesser instead of more light. Switch only to high power when you’ve configured all settings properly.

Steps for Staining a Slide
Staining is a process of marking key areas of your sample or specimen.

Start by placing a drop of Methylene blue stain on one side of your cover slip and then on the flat side of a paper towel for the cover slip’s other edge. Water will be drawn out by the paper towel, leaving the necessary stain. Repeat the process until you’ve stained the targeted area completely.

Stain only what needs staining. Wipe off excessive stain to avoid marking your microscope’s lenses.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Simple Microscopes
These tips are intended only for simple microscopes. While more complex microscopes are more powerful, they are also more sensitive and thus require professional cleaning and maintenance to keep your investment safe.

Always cover your microscope with the covering provided together with your purchase. If there is none, choose any thick fabric of adequate size to completely protect your microscope from dirt and dust. Make sure you store your microscope with the scanning objective in position.

Wrap and tie up cords properly and systematically when storing. Check them for any damage before plugging. Always have a few extra bulbs handy.

Used slides must be cleaned thoroughly before storage. Dry them properly before returning them to their original boxes.

The lenses of your microscope are best left untouched. Clean them only when they are truly dirty. Use the appropriate materials such as a drop of household ammonia mixed with half a cup of water. Use xylol if there are sticky substances glued to your lenses. You should also use proper lens tissue for wiping and cleaning. Sticky and other hard-to-remove substances could be wiped off with tissues wet with alcohol. Afterwards, make sure to wipe them off again but with dry tissue this time.

If black dots appear through your microscope, try turning the eyepiece. If the spots move as well, this means that they’re stuck to your eyepiece lens. Clean them with the proper lens tissue and if the black spots are inside, use lens paper or a camel hair brush to wipe them off. Using ordinary tissue, paper, brush, or even your fingers is an absolute no-no when cleaning your microscope.

Remove lenses for cleaning only as a last resort. As much as possible, try cleaning it while it’s in place and don’t let it get into contact with any solvent as the cement gluing them into place could melt.

If the image is too dark, go back to adjusting the microscope’s diaphragm because dark images are almost always a result of using too much light.

If you can’t see anything using High Power then this means you haven’t perfectly configured your settings while in Low Power. Go back and start again.

If you haven’t properly locked in your microscope’s objective, only a portion of your field of view will appear clear or well-lit.

For your last piece of advice on how to use a simple microscope, always ask your seller where the serial number of your microscope is located. This is a very important product detail because it lets you know your microscope’s current value and which gadgets it can be connected to.