Optic Cleaning Supplies


  • Wipes, Tissues, Forceps, & Dusters
  • Wash & Dropper and Dispenser Bottles
  • Polymer Solution Cleaning Kits

B2939

Wash & Dropper Bottle Kit

BD8

Solvent Dispenser

CTA10

Cotton-Tipped Applicators

MC-5

Lens Cleaning Tissues

CA4-US

Duster

PCK2

Red First Contact® Polymer
Regular All-Inclusive Cleaning Kit

Related Items


Please Wait
Optic Cleaning Tutorial

Thorlabs offers the following line of supplies to clean and maintain your optical components:

  • Optic Cleaning: Optical Cleaning Pads, Optical Cleaning Tissues, Cotton-Tipped Applicators, Forceps, and Red First Contact®† Polymer Cleaning Kits
  • Connector Cleaning: Kimwipes®‡ Boxes and Cotton-Tipped Applicators
  • Dusters: Cans of Compressed Propellant
  • Wash & Dropper Bottles Kit: Four Wash Bottles and Three Dropper Bottles All Clearly Marked for Common Laboratory Solvents (Solvents Not Included)
  • One-Touch Pump Dispenser: Minimizes Solvent Evaporation When Cleaning Optics

First Contact® is a registered trademark of Photonic Cleaning Technologies, LLC.
Kimwipes® is a registered trademark of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

B2939 SmartPack Packaging
Click to Enlarge

Updated B2939 Packaging
Smart Pack

Smart Pack Goals

  • Reduce Weight of Packaging
  • Increase Usage of Recyclable Materials
  • Improve Packing Integrity
  • Decrease Shipping Costs

Thorlabs' Smart Pack Initiative is aimed at minimizing waste while providing adequate protection for our products. By eliminating any unnecessary packaging, implementing design changes, and utilizing eco-friendly materials, this initiative seeks to reduce the environmental impact of our product packaging. 

The updated B2939 packaging primarily consists of recycled paper and cardboard and weighs 23% less than the original packaging. This weight change results in a 70.86 kg reduction in travel-based CO2 emissions per year, based on typical product sales.

As we move through our product line, we will indicate re-engineered, eco-friendly packaging with our Smart Pack logo, which can be seen above.


Posted Comments:
D. S.  (posted 2024-09-27 09:09:58.153)
Hi, what is happening with the optical tissues MC-5 (and MC-50E)? Recent batches seem less soft (a lot harder) than previously. Also, lead time has been increased to three weeks. This is a basic but fundamental item for any optical production operation. Can you comment on these developments so that we would know what to expect in the future. Is this production going to be changed, discontinued, etc. ?
EGies  (posted 2024-11-01 01:13:02.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs, and for notifying us of the issues you've been seeing with MC-5 and MC-50E. The manufacturing process for these parts has not changed in recent years, and there are currently no planned production changes for the future. I have reached out to you directly regarding the particular lots of product you received in order to evaluate potential causes.
user  (posted 2021-10-12 18:55:24.24)
Does Thorlabs sell just the dropper bottles? I do not need the wash bottles.
YLohia  (posted 2021-10-15 11:19:16.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Custom or component level parts can be requested by contacting your local Thorlabs distributor (in your case Laser 21 Pte Ltd. P: +(65) 6565 1221 / E: sales@laser-21.com). We will discuss the pricing and lead time directly.
user  (posted 2018-09-24 14:30:15.053)
Please bring back the small (30mL?) glass dropper bottles for solvents sold apart from the large squirt bottles. Thank you!
llamb  (posted 2018-09-27 11:41:33.0)
Thank you for your feedback. The glass dropper bottle was superseded because its rubber dropper portion would deteriorate within 1-2 years and contaminate the solvent inside the bottle. We moved to these plastic dropper bottles that are made from non-reactive plastic instead to avoid this contamination. While we are not planning on bringing the glass bottle back at this time, we may be able to offer a special offering of it. Please email techsupport@thorlabs.com if you would prefer this option, though keep in mind the potential contamination.
user  (posted 2014-09-17 12:13:41.8)
I have the same issue as Makarov. Our BD8 dispenser bottle refuses to fountain (even when sitting on a flat surface). It seemed to work initially, but stopped soon after purchase in May 2013 (maybe because the level dropped below the half way mark, as Makarov observed).
jlow  (posted 2014-09-18 04:36:11.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: Since you did not leave your contact information, can you contact our RMA department please? We can arrange to have a new one sent to you.
makarov  (posted 2013-12-02 20:50:46.217)
We can't get the bottle to work unless it's full. When it's filled under 1/2, no amount of pressing or shaking gets ethanol fountaining. The pump does not work. Is there any trick we're missing?
cdaly  (posted 2013-12-05 02:08:40.0)
Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Thank you for using our feedback tool. The bottle should sit on a flat surface. You should not need to pick up, shake or squeeze the bottle. If you open the lid and push down on the top, suction will draw fluid up and create a small pool in the reservoir. If you turn the bottle sideways, it cannot work when the level is below halfway since the liquid will not make it to the end of the hose inside.
klee  (posted 2009-09-28 11:15:48.0)
A response from Ken at Thorlabls to d.sarkar: We do not sell any chemicals. We only sell the empty bottles used to store them.
d.sarkar  (posted 2009-09-28 09:51:43.0)
Dear Sir/Madam, do you offer Methanol (spectroscopic grade) ? Kind regards, Dipankar Dipankar Sarkar University of Sheffield
Back to Top

Premium Optical Cleaning Pads

Optical Cleaning Pads
Click to Enlarge

Handi-Pad Application

Webril® Handi-Pads (Item # CP-100)

  • Pure Cotton, Non-Woven, Low Lint, Absorbent
  • 100 Pads per Pack
  • Nominal Single Sheet Dimension: 4" x 8" (100 mm x 200 mm)

The Handi-Pads are plush non-woven cotton pads. Each 4" x 8" pad is folded in half (4" x 4") prior to packaging so that a pure, uncontaminated pad surface is available even if the package is opened in a non-cleanroom environment. These pads are free from contaminants and adhesives, which make them ideal for use with optics cleaning solvents. The large plush pad allows the user to make a single continuous wipe across the entire surface of the optic being cleaned, even if the surface is curved such as with a lens. The pad can also be used to wrap optics before placing them in a storage container.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CP-100 Support Documentation
CP-100Handi-Pads 4" x 8" (4" x 4" Folded), 100 Wipes per Package
$13.90
3-5 Days
Back to Top

Premium Optical Cleaning Tissues

Lens Tissues (Item # MC-5)

  • Extremely Soft, Premium Grade Sheets (25 Sheets per Booklet, 5 Booklets per Pack)
  • Single Sheet Dimension: 4.9" x 2.9" (124 x 73 mm)
  • Meets U.S. Government Lens Tissue Specification A-A-50177B

Bulk Lens Tissues (Item # MC-50E)

  • Extremely Soft, Premium Grade Sheets (25 Sheets per Booklet, 50 Booklets per Box)
  • Recloseable Box for Easy Storage
  • Meets U.S. Government Lens Tissue Specification A-A-50177B

Lens tissues are 4.9" x 2.9" (124 x 73 mm) organic fiber sheets free from contaminants and adhesives, which makes them ideal for cleaning high-grade optics with or without the use of optic-cleaning solvents. Lens tissue will not leave lint or fibers on the optic and can be used to wrap an optic before placing it in a storage container.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
MC-5 Support Documentation
MC-5Lens Tissues, 25 Sheets per Booklet, 5 Booklets
$11.66
3-5 Days
MC-50E Support Documentation
MC-50ELens Tissues, 25 Sheets per Booklet, 50 Booklets in a Closeable Box
$92.88
3-5 Days
Back to Top

Forceps

FCP Forceps for Cleaning Optics
Click to Enlarge

Optic Cleaning Using Forceps and Lens Tissue Paper
  • Fabricated from Solid Stainless Steel
  • Straight and Angled Versions Available
  • Locking Grip Ideal for use with Lens Tissue Paper for Optics Cleaning

Thorlabs offers stainless steel forceps that are equipped with narrow tips for holding small objects. The locking grip on the forceps can be used to keep the tips in a closed position. The FCPA features an angled tip while the FCP has a straight tip.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
FCP Support Documentation
FCPForceps, Solid Stainless Steel
$19.91
3-5 Days
FCPA Support Documentation
FCPACustomer Inspired! Angled Forceps, Solid Stainless Steel
$19.91
3-5 Days
Back to Top

Red First Contact® Polymer Optics Cleaning Kits

Item # PCK1 PCK2 PCK3
Component Quantity
15 mL Red Formula Applicator Bottle 1
29 mL Red Formula Refill Bottle 2 2 4
29 mL Thinner Bottle for Brush Cleaning - 1 -
Fan Brush - 1 -
Peel Tabs 25
Pipette 1 5 1
Unwaxed Dental Floss Sample 12 m Sample
Chemically Inert Mesh Sample 5 - 3" x 3" Sheets Sample
  • Polymer-Based Cleaning Formula for Safe, Residue-Free Optic Cleaning 
  • Suitable for Cleaning Diffraction Gratings and other Sensitive Optics
  • Dried Polymer Film Peels off, Removing Trapped Particles

Thorlabs offers Red First Contact®† Polymer Cleaning Kits, which feature a red polymer solution that conforms to the contours of a surface, dissolving organic material and trapping any additional particles before drying as a film. The polymer can then be carefully peeled off the substrate, leaving behind a spotless surface with no residue.

Each kit includes a 15 mL applicator bottle and refill bottles of the red polymer solution; please refer to the table above for a list of the components offered in each kit. The solution can be applied to a substrate using either the included pipette(s) or applicator bottle; for larger objects it can be poured directly onto the surface and then spread. The All-Inclusive Kit (Item # PCK2) also includes a fan brush for spreading the polymer onto a substrate and thinner for cleaning the solution off the brush. The polymer can be spread with a brush using the polymer's surface tension; the bristles should not come into contact with the substrate. The included peel tabs, floss, and inert mesh can be used to cleanly remove this film, leaving behind the contaminant-free optic with no residue. This formula is carefully designed for use with sensitive substrates like diffraction gratings and AR-coated optics without damaging their structure and performance. The red formula polymer should not be used with reactive plastics or other materials that could not be cleaned with acetone.

First Contact® is a registered trademark of Photonic Cleaning Technologies, LLC.

Note: No more than 500 mL of fluid can be shipped without a surcharge. If ordering more than the following quantities of each kit, products will be shipped in multiple packages: 6 of Item # PCK1, 4 of Item # PCK2, or 3 of Item # PCK3.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
PCK1 Support Documentation
PCK1NEW!Red First Contact® Polymer Regular Cleaning Kit for Optics
$185.00
3-5 Days
PCK2 Support Documentation
PCK2NEW!Red First Contact® Polymer Regular All-Inclusive Cleaning Kit for Optics
$230.45
3-5 Days
PCK3 Support Documentation
PCK3NEW!Red First Contact® Polymer Deluxe Cleaning Kit for Optics
$280.00
3-5 Days
Back to Top

Kimwipes® and Cotton-Tipped Applicators

Kimwipes®† (Item # KW32)

  • 4.4" x 8.4" (11.2 cm x 21.3 cm), Durable, Absorbent, Extra Low Lint Sheets
  • Ideal for Cleaning Connectors between Polishing Steps
  • 280 Kimwipes per Box, 12 Boxes per Case (This Item is Sold by the Case)

Cotton-Tipped Applicators (Item # CTA10)

  • 6" Wood Stick Disposable Applicators with Cotton Tips (100 per Pack)
  • Appropriate for Cleaning Connectors or Optics

Kimwipes® are durable, low-lint sheets and the cotton-tipped applicators are nonabrasive, disposable swabs. Both the Kimwipes and the cotton-tipped applicators are appropriate for cleaning optical fiber connectors. Additionally, the cotton-tipped applicators are optical grade, meaning they are nonabrasive and will not deposit contaminants, making them appropriate for cleaning optics (see our Optics Handling and Care Tutorial for details).

Please note that Kimwipes are sold in cases, with 12 boxes per case and 280 Kimwipes per box, and are not ideal for cleaning optics. Instead, we recommend using the MC-5 lens tissues to clean optics. We do not recommend using the cotton-tipped applicators with acetone.

Kimwipes® is a registered trademark of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
KW32 Support Documentation
KW32Kimwipes®, 280 Kimwipes per Box, 12 Boxes Per Case
$52.98
3-5 Days
CTA10 Support Documentation
CTA10Optical Grade Cotton-Tipped Applicators, 100 Per Pack
$5.11
3-5 Days
Back to Top

Dusters with Low Global Warming Potential

  • Non-Flammable HFO-1234ze Propellant
  • Integrated Plastic Nozzle
  • Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 6
  • Zero Ozone Depletion Potential

Thorlabs offers the CA4-US and CA6-EU Eco-Friendly Air Dusters. These dusters evaporate HFO-1234ze to create high pressure gusts. These general use dusting cans are ideal for cleaning and maintaining optical and electrical equipment while leaving no residue. Due to different nations' regulations, we offer two versions of this product: the CA4-US is compliant in the United States and Canada, while the CA6-EU is compliant in the European Union. These dusters are chemically identical, but have different packaging and volumes; the -US version contains 10 ounces, while the -EU version contains 400 mL. Be sure to check with your government's regulations before ordering either product. The labels for the CA4-US can be downloaded by clicking here and the CA6-EU by clicking here.

Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Global Warming Potential according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency is a measure of how much energy the emissions of 1 ton of a gas will absorb over a given time, relative to the emissions of 1 ton of carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 is defined as having a GWP of 1. GWP is usually estimated for a 100-year time horizon, but other methods may be used. The higher the GWP of a gas, the more energy it can trap in Earth's atmosphere, correlating to a higher average global temperature. For a point of comparison, methane (CH4) is listed as having a GWP of between 21 and 25. This duster's propellant, HFO-1234ze (1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene), is phototransformed in the air with ~100% degradation observed by 14 days, and has a GWP of 6. 

Shipping Concerns
Please note that these items are classified as a dangerous good in some countries. Depending on the delivery location, this item may need to be shipped separately from the rest of your order at an additional charge. These items are stocked within the USA and Germany. Please contact our sales department if there are questions or concerns when placing an order for dusters.

The attached MSDS, found by clicking the () icon, is given in over twenty languages. 

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CA4-US Support Documentation
CA4-USCustomer Inspired! United States and Canada Compliant Duster w/ Integrated Nozzle, 10 wt oz
$26.30
3-5 Days
CA6-EU Support Documentation
CA6-EUEuropean Union Compliant Duster w/ Integrated Nozzle, 400 mL
$28.10 *
N/A

* This item cannot be shipped to your country. Please contact a customer service representative to assist you at 1-973-300-3000

Back to Top

Wash and Dropper Bottles

Alternate Wash Bottles
Click to Enlarge

Wash bottle appearance may vary from set to set.
  • Four 500 mL Wash Bottles Labeled for Acetone, Methanol, Distilled Water, and Isopropanol (Solvents Not Included)
  • Three 30 mL Dropper Bottles Labeled for Acetone, Methanol, and Propanol (Solvents Not Included)

These plastic wash bottles are ideal for the storage and dispensing of common laboratory cleaning solvents. The small dropper bottles are made from non-reactive plastic and recommended for dispensing cleaning fluids for laser grade optics. Each bottle is clearly labeled and the large bottles are color coded to help prevent misidentification of the solvents. 

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
B2939 Support Documentation
B2939Kit: 4 Wash Bottles and 3 Dropper Bottles
$83.11
3-5 Days
Back to Top

Solvent Dispenser Bottle

  • One-Handed Operation
  • Holds Up to 8 oz (236.59 mL) of Solvent

This one-touch pump dispenser bottle is great for minimizing evaporation of solvents when cleaning optics with a swab or brush. Simply flip up the cap and press down on the spring-loaded top to fill the shallow reservoir with solvent. The bottle has a capacity of 8 oz and is suitable for most solvents, including acetone, gasoline, propanol, MEK, toluene, turpentine, and water. Eighteen pre-labeled and two blank self-adhesive labels are included.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
BD8 Support Documentation
BD88 oz One-Touch Pump Dispenser
$24.00
3-5 Days