# Optical Cassette cleaning
**URL:** https://forum.formlabs.com/t/optical-cassette-cleaning/45383
**Category:** General Discussion
**Created:** [September 10, 2025, 11:23am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/optical-cassette-cleaning/45383 "2025-09-10T11:23:24Z")
**Posts on this page:** 9
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Mrammills](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Mrammills)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2025, 11:23am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/optical-cassette-cleaning/45383/1 "2025-09-10T11:23:24Z")
Hello print gurus. I find cleaning optical cassettes tricky to get perfect. I typically do a full build to print over a weekend with 2 fuses. So I clean cassettes every time. Very time consuming and stressful to me. But I came across a handy tool. The top up card that comes with powder is the same width as the bigger window so after cleaning card and checking for burrs, I wrap a pre wetted soft cloth around card which creates a flat blade and I go in cross hatch direction. The bump in window frame is a bit of a pain but I use less cloths this way and fairly happy with results. Has anyone got any handy tips?
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### Author:  [@DL\_Jon](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/DL_Jon)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2025, 12:54pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/optical-cassette-cleaning/45383/2 "2025-09-10T12:54:42Z")
This [guide](https://support.formlabs.com/s/article/Cleaning-the-Fuse-1-optical-cassette?language=en_US#standard-cleaning) exists, which includes this note: _“_…_Small blemishes or color differences do not affect print success or quality.”_. So we are not looking for perfection here.
I also found that the official recommended cloths and swabs are not the best quality. I have sourced higher quality cloths and swabs that are better suited for ethanol.
I do still loathe cleaning the cassette, however I have found a good rhythm that makes the process less than 10 minutes. I expect a cleaning in 5 days, I can film it to share my process with the community.
Another thing I noted is that a small amount of “fogginess” is acceptable for my prints, I end up cleaning about once every 2 full chamber prints or every 6 small prints.
I do inspect the glass every single time among other preprint checks for every single print.
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### Author:  [@jmasterson](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/jmasterson)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2025, 1:10pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/optical-cassette-cleaning/45383/3 "2025-09-10T13:10:47Z")
@Mrammills this is a great idea, I’m gonna give that a shot next time I clean my cassette.
@DL_Jon I second all this. Cleaning the cassette to perfection is a nightmare. Cleaning it in general is definitely my least favorite part of the printing process. If I see any little white “flares” on the cassette I clean it, but otherwise the little bit of fogginess or those small dot blemishes haven’t caused me any issues. I also purchased the recommended clothes/swabs and hated them. Funny enough, the clothes they sent with my new printer are perfect. Could you share where you’re purchasing your clothes/swabs?
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### Author:  [@henryqiu](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/henryqiu)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2025, 1:11pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/optical-cassette-cleaning/45383/4 "2025-09-10T13:11:10Z")
Hi Jon! Could you please share the cloths and swabs you’ve found to work better, and what it is about them that you like? I’m happy to pass the feedback internally.
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### Author:  [@Mrammills](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Mrammills)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2025, 2:08pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/optical-cassette-cleaning/45383/5 "2025-09-10T14:08:38Z")
The company who trained us, said to clean it every time due to printer running a long as the fog can be etched into glass. The cloth I use is vey good quality they are like silk. The Formlabs photo examples make my machines shudder they are filthy lol. I’m not keen on our swabs can you provide a link with what you use?
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### Author:  [@DL\_Jon](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/DL_Jon)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2025, 11:10pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/optical-cassette-cleaning/45383/6 "2025-09-10T23:10:17Z")
> @henryqiu @Mrammills@jmasterson
>
> Had to locate my TDS files, I have provided a link to the _case_ page:
>
> **Swabs are [Berkshire LTP125](https://berkshire.com/shop/cleanroom-cleaning-swabs/polyester/ltp125/ltp125-5)** - This one is great for its superior IPA Absorption (Ethanol should react similarly). The stick also is flattened to a paddle under the fabric, therefore it will be less likely to damage the glass as well as aid in a better swipe action
>
> **Cloths are [Berkshire Durx 670 4” x 4”](https://berkshire.com/shop/cleanroom-wipes/nonwoven-wipes/durx-670/dr670-0404-10)** - This one is great for its superior IPA Absorption (Ethanol should react similarly), Same for Distilled Water absorption.
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### Author:  [@Andreasemilsson](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Andreasemilsson)
#### Post date: [September 11, 2025, 8:26am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/optical-cassette-cleaning/45383/7 "2025-09-11T08:26:42Z")
I run our 4 Fuse printers on a daily basis. I inspect the optical cassettes after every print and when needed i clean them with the provided materials supplied by Formlabs.
When we run out of them i usually find them on Amazon. Works great.
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### Author:  [@henryqiu](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/henryqiu)
#### Post date: [September 11, 2025, 12:52pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/optical-cassette-cleaning/45383/8 "2025-09-11T12:52:08Z")
We’ll take a look at these, thanks Jon!
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### Author:  [@system](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/system)
#### Post date: [March 13, 2026, 12:52am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/optical-cassette-cleaning/45383/9 "2026-03-13T00:52:21Z")
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