How should I clean shared lab equipment, such as microscopes in teaching labs?

The UGA Preventative Measures Advisory Board has produced guidelines specifically about ensuring proper hygiene for microscopes, which may be followed for any instrument that includes eye-pieces. After making sure the instrument is turned off, PMAB recommends applying disinfecting solution (at least 70% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol only) to lens paper—do NOT apply directly to the instrument—and wiping down its components, paying particular attention to common touch points such as eye-pieces, focus knobs or stage controllers.