How Do You Stain Microscope Slides With Household Chemicals?
In “The World of the Microscope,” Oxlade and Stockley explain that stains help differentiate parts of organisms, such as cell walls and nuclei, by increasing contrast and detail. Transparent organisms such as bacteria and plankton may be easily seen under a microscope when they or their backgrounds are stained. Several inexpensive, readily available household chemicals can be effectively used as amateur microscopy stains for plant and animal tissues, blood, fungi, and microbes. In “Some Stains for Amateur Microscopy,” Walling finds that slides created using simple semipermanent mounts and noncommercial stains may last for years. Dilute one drop red or blue food coloring in 1 oz. (30 mL) water, according to C. Thorsten, author of “A Five-Minute Food Color Stain for Microscopy.” Or, for greater detail and contrast, mix one or two drops each of red and blue food coloring, five drops water, two to three drops white vinegar, and three to five drops rubbing alcohol. Follow step 1 in the Simp
