How to Clean Photographic Lenses

Many novice photographers clean their camera lenses in the same manner they do their glasses or bathroom mirror. This is dangerous and can damage or destroy even a sturdy lens. There are proper techniques to follow in order to keep lenses clean and damage-free.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Photographic lens cleaning fluid
• Photo lens tissue
• Cotton swabs
• Camel hair lens brush
• Ear syringe or pressurized air

1. Use a clean camel’s hair brush to wisk-away dust from the lens surface. If the lens is removable, take it off the camera and dust the rear lens surface as well.

2. Use an ear syringe or pressurized air to blow away remaining dust and dirt, particularly particles that get caught in the edges. It is best not to breathe on the lens, because the moisture in your breath can cause dirt to stick to the lens, causing later corrosion.

3. Moisten the tip of a cotton swab with a drop of lens cleaning fluid and gently swirl the tip over the lens surface. Work in a limited circular area about half the size of the lens’ diameter, gradually increasing the size of the circle until the whole lens has been covered.

4. Tear a piece of lens tissue in half and roll one half into a small cylinder. Now dry the lens by gently brushing the surface with the frayed end of the torn piece of tissue. Move the tissue in the same swirling motion used with the cotton swab.

Tips & Warnings

• Never touch a lens surface with anything other than a clean lens tissue, a cotton swab or lens brush and never try to dismantle a lens in order to clean an inner element.
• Never use a piece of lens tissue more than once.