How to Clean a Camera Lens

Tap to Read ➤ Puja Lalwani

The beauty of a photograph also depends on the cleanliness of the lens. Learn how to clean a camera lens, and avoid those tiny imperfections in your otherwise perfect photograph.

Many of us are passionate about photography, but maintaining our cameras is something we tend to overlook. Over a period of time, you may have noticed that the pictures are not as crisp and clear as they used to be.

This may be because of dirt, dust, and fungus that may have collected on the lens. The good news is that you can clean it yourself easily, and improve the quality of your picture.

Cleaning Tips

It is essential to be delicate with your camera while cleaning it, as any errors in handling it can cause permanently damage.

Dust collected in the lens can cause scratches. Using a soft brush, gently clear all dust particles.

It is important to use a soft material dipped in a lens cleaning solution.

The best option to do so is a microfiber cloth, with the next best option being a cotton swab. Follow it up by cleaning it with a dry cloth or cotton swab, in a circular motion, to prevent any marks from being left behind.

Allow the lens to dry before placing the cover or rearranging the filter.

Avoid the use of heavy pressure that can easily damage the lens. To clean the filter, dismantle it and follow the same aforementioned procedure. You will notice the change in the quality of your photographs.

How to Clean Fungus

Camera lenses can also be infested with various types of fungi. However, it is a myth that, once infested, the lens is beyond repair. Lots of people also assume, that by attempting to repair a camera infested by fungus, they run the risk of transferring the infestation to other objects around.

However, infestation of fungi is preventable and curable. There are also waterproof digital cameras that may never face this problem. It is only in some cases, where the fungi is etched on to the coating of the lens, that it is not economically viable to repair the camera or the lens.

The first step to eliminate fungus is to dismantle the setup of the lens. This is important to assess the damage caused by the fungus. Sometimes the fungus is cemented in between the lens. In such cases, attempting to repair it on your own is not a wise option. Most fungi cause little damage and can be cured by using vinegar with its antifungal properties.

Another solution to clear the fungus is to soak the lens for at least an hour in a concoction made of 94% distilled water, 4% clear ammonia, and 2% hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide is also rich in antifungal properties and clears any fungal spores. In case, you have noticed a mild attack of fungus on the lens, firing it continuously with an electronic flash gun will clear the fungus temporarily. It will also help eliminate the infestation that may have spread to other inaccessible parts of the camera.

A chemical called thymol is present in herbs such as thyme and oregano. Placing a sachet of these in the kit may prove helpful in eliminating the fungus. Do remember that after performing any kind of cleaning operation, it is imperative that you thoroughly dry the apparatus, or prepare yourself to welcome another fungal attack.

Prevent the occurrence of a fungal infestation, by keeping the camera in dry and well-lit places. Fungi love humidity and darkness, and those are exactly the conditions that need to be avoided.

Using silica gel sachets is an effective way to prevent the growth of fungus. Also, avoid carrying food and water in the same kit as your camera. A fungal infestation is most likely to take place in the presence of moisture.

All in all, the best way to maintain the sharpness of your camera is to simply prevent it from getting dirty. This way you can preserve it for longer and you will be able to click desirable pictures. Nonetheless, even if your camera does get dirty, the aforementioned tips are sure to help you clean it up and make it as good as new; so click away!