Your cameras can fall victim to dust, dirt, cobwebs, and weather. Cleaning your security camera lens will ensure years of foolproof service. Clearing the housing from any debris while carefully cleaning the surveillance camera lens will provide a crystal-clear picture of your property at all times. It would be best to clean your security camera lens on each unit at least every three or four months.

Step 1: Prepare the tools

• A microfiber cloth 
• Glass Cleaner 
• Bug/Spider Spray 
• A Ladder (optional) – This helps you access high-mounted cameras

Step 2: Prep the area 

Unplug corded cameras. Battery-operated cameras and video doorbells only need special prep if you have to do a deep clean, which may require removing the battery or turning off the power to the doorbell.

You’ll need a secure ladder if your cameras are installed in a high location. Although you may be tempted to use a broom to brush away cobwebs, this can scratch the outside of the camera and, more importantly, the lens—and you don’t want those scratches to be evident on every future recording.

Step 3: Clean the camera and lens

If there is a lot of dirt or debris on the outside of your dome or bullet security camera, you can use a soft brush to sweep it away gently. Avoid using anything abrasive like tissue paper or paper towels, as these could potentially scratch or damage the lens surface. Then you can use canned air to gently blow any dust or debris off the lens and surrounding areas. Take care not to focus on one area for too long, as this can cause friction and impact picture quality over time.

Once you have removed loose dirt, it’s time to apply the microfiber cloth. Apply a few drops of lens cleaning solution onto a microfiber cloth. Gently wipe the lens with the cloth using a circular motion, starting from the center and working your way outwards. Do not apply too much pressure, as this can scratch the lens.

Finally, dry off any remaining moisture from the lens surface with another dry microfiber cloth. It would be best to be careful not to rub too hard and risk scratching the lens.

For outdoor cameras, spray around the camera area with bug and spider repellant annually.

Step 4: Reconnect the camera

After you have cleaned the lens, now you should securely connect the cables before turning back on the power source for your CCTV camera.

Ensure that you securely tighten any screws or fasteners you may have removed during the cleaning process.

When cleaning a security camera lens, there are certain things you should avoid doing to prevent damaging the lens or affecting the camera’s performance.

Here are some useful tips for you:

• Don’t use harsh chemicals. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaning agents, as they can damage the lens coating or leave streaks on the lens.
• Don’t use abrasive materials. You’d better not use abrasive materials like scouring pads, paper towels, or tissues, as they can scratch the lens surface and cause permanent damage.
• Don’t blow directly onto the lens. Never blow directly into your lens since this could cause dust particles to get lodged inside your camera.
• Don’t touch the lens with your fingers. Touching the lens with your fingers can leave oil, fingerprints, or smudges that can affect the quality of the footage. Always use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the lens.
• Don’t apply too much pressure. Applying too much pressure while cleaning the lens can damage the lens. Instead, you should use a gentle, circular motion to wipe the lens.
• Don’t clean the camera in extreme weather conditions. Avoid cleaning the camera lens in extreme weather conditions, such as during heavy rain, snow, or strong winds, as this can damage the camera or put you at risk of injury.

By avoiding these actions, you can safely and effectively clean your security camera lens, ensuring that it performs well in protecting your property.

To sum up, cleaning your security camera lens is an important task that should be noticed. A dirty or smudged lens can negatively affect image quality and impair the effectiveness of your security system.

Following this guide’s steps and bonus tips, you can easily keep your camera lens free of dirt and debris. Remember to clean your camera lens regularly and keep your property safe. Start taking action now!

For more information, please call 317-399-5748