How to Clean Your DSLR Camera Lens

Cleaning your camera lens should be a regular part of any camera owner’s duties and if you are starting to notice that smudges are showing up on your photographs then it is maybe time to give it a go.

While cleaning your camera lens is vital to keeping it working and in good quality, it should only be done when the lens is actually dirty – don’t make a habit of doing it too often as this too can have a detrimental effect on the condition of your lens.

To start with, we would suggest using a UV or skylight filter on your lens. This isn’t strictly about cleaning the lens but having one of these filters will help to protect its condition. The more expensive the camera lens was, then the more we would suggest paying for a good UV or sunlight filter. We also advise always using lens hoods and caps to prevent dirt and grit getting to the lens.

For when your lens is visibly dirty, we strongly recommend using lens fluid as it lifts away fingerprints and smudges without leaving any streaks behind. Do not use too much of this at once though, just one or two drops will do and never apply it direct to the camera lens. Place a few drops on a cleaning tissue and then wipe the dirty areas in a circular motion. Never use any fluids containing abrasives or solvents to clean your lens as these too can damage components.

For lesser marks and dirt you can always remove them with the good old breath and wipe technique. Remember – only use fluid when necessary!

Also, never use normal tissues for cleaning your camera lens as these can be too rough and can drag dirt and grit along the surface. Microfiber cloths are ideal for cleaning lenses but if you do use these then make sure you are using a clean one each time or else you’ll just be rubbing old dirt on your camera lens.

For times when you need to remove a little dust from your camera or lens then you can you can usually get this sorted by using a camera blower (pictured left) which are available in most camera stores. Give these clever little things a few squeezes first though to remove any dust which is lying in the device.

Another way to prevent damage to your camera lens is to pop some silica gel sachets in the bottom of your camera bag. Doing this will allow the sachets to draw in any moisture, keeping it away from your expensive equipment! If you’re going to do this then change the bags every so often to keep them fresh.

And finally, to avoid causing any long term damage to your equipment then we suggest avoiding cheaper camera cleaning products. These can often do more bad than good and when it comes to paying a lot for a camera you will obviously want to keep it in the best condition possible.

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