Video:How to Clean Camera Lenses

Transcript:How to Clean Camera Lenses

Hi I'm Sean Fee for About.com and today I'm going to be showing you how to clean your cameras lenses.

Why Should You Clean Camera Lenses?

It is important to protect the glass surface on all of your cameras lenses all of the time. Dirt, dust or smudges will inevitably find their way onto you lens and will appear in every frame you shoot until they are removed.Follow these easy steps to learn how you can properly clean and maintain your lenses.

Supplies Needed to Clean Camera Lenses

What you will need is:

• one lens in need of a clean
• one lens cloth
• some lens cleaner
• lens cleaning paper
• a rocket air blower or some canned air -- I recommend the rocket air blower, it doesn't run out and is easier on the environment
• a lens brush (optional)

Tips for Cleaning Slightly Dusty Camera Lenses

If there is just a bit of dust on the lens simply blow it off or wipe it off with the brush or cloth. Overusing the fluid cleaner can begin to strip the protective layer on some lenses.

Fold the Lens Cloth to Clean Camera Lenses

Step one for a thorough clean: first you will want to blow off any loose particles. Step two: Taking your lens paper, fold it in half twice one way and then in half once again the other way. Now rip it down the middle stopping short of the folded edge. Now fold it once more, joining the ripped edges on one side. Starting at the folded edge, roll this up all the way. All these exposed soft fibers will work really well to safely clean your lens.

Use Lens Cleaner to Clean Camera Lenses

Step three: Take your lens cleaning fluid and apply one drop the the torn fibers. Step four: Working from the middle of the lens out, wipe your lens in a circular motion. This will push unwanted dirt to the outer edge of the lens where it is easier to remove. Step five: Taking your lens cloth you are going to dry your lens by using the same technique as before. Do this until your lens is clean, clear and free of any smudges. If you need to, blow off any loose fibers. Now you should be set and ready to take some great photographs.

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