Cleaning Camera Lenses: Distilled Water Method

Keeping your camera lenses clean is essential for maintaining image quality and prolonging their lifespan. While there are various lens cleaning solutions available, distilled water can also be used to clean camera lenses safely and effectively. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when using any liquid to clean lenses, as it can get trapped inside the lens and lead to issues such as fungus growth. Instead, using a slightly damp lens cloth with distilled water is generally recommended. This method can help remove dust, fingerprints, and other oily residues from the lens surface.

Use distilled water to clean the rear of your lens

To use distilled water to clean the rear of your lens, you'll first need to gather the right tools and materials. These include a blower, a soft-bristled brush, a microfiber cloth, lens cleaning liquid, and lens cleaning tissues or paper.

Once you have your materials, start by blowing away any dust or debris from the lens with the blower. This will help remove any loose particles and prevent scratches when wiping the lens. Then, use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush away any remaining dust or dirt. With the lens facing upwards, use gentle sweeping motions from one side of the lens to the other. Be careful not to push down too hard on the brush, as this could cause scratches if a large piece of dirt gets stuck in the bristles.

The next step is to apply a few drops of lens cleaning liquid to a folded lens cleaning tissue or paper. With the lens facing upright, hold it firmly in one hand and gently wipe the surface with the damp tissue, using a side-to-side motion. Once you've wiped the entire surface, use a clean, dry piece of lens cleaning tissue to remove any remaining moisture. Allow the lens to air dry completely before inspecting it for any remaining smudges, fingerprints, or streaks. If necessary, repeat the process until the lens is streak-free.

Finally, finish off with a microfiber cloth to give the lens a sparkling finish. Gently wipe the glass in a left-to-right or circular motion to remove any remaining streaks.

Remember to always handle your lens with care and avoid using too much pressure when cleaning. Additionally, always use lens cleaning liquids specifically designed for this purpose, as other chemicals can damage the lens coating.

Use a blower to remove loose dust and debris

When cleaning your camera lens, the first step is to use a blower to remove loose dust and debris. This is important because if you use a cloth first, you might accidentally scratch the lens while wiping away dust particles.

To do this, position the lens facing upwards and blow across it from a 45-degree angle, moving from one side of the lens to the other. It is better to use a lens blower than to blow with your mouth, as you may accidentally blow saliva onto the lens. With a blower, you can also achieve fast successive puffs of air from one side of the lens to the other.

A blower should always be in your camera bag, especially when you're travelling or shooting outdoors, so that you're always ready for a quick camera-lens cleaning.

Use a soft-bristled brush to remove stubborn dirt

To clean your camera lenses with distilled water, you'll need to use a soft-bristled brush. These brushes are ideal for removing stubborn dirt and keeping your camera lens scratch-free. Here's a detailed guide on how to use a soft-bristled brush effectively:

Firstly, it's important to select the right type of soft-bristled brush. Opt for brushes made with natural materials like camel or goat hair. These natural bristles are gentle on the lens and highly effective at removing dirt without causing scratches. When choosing a brush, avoid those with firm bristles as they can damage the lens.

Before using the brush, ensure your fingers are not oily. Oily residue on the bristles can smudge the lens, defeating the purpose of cleaning. Hold the brush gently and avoid touching the bristles directly.

Now, gently brush the camera lens with light, circular motions. Start from the centre and work your way outwards. This technique will lift and remove dirt without applying excessive pressure. Be sure to angle the bristles correctly to reach all areas of the lens, including the edges and corners.

If you encounter stubborn dirt, moisten the bristles slightly with distilled water. However, be very cautious not to use too much liquid, as it could get trapped inside the lens and promote the growth of fungus. A slightly damp brush can help loosen stubborn dirt, but always ensure you dry the lens and brush afterwards.

Finally, remember to care for your soft-bristled brush properly. Rinse and clean the brush after each use, removing any dirt or residue. Allow the brush to air-dry completely before storing it in a safe place. Regularly inspect the bristles for any damage, and replace the brush as needed to ensure optimal cleaning performance.

Use a microfiber cloth for a final polish

Once you've cleaned your lens with a blower, brush, and cleaning solution, it's time for the final polish. Provided you have gone through the previous steps and cleaned your lens effectively, you can use a soft and fine-weave microfiber cloth to get a sparkling finish.

Just remember, if you do this before the other steps, you may drag dust around the surface of the lens and scratch it!

Depending on the size of the cloth, fold it into a padded square or triangle. With the lens facing upright and held firmly in one hand, hold the folded microfiber cloth in the other.

Gently wipe the glass to remove any remaining streaks from the previous steps. As you've removed any hint of dust and grime, you can use the microfiber cleaning cloth in a left-to-right motion or a circular one.

Microfiber cloths are the best piece of equipment to clean your camera lens—always have one in your camera bag.

Clean the lens barrel

To clean the lens barrel, you should use a lens cloth or tissue and a lens-cleaning solution. The lens barrel will not affect image quality, but keeping it clean may help avoid potential issues with the mechanics of the focus and zoom mechanisms.

When cleaning the lens barrel, be sure to use a different cloth from the one used for the lens optics. Wiping a metal lens mount to clean it may transfer tiny metal debris to the cloth, which should never be introduced to the glass.

If you do not have access to a lens-cleaning solution, distilled water can be used instead. However, this is not recommended as it is not a dedicated cleaner and will only be effective on water-soluble smudges.

Frequently asked questions