Removing Plastic: Camera Lens Cleaning Tips

If you've got a new camera, it's likely that there's a thin plastic film covering the lens. This is there to protect the lens during shipping and should be removed when you get the camera. It's usually simple to remove, but if you're unsure how to do it, there are plenty of resources online to help you.

Plastic film on the lens

If you have a new camera or phone, it is likely that there is a plastic film covering the lens to protect it during shipping. This should be removed before use. The plastic film will have a small lip on the top side that you can use to gently pull it off. If you are unsure whether the plastic film is still on your camera lens, check for a clear plastic film with a small hole in the centre over the middle of the lens.

If you are having trouble removing the plastic film, try the following:

• Check online for an unboxing video that shows how to remove the plastic film.
• Lightly press on the plastic-covered glass to see if the plastic is loose.
• Contact the seller for advice.

If you are having trouble removing the plastic film from a screen, you will need to pull it off with great force as you have almost no grip on the small tab.

If you are unsure whether the plastic film has been removed, check the image quality. If your images are blurry, the plastic film may still be on the lens.

Once you have removed the plastic film, you can clean your lens with a blower or soft-bristled brush, lens cleaning solution, and a lens tissue or cleaning cloth.

Removing the plastic cover

Step 1: Identify the Plastic Cover

Before you begin, make sure that there is, in fact, a plastic cover on your lens. It should be clearly visible and may have a small lip or tab protruding from it. This is important, as attempting to remove a non-existent plastic cover could damage your lens.

Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace

Gather the necessary tools for the removal process. You will need a blower or soft-bristled brush, lens cleaning solution or isopropyl alcohol, lens tissues or a microfiber cloth, and a plastic container or pouch to store your cleaning supplies. Ensure you are working in a clean environment with good lighting.

Step 3: Remove Dust and Debris

Before attempting to remove the plastic cover, use the blower or soft-bristled brush to remove any loose dust or debris from the lens. This step is crucial, as wiping the lens with a cloth first may cause scratches if there are dust particles present.

Step 4: Remove the Plastic Cover

Now, it's time to remove the plastic cover. Grasp the small lip or tab protruding from the cover and pull gently but firmly. It should come off easily. If there is no lip or tab, use a very gentle touch to lift the edge of the plastic cover and then slowly peel it off. Be careful not to touch the lens with your fingers during this process.

Step 5: Clean the Lens

Once the plastic cover is removed, use a few drops of lens cleaning solution or isopropyl alcohol on a lens tissue or microfiber cloth to gently wipe the lens surface. Work from the centre outward in a circular motion to remove any remaining dust, fingerprints, or grime. Ensure you only apply light pressure to avoid damaging the lens.

Step 6: Final Inspection

After cleaning, inspect the lens surface to ensure that all smudges, oils, and dirt have been removed. If necessary, repeat the cleaning process until the lens is streak-free and sparkling clean.

Remember, always handle your camera equipment with care and only use recommended cleaning solutions and tools to avoid damaging your lens.

Lens cleaning solutions

Steps to Clean Your Lens:

• Remove Dust and Dirt: Use a blower or a soft-bristled brush to remove as much dust and dirt from the lens as possible. Avoid using compressed air as it may damage the lens.
• Apply Lens Cleaning Solution: Put a few drops of lens cleaning solution on a lens tissue or a cleaning cloth. Avoid applying the solution directly to the lens to prevent liquid from entering the lens body.
• Clean the Lens Surface: Using a circular motion, gently wipe the lens surface from the center outward to remove oil, fingerprints, and grime.

Recommended Lens Cleaning Solutions:

• ZEISS Lens Care Pack: Includes two 8-ounce bottles of lens spray and two microfiber cleaning cloths.
• C-Clear Lens Cleaning Solution: Comes in a 16-ounce bottle with a pump for easy application.
• Koala Eyeglass Lens Cleaner Spray Kit: Includes two spray bottles and two microfiber cloths. Alcohol-free and made in the USA.
• Purity Eyeglass Lens Cleaner Kit: Includes two 8-ounce and one 2-ounce lens cleaner spray bottles, along with two microfiber cleaning cloths. Safe for all lenses, including AR-coated lenses.
• Eclipse Optic Cleaning Solution: Specifically designed for camera lenses and digital sensors. Comes in a 0.5-ounce dropper tip bottle for precise application.
• K&F Concept Spray and Microfiber Lens Cleaner Care Kit: Includes a non-flammable spray and a microfiber cloth, suitable for coated lenses, binoculars, cameras, and glasses.
• Optix 55 Lens Cleaner Spray Kit: Alcohol and ammonia-free kit with two 8-ounce and one 2-ounce spray bottles, along with three microfiber cloths.
• PROGENT Scleral Lens Cleaner Kit: A specialised kit for scleral lenses, including a protein remover treatment.
• Clear Care Cleaning & Disinfection Solution: A popular choice for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses.

Remember to always handle your lenses with care and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance.

Microfibre cloth

Firstly, grab your microfibre cloth by a corner and shake it rigorously. You can even try to snap it. This will shake out any dust, dirt, and debris that has been collected on the cloth. It is good to do this after every use.

You can either hand wash or machine wash your microfibre cloth. To hand wash, soak the cloth in cold water in a small bowl and add a few drops of mild soap that does not contain any bleach or fabric softener. Gently work the cloth in the water and then let it soak for at least five minutes. Rinse the cloth under cold water, fill the bowl with clean water, and let the cloth sit in the clean water for another five minutes. Then, give it a final rinse and let it hang to dry.

If you are machine washing, avoid using bleach and fabric softeners as they will damage the microfibre cloth.

It is important to regularly wash your microfibre cloth. You can wash a premium microfibre cloth hundreds of times and it will likely last you a long time.

Lens tissues

Firstly, remove as much dust and dirt as possible from the lens using a blower or soft-bristled brush. This step is crucial as it prevents scratches on the lens surface. Then, apply a few drops of lens cleaning solution to the lens tissue. It's important to avoid applying the solution directly to the lens, as this can lead to liquid entering the lens body and potentially causing damage. Finally, using a circular motion, gently wipe the lens surface from the center outward to remove oil, fingerprints, and grime. Remember to use a fresh tissue for each cleaning session and dispose of the used ones properly.

When choosing a lens tissue, it's important to select a brand that is safe for your lens and won't leave behind any residue or scratches. Some popular options include the Tiffen Lens Cleaning Tissue Paper, which has received positive reviews for its effectiveness and value. Another option is the Zeiss Pre-Moistened Lens Cleaning Wipes, which are individually wrapped and can be convenient for on-the-go use.

In addition to lens tissues, it's worth investing in a high-quality microfiber cleaning cloth that can be washed and reused multiple times. Microfiber cloths are soft, gentle, and effective at removing dust, fingerprints, and smudges from your camera lens without causing scratches.

Frequently asked questions