General
How to clean UV, ND, CPL and other camera lens filters
A dirty camera lens filter can become the reason for blurry or hazy photos, ruining all your hard work. Keeping your lens filters clean is essential for good image quality and lifespan of your equipment. In this blog, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about how to clean camera lens filters effectively.
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Cleaning tools
How to clean lens filters
Do’s and don’ts of cleaning
How often to clean lens filters
Tools for effective camera lens cleaning
To clean your lens filters properly, you'll need the right tools. Using a t-shirt to clean them looks easy and appealing, but we would not recommend that. If you care that your filters won’t get scratched and serve you for a long time, getting the appropriate tools for cleaning is a must. Here’s what you need to have in your cleaning kit:
Air blower
An air blower, also known as a dust blower or air bulb, is used for removing loose dust and debris from camera lenses, filters, and other sensitive equipment. It has a rubber bulb that, when squeezed, expels a burst of clean, filtered air to dislodge particles without touching the lens surface. Air blowers are an essential tool for pre-cleaning lenses before using other cleaning methods, as they help minimise the risk of scratching or damaging the lens coating.
Microfiber cloth
A microfiber cloth effectively cleans dirt, fingerprints, and smudges without scratching or leaving behind residue. It is specifically designed for cleaning camera lens filters, as it is super soft and doesn’t leave pieces of fabric after cleaning. Microfiber cloths are reusable and washable, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice for lens cleaning. If you are using a microfiber cloth to clean fingerprints, we recommend washing it before the next use.
Lens cleaning solution
This is a specially formulated liquid designed to safely and effectively remove stubborn dirt and oils from camera lenses and filters. It is typically alcohol-free and pH-balanced to prevent damage to lens coatings. When using a lens cleaning solution, apply a small amount to a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the lens surface in circular motions for thorough cleaning.
Lens pen
It is a portable and convenient tool for cleaning camera lens filters on the go. It consists of a retractable brush on one end and a soft, non-abrasive cleaning tip on the other. The brush is used to remove loose dust and debris, while the cleaning tip effectively removes fingerprints and smudges without scratching the lens surface. You can use it in combination with a microfiber cloth or instead of it, but keep in mind that you should never use a cleaning solution along with a lens pen.
Lens cleaning tissues (optional)
These wipes are pre-moistened with a cleaning solution and are convenient for quick and easy lens cleaning. They are handy for on-the-go cleaning or situations where a thorough cleaning is needed. If you are a fan of cleaning your lens filters with wipes, make sure to choose only those that are specifically designed for camera lenses to avoid damaging sensitive coatings. And remember: one tissue is for one use only.
Best cleaning products for your lens and filters
How to clean camera lens filters: step-by-step
- Using an air blower or soft brush remove any loose particles from the surface of the lens. Hold the lens filter at a slight angle downward to let the dust fall away from the lens surface as you use the blower.
- If necessary, apply one or two drops of lens cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth. Avoid spraying directly onto the lens or using too much lens cleaning solution.
- Starting from the centre of the lens filter, wipe it with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion towards the outer edges. Avoid pressing too hard as it may damage the lens coating.
- For stubborn stains or smudges, use a lens pen with a soft cleaning tip. Carefully clean the dirty areas without pressing too much.
- Use the air blower to remove any remaining particles or lint from the lens filter surface. Now your camera filter is clean!
Dos and don’ts of cleaning camera lens filters
When it comes to cleaning filters, you should give it enough importance since the way how you clean camera lens filters influences the longevity of their use and quality of your photos. Check out the basic rules to always be sure you are not harming your filters.
Dos of lens filter cleaning
- Do use non-abrasive cleaning tools: Opt for soft microfiber cloths, lens pens with soft cleaning tips, and lens cleaning solutions specifically formulated for camera lenses.
- Do apply gentle pressure: When wiping the lens filter surface with a microfiber cloth or using a lens pen, apply gentle pressure to avoid scratching the coating.
- Do keep the lens cap clean and store lens filters properly: Make sure the lens cap is clean and store lens filters in a protective case or soft bag to prevent dust and debris from settling on the surface.
Don’ts of lens filter cleaning
- Don't use harsh cleaning materials: Avoid using abrasive materials such as paper towels, tissues, or coarse brushes as they can scratch the lens filter surface. Important: do not use alcohol, acetone, dish soap, glass cleaner, disinfectant or any other cleaning solutions that are not specifically developed for lenses. They can damage the coating!
- Don't spray cleaning solution directly onto the lens filter: Instead, apply a small amount of cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth. One or two drops are enough.
- Don’t start cleaning without blowing away the dust: Never start cleaning your camera lens filter immediately with a cloth or tissue, because the dust and particles of dirt can damage the glass.
- Don’t clean the lens filter by breathing at it and wiping it: Yes, we know some might attempt to do it especially when not having a cleaning kit with them. However, having saliva on the filter is not the best.
How often should you clean camera lens filters?
The answer is simple: when needed and as infrequently as possible. Quick checks before each shoot can help identify any visible dirt or smudges that need to be removed. When shooting on rainy days or in environments with dust, you may need to clean the lens filter during the process several times. Make sure to take the cleaning kit with you in these cases. Overall, to avoid cleaning them too frequently, store filters in protective cases or soft bags.
Get the best tools to keep your filters perfectly clean!
At Kase shop, you can find a selection of lens care products and accessories to keep your camera lens and lens filters clean.