Your webcam lenses produce sharp videos and clear photos. You must keep your equipment clean to protect your investment and ensure the best quality for your calls, webcasts, and other video projects. This post will share the step-by-step process of cleaning a webcam lens and tips to keep them spotless moving forward.
To clean a webcam lens: Use an air blower or soft-bristled brush to remove light dirt and dust; use a lens-safe wipe to clean in straight motions starting from the outer part and working your way inward; dry any excess liquid with a microfiber towel.
Gather your materials
Here’s what you’ll need:
- An air duster or soft-bristled brush
- Len-safe cleaning wipes
- Microfiber towel
Use an air blower or soft-bristled brush to remove light dirt and dust
Before cleaning, use an air duster or soft brush to remove the scant dirt and dust on the camera. Though either product will work, air dusters are the safest option due to the lack of contact. The less contact you make with a sensitive webcam lens, the better.
Maintain about a foot of distance between the canned air and your lens, then simply spray in small bursts onto the camera to remove light particles of dust and dirt. Aim you can from all angles, and while you are cleaning, take the opportunity to dust out all speakers or ports.
If you’re using a brush, ensure it’s soft to the touch. Stiff bristles can easily damage sensitive lenses. Use little to no pressure when brushing the camera off to avoid scratches.
Use a lens-safe wipe to clean in straight motions starting from the outer part and working your way inward
When dealing with delicate electronic equipment, choosing the right products is essential. A lens-safe wipe or Clear Plastic Cleaner is ideal for cleaning a webcam lens. Specialized products use cleaning chemicals formulated to be strong enough to clean without risking damage to sensitive plastics.
If you’re using a wipe, swab in straight motions starting from the outer part of the camera and working your way in. Avoid using circular motions, as this can cause the solution to pool and leave streaks. If you’re using a spray cleaner, spray a small amount onto a microfiber towel, and use the same sweeping, straight cleaning motions that you would use with a lens wipe.
Avoid using standard surface or glass cleaners, as both can be too harsh to clean sensitive plastics and components. Products with added colors and scents can also complicate the cleaning process by leaving behind a filmy residue.
Dry any excess liquid with a microfiber towel
Immediately after cleaning, dry off any excess liquid with a microfiber towel. Lingering liquid leaves less-than-desirable results and can harm your equipment. At worst, fluid that remains on your device can damage your equipment.
We specifically recommend using a microfiber towel manufactured for absorbency and softness. Microfibers are perfect for cleaning delicate electronic devices, such as webcams. Avoid using paper towels, which can leave an uneven appearance or even scratch lenses.
That’s all it takes! Read on for a few quick-hitting tips on cleaning webcams.
Frequent dusting makes a difference
As dust settles, it can combine with moisture in the air to bake onto your glass and plastic surfaces, making it more stubborn to clean. Dusting every week takes a few seconds, but it’ll save you both time and effort in the future.
Tilt the camera down when not in use
Because dust settles with gravity, you can use physics to prevent dust build-up. Simply pointing your camera down can prevent dust and debris from settling on your lens. Lower your device or shut its privacy shade whenever it's not in use.
Protect your equipment with routine wipe-downs
It’s simple: the more often you clean, the less work you’ll have to do. Cleaning your device is vital from aesthetic and sanitary standpoints. Routine wipe-downs preserve your investment and ensure you get the best quality shots from your device.
Let others see you clearly!
Society relies on webcams more than ever, so keeping yours in top form is essential to helping you maintain a clear focus and avoid a cloudy or hazy view. In addition, keeping a webcam lens clean prevents dust particles from damaging your device. Routinely follow these steps to safely and effectively clean your webcam: Use an air blower or soft-bristled brush to remove light dirt and dust; use a lens-safe wipe to clean in straight motions starting from the outer part and working your way inward, then dry any excess liquid with a microfiber towel.
Protect your investment, and enjoy the crystal-clear view!