Camera Cleaning – How To Guide

How to Clean a CCTV Camera Cover

The goal of cleaning a CCTV camera cover properly is to eliminate dust and oils without creating “swirl” scratches that could blur the image and damage the overall quality. 

Common Issues 

• Camera surface scratches
• Blurred imagery
• Software feature failures due to improper cleaning 

How to Avoid These Common Issues

• Do not use Windex or standard household glass cleaners. The presence of ammonia and abrasive alcohols can lead to polycarbonate “clouding” and cause long-term damage to the camera. Use dish soap and water or specialized camera cleaner.

• Do not use dish towels, T-shirts, paper towels, or napkins. These abrasive materials cause microscopic scratches. Use clean microfiber cloths, non-scratch sponges, or cotton flannel instead. 

• For extremely dirty surfaces, soak the area with warm soapy water for a few minutes first, then apply light strokes to prevent scratching with dirt particles. 

• After clearing dust and dirt, use a fresh cloth, applying light pressure to remove smaller remaining particles.

For more information see: How to Clean a CCTV Camera Cover: A Guide for Multi-Site Operators