The first step to keeping your projector in tip top shape is by cleaning it. One of the parts you need to check every now and then is the lens.
You can tell that your lens needs cleaning if you notice the visuals from the projector appear hazy or murky, even after you fix the sharpness and brightness settings.
Once you see this, it’s a signal to clean your BenQ projector lens before more dirt and dust accumulate on it.
Don’t know where to start and what to avoid? This article will answer all of your questions and give you a detailed list of how to do it right.
Quick Navigation
- What Items or Materials Do I Need to Prepare Prior to Cleaning?
- What are the Steps in Cleaning a Projector Lens?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- I don’t have a lens cleaning solution at home. Can I use alcohol instead?
- Can I use tissue paper instead of a microfiber cloth?
- Some sources recommend vacuum usage to remove the dust. Can I use my vacuum instead of the blower?
- What precautions should I take note of when cleaning my BenQ projector lens?
- Is there a way to lessen dust and dirt buildup on projector lenses?
- Conclusion
What Items or Materials Do I Need to Prepare Prior to Cleaning?
Cleaning a projector lens is quite simple, you’ll only need a few items. The good news is that most of these are probably already in your home. These materials include:
- Two microfiber cloths
- An air blower
- A lens brush
- A lens cleaning solution
- Lens wipes
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
What are the Steps in Cleaning a Projector Lens?
Step 1: Turn off your projector and remove it from its cases or stand
Make cleaning easier by turning your projector off and removing it from its station.
Whether it’s plugged into the wall, hanging from the ceiling, or on top of a table, the goal is to make it easily accessible.
Step 2: Wait for the projector lens to cool down
It’s not advisable for you to clean the lens when it’s still hot, especially if you’ve just finished using it.
Aside from safety reasons, heat makes your lens brittle. So there’s a higher chance it will break while cleaning.
Step 3: Remove dust forming on top of the lens
Grab your air blower and gently clear any dust from on top of the lens. If there are stubborn particles at the edges, grab a lens brush to dust them off.
Some try to remove dust by blowing it with their mouths. However, chances are there’ll be saliva and other particles spat out and transferred to your lens.
Step 4: Remove other marks (such as fingerprints) left on the face of the lens
After removing any dust, you can use your cleaning solution to wipe off other marks on your lens.
Spray your solution on your microfibre cloth and wipe the lens in a circular motion starting from the middle. Avoid spraying the solution directly on the lens’ surface.
Note that you’ll need a microfibre cloth to do the cleaning. Using regular tissues is not advisable since they can scratch your lens.
Step 5: Give your projector lens one last dusting
Get your microfiber cloth or your lens brush and give the lens the final swipe, and then you’re done!
If you want to double check how clean it is, turn on your projector and ensure the visuals are no longer hazy.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t have a lens cleaning solution at home. Can I use alcohol instead?
Even though alcohol is a known cleaning solution, it is not advised to use it to clean your BenQ projector lens. A projector lens has special coatings and using an alcohol solution could rub it off.
Also, alcohol residues are flammable. So if your lenses are still hot, being exposed to alcohol could start a fire. Head to your nearest hardware to find lens liquid solutions and other safe alternatives.
Can I use tissue paper instead of a microfiber cloth?
As much as possible, use a microfiber cloth when cleaning. Tissue paper has hard fibers that can actually scratch your lens.
Plus, if you wet your tissue paper, this could result in clumping and tearing, hence leaving tissue scraps behind.
Some sources recommend vacuum usage to remove the dust. Can I use my vacuum instead of the blower?
Small dust accumulation can be easily removed by an air blower. If you use a vacuum, it can move or shake components inside the projector.
Small vacuums should only be used when you need to clean the deep cracks of a projector lens. And when this happens, we recommend you bring it to the nearest service center for proper cleaning.
What precautions should I take note of when cleaning my BenQ projector lens?
Aside from having the right solution and wiping cloth, you also need to be careful in applying the liquid to the cloth. The cloth should be slightly damp and not soaking wet.
Avoid touching the lens with your fingers while cleaning. Chances are the oil from your fingerprints will be transferred to your lens.
Is there a way to lessen dust and dirt buildup on projector lenses?
Yes! There are many ways to prevent dust from reaching and accumulating on your lenses. Here are some tips:
- Close and/or cover your lenses when not in use. If you’re not using your projector, slide on the projector cover so dust won’t form on your lenses.
- Use an air purifier. Air purifiers help filter and suck in dust and tiny particles.
Keep one inside the room where your projector is and turn it on every now and then.
- Keep your projector’s fan clean too! Your projector’s fan also sucks in dirt. And since it’s close to the lenses, chances are the dust particles could transfer to the lenses. Take a peek and clean it once in a while!
- And lastly, clean your lenses regularly! If you check and dust away dirt from time to time, you’ll avoid buildup.
Conclusion
Even if you have a huge projector screen, your watching experience won’t be right if the lens you’re using is dusty and dirty. The blurred and hazy scenes you’re seeing are probably a result of a dirty lens.
This is why proper cleaning and care is important for your projector and its lens.
You don’t have to purchase the most expensive tools to clean your projector lens. With a few items like a microfiber cloth and cleaning solution, you can easily remove dust and dirt.
Just be careful in handling the projector so you don’t damage it.
Vance is a dad, former software engineer, and tech lover. Knowing how a computer works becomes handy when he builds Pointer Clicker. His quest is to make tech more accessible for non-techie users. When not working with his team, you can find him caring for his son and gaming.