How To Clean a Projector Lens From the Outside?

Getting a projector is easy. You can simply hop on Amazon and pick out the unit you want. The hard part is maintaining the projector. 

Okay, it’s not that hard to take care of a projector. These things are made to last! But it is a good idea to perform regular maintenance.

You may think that simply keeping it in the box or mounting it safely to a wall is enough to keep it in good working condition for years. But that is only the first step of caring for it. 

You also need to clean your projector’s lens from time to time.

And no, we’re not talking about getting a piece of wet tissues and wiping it across your lens. You’ll end up damaging the surface! 

We’re talking about the right way to clean the outside of your projector lens.

But how exactly do you do that? That’s what we’re here to talk about.

If you’d like to know how to properly clean your projector’s lens from the outside, check out our steps below!

How to Clean Your Projector Lens from the Outside

Cleaning your projector lens is important and it’s not as difficult as you may think. Plus, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars just to get suitable cleaning materials. 

All you will need is:

• Microfiber towels or microfiber cleaning cloths  
• Lens cleaners  or lens wipes 
• Lens brush 

The list looks like a lot, but honestly, you’ll only need two or three of these. We just added the others so you can do quick clean-ups in between major ones. 

Now let’s get to the steps for cleaning your projector lens!

Step 1: Prep

Before anything else, you’ll need to make sure that you have all your cleaning materials ready within arm’s reach. 

If you were using your projector that day, make sure it has thoroughly cooled down before starting the cleaning process. Also, make sure your projector is unplugged from the socket.

Step 2: Brush It Off

Take your lens brush  and brush off any dust on and around your projector’s lens. It is essential to do this step first to minimize the dust particles on the lens. 

This makes it easier for you to wipe off the rest of the dirt with your microfiber cloth. 

You can also use a mini vacuum  to eliminate any dust particles during this step. But it’s important to exercise caution as you can end up damaging your lens while you’re vacuuming. 

You can stop at this step if your lens is only dusty. But if your projector’s lens still looks dirty, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Get to Wiping!

Moisten one of your microfiber cloths  with your lens cleaner . You can also use a mild soap mixed with water. 

IMPORTANT: Remember that a little goes a long way, no matter what cleaning agent you are using, you don’t want to soak your microfiber cloth.

Now, you want to gently wipe your projector lens using your damp cloth, use circular motions starting from the middle and going towards the edges. Do this until your lens looks clean.

Wait, that’s it? 

Yes, basically. You don’t need to do much when cleaning your projector’s lens from the outside. There are, however, a few don’ts that you need to keep in mind. 

Let’s talk about them!

The Don’ts When Cleaning Your Projector’s Lens

Don’t No. 1: Harsh Cleaning Agents

Harsh cleaning agents like alcohol, laundry detergents, and hand washing soaps can strip off the protective coating on your lens. Strong chemicals will make your projector’s lens prone to scratches and dirt.

Don’t No. 2: Rough Wiping Materials

Unlike other surfaces, you can’t use just any wiping material when cleaning your projector’s lens. Wiping materials like tissue paper or a “normal” cotton towel can scratch up the lens’ surface. 

Don’t No. 3: Spraying or Pouring Solution Directly On the Lens

Using too much cleaning agent can be bad for your projector. Even a milliliter can be too much as projector lenses are small.

Don’t No. 4: Using Your Breath to Clean the Lens

This might be the first time you’ve read this, but using your breath to get rid of dust can ruin your lens’s protective coating. No, we’re not saying you have bad breath!

Our breath is naturally acidic, this acidity can cause damage to the outer layer of the lens. Use lens wipes instead!

Don’t No. 5: Touching the Tip of Your Cleaning Brush with Your Finger

We know how satisfying it feels to play with the bristles of lens brushes. But please, PLEASE do not touch the bristles with your fingers. 

Our skin produces natural oils that will stick to the bristles and then smudge your lens’ outer layer. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Projector’s Lens?

Now that you know how to clean the outside of your lens, you’re probably wondering how often you should be cleaning your lens. 

The answer is pretty straightforward: any time it gets noticeably dirty. 

You don’t have to clean your lens every day or at the slightest speckle of dust. What you need to look out for is:

1. A visible film of dust. 
2. A small drop in video quality.

Otherwise, you can go days at a time in between lens cleanings.

Minimizing Dust and Dirt Build-Up

Too much cleaning can also damage your projector’s lens coating. So you need to make sure to take preventative measures to keep your lens clean for as long as possible. 

Don’t worry; we’re giving you a few handy tips on this as well!

Keep the lens cover on

One of the best ways to protect your projector’s lens from dust build-up is by keeping the lens cap on when you’re not using it. 

Pick the correct storage location

Where you choose to store your projector matters. Exposure to excessive airflow can speed up the dust build-up on your unit. 

So when it’s time to store or mount your projector, put it somewhere far away from any fans or outgoing vents. 

You should also clean your fans and vents to reduce the dust that settles in the room. 

Get an air purifier

If you have a spare air purifier lying around or have the budget for one, you can use that as an extra line of defense to prevent dirt and dust from building up on your projector. 

Just plop it close to your unit and wait for it to work its magic.

Conclusion

Projectors are not necessarily high-maintenance, but you need to be careful with the cleaning materials you use. 

A mistake can lead to scratches on your projector’s lens, and we can all agree that one little smudge on the screen during movie night can be very distracting. 

Not to worry, if you make sure that you’re using microfiber towels, lens brushes, and lens cleaners to take care of your projector’s outer lens, you’ll be A-okay!