Lens-Cleaning Tools

• Camera lens cleaning solution is the primary tool for cleaning a lens. A soft cloth, preferably made from microfiber, works well because it will not scratch the lens. A lens blower with a brush attachment is used to blow away dust particles and brush any excess particles off the lens. Cotton swabs are used to clean around the edges of the camera lens, and sop up any excess solution that may have reached into the crevices.
  
  

Cleaning Techniques

• Use a lens-cleaning blower (found in many lens-cleaning kits) to blow away any debris on the lens. Next, gently brush away any remaining dust and debris with a lens brush (also found in most lens-cleaning kits). Use a soft cloth to gently wipe the lens, using short strokes. If you still notice smudges, apply a small amount of lens-cleaning solution to the cloth and gently wipe the lens on the smudged areas. Finally, gently swipe a cotton swab around the edges of the lens to get rid of any excess solution that remains.
  
  

Prevention

• It is inevitable that a camera lens will get dirty; however, it can be protected with a UV filter. Place the filter in front of the lens to catch most, if not all, of the dust and smudges. The less you have to handle your camera lens, the better.