Clean your projector lens properly
Shelagh McNallyPosted on
Posted in Articles, FixYourDLP, Projector Lamp Replacement Guides
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8 Comments ↓ Eventually every projector lens gets dirty or dusty.
Here are some tips on how to clean your projector lens without damaging it.
Before cleaning:
- Turn off the projector
- Unplug the power cable
- Let the projector cool down. It should be cool to the touch.
Avoid:
- Abrasive cleaners, solvents or other harsh cleaning chemicals – they can damage the lens.
- Paper towels or tissues as the hard fibers in this material can scratch the lens while leaving particles behind.
Cleaning a Dirty Lens
- Get rid of a build up of dirt by using a non-abrasive lens cleaning solution.
- Avoid alcohol to clean the projector lens.
- NEVER apply the cleansing solution directly to the lens.
- Apply the cleaning solution to a soft, dry and lint-free cloth bought at a camera or photography shop. You can also use a proper photographic lens brush to gently wipe the lens surface.
- Wipe the cloth gently in circular motion.
- NEVER touch the lens with your finger since oil from your skin can leave a mark.
- Replace the lens caps in you are not planning on using the projector immediately afterwards.
Getting rid of dust
- Use a can of compressed air to remove dust from the lens.
- Purchase the right type of compressed air that is suitable for lens. Check at your local photography store.
- Be sure to stand at least seven inches away from the lens before spraying the compressed air to avoid cracking the lens.
- Avoid dusty areas with excessive dirt and your projector will last longer.
We have a projector at our school where the image is blurred and it looks like someone stuck a sticky label on the lens and the glue from the lens has now burned on!! What would you suggest to try before we scrap the projector!
Hi Ann,
Try picking up some lens tissue and lens cleaning fluid from a camera shop. That should remove the glue and the projector will work. You can also see about getting a replacement lens which may be cheaper than buying a new projector.
Cheers,
Shelagh
We use our projector outside, a part of a moth wing is stuck to the lens. How should i clean it?
Hi Ken,
If this is on the outside then it’s simple:
Proper steps
Step 1: Used compressed air or a small blower brush to remove any dust or debris from the lens. Don’t try cleaning the lens before using the compressed air or you can scratch the lens. Be sure to stand at least seven inches away from the lens . Purchase the right type of compressed air that is suitable for lens.
Step 2: If the lens is still dirty, use a camera microfiber cloth to gently wipe the lens in a circular motion staring from the center. If the lens is sticky, then put one or two drop of lens cleaning solution onto lens tissue and gently wipe the lens – again in a circular motion. You can also use a carbon-based lens using its soft brush pen to clean the lens. Avoid using rags that will leave any lint. Paper towels or tissues as the hard fibers in this material can scratch the lens while leaving particles behind.
Step 3: Let the lens dry if you have used the solution. Give another blast to compressed air to remove any dust from the cloth. Avoid touching the lens directly. Oil from your fingers will leave a mark.
If it’s on the inside of the lens, then you will need to refer to your user manual to remove the lens and clean it — much the same way as on the to outside.
Read more in our article: http://www.fixyourdlp.com/2017/05/10/clean-projector-lens/
Hope this helps.
regards,
Shelagh
Hi how can I shorten the image on my screen with my projector as it’s screening of the screen and I don’t know how to bring in can you help best regards thank you
Hi Gavin,
You need to adjust the aspect ratio on the projector and that will stop the image from bleeding off the screen.
Regards,
Shelagh
How can I remove the scratched in the lens of my projector. The image of the projector was a little bit blurry because of the scratched.
Hi Lawrence,
Sadly once the lense has been as badly scratched as yours is, there is nothing left to do buy buy a replacement lens for the projector. Check out this store for a replacement; https://www.projectorsuperstore.com/lenses/.
Regards,
Shelagh