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Many people invest in projectors for a variety of purposes. Whether you are projecting photos, movies, or your work for an audience, it is important that you understand how to properly clean your projector lens.
All projectors consist of several layers. The outermost is the lens layer, which allows your audience to see your projected image. It is this layer that will require cleaning from time to time because it is constantly exposed to dust and the environment.
Wiping off the lens with a cloth only smears most of the dirt since most of the dust particles have whiplike appendages that stick out and can capture particles. In order to clean your projector lens properly, you need to make sure that you are using a microfiber cloth such as those sold at stores like Wal-Mart or Target (often found near other computer accessories).
Microfiber cloths have the ability to adhere to irregularities on surfaces. This is why they are used for cleaning glasses and lenses in the first place. Microfiber also possesses a natural static charge which attracts dust. By rubbing your microfiber cloth on your projector lens, you will remove a great deal of dust that you cannot see with the naked eye.
You should not use any liquid substance, as this may damage the lens quality of your device, or cause other problems such as scratch marks or discoloration of your lens. Once you have done this, you should re-test your projector to make sure that it is working properly before displaying it in front of an audience again.
A dirty projector lens can affect the quality of what you are projecting, which can be both time-consuming and expensive to repair or replace. You do not have to worry about this as long as you follow these tips on how to properly clean a projector lens:
5 Steps to Clean the Projectors Lens
1) Wipe the Projector Lens with a dry cloth
The most basic way of cleaning a projector lens is by using any type of cloth, generally made out of microfiber (though paper towels may work). Once you have removed any excess debris or dirt from the lens, use a dry cloth to wipe away any smudges.
2) Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum to Remove Debris
If your projector lens is more stubborn than expected, do not worry. A wet/dry vacuum can be used to suck up the dust that is clogging up your projector lens. Follow the same procedure described above and apply a dry cloth to wipe away any excess debris left by the vacuum.
3) Clean the Projector Lens with Rain-X
Rain-X is a commercial product made as an agent to repel water on cars and also works on glass surfaces including projectors. Rain-X is also a good solution for removing smear marks on the lens. Once you have removed all debris from your projector lens, apply a small amount of Rain-X to the lens. For easier cleaning, spray both sides of the projector lens with Rain-X.
4) Use Microfiber Cloth to Clean Projector Lens
Another way of cleaning a projector lens is by using microfiber cloths. These are typically made out of cloth materials and can be used for multiple purposes from dusting and wiping to polishing, cleaning, and buffing (however these are not recommended due to damage the cloth could get). For easier cleaning, follow the same procedures as in step 1.
5) Clean the Projector Lens with a Polish
If Rain-X and microfiber cloths are not working for you, try this last method. Using a polish made specifically for lenses and projectors is an easy way to protect your lens and keep it from smearing and scratching. Use a dry microfiber cloth to buff out any streaks that may be present on your projector lens.
Bottom Line
No matter what you do, it is important to always clean your projector lens on a regular basis. For better results, use some of the methods that work best for you. Just follow the steps we have shown above to clear your projector lens.
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