Even if you have the best projector, you need to care for your projector lens. Sometimes you need to replace the projector lens, and sometimes it just needs a good cleaning. A lens with traces of dust grains or smudges will negatively impact your image quality, resulting in murky clouds covering your favorite movie.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Unplug your projector before doing a complete cleaning of your lens.
- Open the projector and use canned air to loosen and cast away specs of dust.
- Use lens solution and a lens tissue to clean your projector lens before reconstructing your device.
Dust accumulation is inevitable, and it can enter the projector housing through the fan vent. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to clear them with lens brushes and a cleaning solution. Instead, you’ll have to go inside and clear away visible dust build-up. So, if you want a step-by-step guide on how to clean a projector inside lens, continue reading.
Insider Tip
If you’re out of canned air, you can also use a battery-operated hand vacuum cleaner to rid your projector of dust.
Unlike a pinhole projector, which is merely made from cardboard and paper, doesn’t require cleaning. However, depending on your projector model a proper cleaning only requires a bit of time and a cleaning kit. . That said, before opening your projector lens, you should know how to focus a projector to make sure it’s not just out of focus. After all, you don’t want to perform an unnecessary cleaning if you don’t have to.
How to Clean Projector Lens
STEP 1 Unplug the Projector
Unplug your projector and let it cool down for an hour before continuing with this cleaning method. While you wait, read our guide on what paint to use on a projector screen to get bright images and deep blacks. If you don’t want to paint a screen, then see what other materials you can use for a projector screen.
STEP 2 Open the Projector
Once the projector has cooled, find the release latch on your projector housing and press it. Next, lift the housing to reveal your projector’s internals. If you cannot find the release latch, check your product manual.
STEP 3 Use Compressed Air
Grab your compressed air spray and use it in short bursts about 4-5 inches from the projector’s components to blow specs of dust away from your lens, fans, and housing.
STEP 4Wipe Away the Dust
As you work, use a dry cloth to wipe away dust blobs or cat hair as they become visible. Then, use a flashlight to reveal any hidden dirt or dust you may have missed.
STEP 5Clean the Projector Housing
Use a damp cloth to wipe away any signs of dust left on the housing or projector lid. Make sure to let any moisture evaporate before reassembling the projector.
STEP 6 Clean the Lens
Once you’ve cleaned your projector housing, you can perform a routine lens cleaning before reassembling the device. First, remove the lens cover and apply a couple of drops of lens cleaner on some lens tissue paper. Next, wipe your lens in a circular motion. Once clean, replace the cover and reassemble your projector.
Warning
Do not use household glass cleaner on your projector lens. Alcohol-based cleaners might damage its coating.
F.A.Q.S
How to prevent your projector lens from getting dusty?
To slow pieces of dust from settling on your projector, buy a projector cover. In addition, you can install an air purifier in your theater room. Lastly, make sure to clean any signs of dust away from your inward and outgoing vent.
How often should I clean my projector lens?
You should make cleaning your projector a bi-monthly maintenance task. A simple once-over with a damp cloth will maintain your projector quality without much effort.
How to protect the lens while cleaning them?
Only use an approved lens cleaner on your projector lens. The harsh chemicals will damage the lens coating. In addition, avoid abrasive cleaning pads and stick to camera-type cleaning equipment. Lastly, do not touch the lens with your fingers to prevent dust blobs, fingerprints, or scratches.
STAT: Professional-level projectors for live concerts and commercial theaters use 10,000 ANSI lumens or higher. (source)
