Your exterior home security cameras face many adversaries: dirt, tree sap, pollen, dead insects, water stains, fingerprints and, of course, bird droppings. This means that you will need to regularly clean your security cameras and the space around them to keep the lenses and sensors on the front free of debris: dirt not only looks bad, but also prevents the cameras from functioning optimally. .

Clear images are essential to effectively protect your personal and business assets. Recording blurry, cloudy, or foggy footage can negate the many benefits of having a home security camera in the first place. To keep your home, family and property safe, make sure your camera is working properly with regular maintenance. Here’s how.

Learn more: Make Sure You Don’t Install Your Home Security Camera in These 7 Places

What You’ll Need to Start Cleaning Your Security Camera

Luckily, you’ll need very little equipment to keep your security cameras in tip-top shape. And really, in a pinch, you only need the first thing on the following list.

• Soft microfiber cloth: All you really need to clean a security camera is a soft, damp cloth. Microfiber or lint-free fabrics are the best options for gentle and effective cleaning.
• Dish soap (optional): If water doesn’t cut it (or at least won’t clean it), you can use a small amount of mild, diluted dish soap on your damp microfiber cloth. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the camera.
• Ladder or stepladder: If your outdoor cameras are installed in an elevated location, you may need additional help to reach them. Use a secure ladder to reach the device.

It’s important to use soft cloths – instead of paper towels, tissues or other dishcloths – to ensure you don’t scratch the exterior of the camera or, more importantly, the lens. A scratch on the lens could be evident in any future recordings, so be careful when cleaning to ensure the images are as optimal as possible.

A microfiber cloth should also be strong enough to remove dust, dirt, and other messes, but soft enough to be safe. A dab of mild dish soap on the microfiber cloth should be enough to remove stubborn sap or pollen.

Although it may seem intuitive for outdoor cameras, do not use a leaf blower or broom to remove cobwebs or debris. And don’t use a pressure washer. Again, you could scratch the lens or drop the camera completely out of position. Manually wiping the camera will always be your best cleaning method.

How to Clean Your Home Security Cameras

Cleaning may seem simple enough: just wipe the camera, right? But your preferred cleaning method may depend on what you’re trying to wipe. After all, removing bird sap or droppings may take a little more effort than simply removing dust or pollen. And you’ll need to be more careful cleaning an elevated security camera installed near your floodlights rather than an indoor camera placed on an entryway table. However, for the most part, the method we recommend is consistent.

To begin, you’ll want to unplug your wired home security cameras and turn off the camera completely to prevent accidental damage. For battery powered/wireless camerasYou may also consider removing the battery to clean the battery compartment, but this is not necessary for simple surface cleaning.

You’ll start by wiping down the exterior of the camera with a microfiber cloth, then move on to the lens. A clean cloth should do the trick, but if you need a more powerful clean, use a damp (not wet) cloth dipped in a simple mixture of water and dish soap. You can also use an eyeglass cleaning solution. It is best to avoid household cleaning products or rubbing alcohol, which may damage the lens or leave streaks when dried.

For a deeper cleaning that goes beyond just the exterior surface, you’ll also need to clean the battery compartment, charging port, and wired cord. It’s best to just dust these areas with a clean cloth, but if there is buildup on the cord or inside the battery compartment, you can use all the same materials to clean these sections as the exterior. First remove all batteries and allow the compartment to dry completely before reinstalling it. You should, however, avoid using cleaning solutions in your camera’s charging port, as wet substances can damage electronic components. It is best to clean the charging port with a cloth or cotton swab.

Now is also a good time to examine your security camera for any wear, rust, or fraying. You also need to make sure the camera’s seals and waterproofing are intact to defend against the elements. If you notice signs of damage, it may be time to purchase a new home security camera.

How Often Should You Clean Your Home Security Cameras

Frequency matters just as much as cleaning methods. On average, you should clean your outdoor cameras two to four times a year, but the best practice is to wipe down each unit at least every three to four months.

Of course, this also depends on the weather and location. More humid climates may require you to clean lenses of water spots regularly, and desert climates may require you to clean sand or dust from the camera once a month.

Indoor Home Security Cameras which are likely to encounter only dust or animal hair should be cleaned approximately once a year.

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