Air duster, glass cleaner and microfibre cloth Duke Security Systems

How to Clean CCTV Cameras

For CCTV systems to be effective, keeping your system in tip-top form is crucial. If your cameras are externally located, dust and grime will inevitably build up, causing poor image and false motion detection events. Spiders are also a particular concern as they are attracted to the warmth of infra-red heat.

So, how do you clean your cameras?

Safety First

Falls from height is the 3rd highest cause of fatal injuries comprising approximately 20% of all occupational deaths each year.

  • If your cameras are located above your reach, select the most suitable ladder for the task.
  • Ensure your ladder is on a dry, stable level surface.
  • If using a fixed or extension ladder to rest against the face of a building, set the ladder to a ratio of 4:1 (for every 4 metres the ladder goes up, the foot of the ladder needs to be 1 metre away from the building. 
  • If you are using a fixed or extension ladder, tie the ladder to the wall using a wall plug and anchor with a ratchet strap; if this is not feasible, ask a friend to foot the ladder to avoid the bottom slipping.

For more information, see the Health & Safety Executive’s specific guide on ladder safety.

What you will need

  • A can of compressed air
  • Glass cleaning wipes
  • A microfibre cloth

Method

  1. First, use the compressed air to spray any excess debris off the camera and pay particular attention to gaps between the camera and the mounting surface (this is where the creepy-crawlies like to hide).
  2. Use a glass cleaning wipe on the lens of the camera to remove any stubborn grime.
  3. Use a clean and dry microfibre cloth to remove any excess glass cleaner.
  4. Wait a few seconds for the glass cleaner to evaporate.
  5. Inspect the camera lens and repeat if necessary.

If the camera lens is clouded, this is a sign that water has made its way into the watertight compartment of a camera. There is little to be done to rectify the issue safe from replacing the camera or lens.

Man on a ladder CCTV Installation after installing a CCTV camera in Peterborough UK

Price of a professional camera clean

If you are not confident in cleaning your own cameras, consider using a professional (like us!). Most companies will charge a nominal call out charge in the region of £50.

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