How should I clean saltwater and humidity from glass and resin filters?
Asked 7/29/2013
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2 answers
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I use 100x100mm and 100x150mm filters, including both glass and resin types (ND, GND, reverse GND, and a polarizer). After shooting at the beach, some got splashed with seawater and others seem damp from humidity. I tried gently wiping them with a microfiber cloth, but they still don’t look completely clean.
What’s the safest way to clean beach moisture or salt residue from filters? Should I rinse with fresh water first, then let them dry and finish with a cloth? Would a PC/LCD screen cleaning liquid be safe to use on camera filters? Also, is it worth wrapping filters in microfiber cloth inside their cases, or are the original cases enough?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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Microfiber cloth tends to do a poor job of absorbing liquids. That is why your results trying to wipe down wet filters is less than satisfactory. Especially when salt water is involved I would do what you suggest: first rinse them with fresh water (maybe even a final rinse with distilled water to reduce the amount of impurities) and then after they are dry wipe away any remaining residue with an optical grade microfiber cloth.
My experience with LCD screen cleaning liquid is that it leaves a slight residue, so I would avoid that with filters or lenses. The cases your filters came in should provide enough protection for them.
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—if saltwater is involved, rinsing first with fresh water is the safest approach. A final rinse with distilled water can help reduce residue from impurities. After they dry, remove any remaining marks with an optical-grade cleaning wipe or microfiber made for optics.
A regular microfiber cloth often isn’t great at absorbing liquid, so wiping a wet filter can just smear residue around. Some photographers prefer lab-style wipes such as Kimwipes for removing grime cleanly without scratching.
Avoid using PC/LCD screen cleaning liquid unless it is specifically stated to be safe for optical coatings. Screen cleaners may leave residue, which is not ideal for camera filters.
For storage, the original filter cases should provide enough protection on their own. Wrapping filters in extra microfiber cloth usually isn’t necessary.
In short: rinse off salt with fresh water, optionally finish with distilled water, let dry, then use optics-safe cleaning material to remove any remaining residue.
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