How to Clean Fungus from a Lens

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If you hold your lens up to a light and see thin marks that look like scratches spreading out in different directions, this is likely a fungus caused from being exposed to moisture. Luckily, there's a simple method you can use to remove it! Create a solution made of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia and use this mixture to clean off the fungus, making sure you dry the lens thoroughly before using it. There are several ways to help keep your lens fungus-free, including keeping it out of moist areas and exposing it to sunlight.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning the Lens

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  1. If the fungus is on the outer part of the lens, this isn’t necessary, but often the fungus is growing on the inner lens. If this happens, use a lens wrench to take the lens apart carefully. [1]
    • Take pictures of the disassembling process so that you don’t forget where everything goes.
    • Read the owner's manual for instructions on how to disassemble the lens correctly.
    • If you’re not comfortable disassembling the lens yourself, it’s best to take it to a professional.
  2. It’s best to use a microfiber towel that won’t scratch or damage the lens. Spread the towel out on the table so that it’s flat and the lens isn’t touching the table. [2]
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  3. Pour 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 1 part ammonia into a small bowl. Stir the mixture well with a spoon or similar utensil. [3]
    • Prepare the mixture in a well-ventilated area.
    • When working with ammonia, be careful not to breathe in the fumes or get the liquids on your clothing or skin. Wear protective gloves and goggles for extra protection.
  4. Use a cotton ball or a Q-tip, depending on how you want to treat the fungus. A cotton ball is great for covering the entire lens while a Q-tip makes scrubbing one spot on the lens easier. Dip the cotton ball or Q-tip in the hydrogen peroxide and ammonia mixture, ensuring it’s wet but not dripping. [4]
    • Wear latex gloves to protect your hands when handling the mixture.
  5. If the cotton ball method didn’t work, fill a small dish with the mixture and place the lens in it so that it’s completely submerged. Let the lens soak in the mixture for less than 3 minutes before taking it out. [5]
    • Make sure you’re only soaking the glass lens, as any other materials like plastic may become ruined by the mixture.
    • Put something soft like a paper towel on the bottom of the dish to protect the lens from getting scratched.
    • Use a cotton ball to wipe off any remaining fungus after the lens has soaked.
  6. Turn on a faucet and hold the lens under the water. This will wash off all of the hydrogen peroxide and ammonia so that the lens is clean. [6]
    • Wear gloves to hold the lens to avoid getting it dirty.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Drying and Reassembling the Lens

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  1. Use the lens blower to get rid of any water droplets, and gently wipe the lens using the cloth. Dry the lens thoroughly, making sure you wipe the entire surface to get rid of any excess moisture. [7]
    • If you don't have a lens blower, try using a syringe to blow a small puff of air onto the lens.
  2. Turn on a strong light and hold the lens up to it. Look for any remnants of fungus, and if you do spot any, repeat the cleaning process to help get rid of it. [8]
    • A light such as your phone’s flashlight will work to spot any remaining dirt or fungus.
  3. If you had to take the lens apart to clean it, it’s time to put it back together using a lens wrench or similar tool. Be careful to put each part back in the correct order so that it will work properly. [9]
    • Use gloves when handling the clean lens to ensure it doesn’t get dirty again.
    • Consult the owner's manual again to put the camera back together properly, if needed.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Keeping the Lens Clean

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  1. Dark, moist places tend to help fungus grow, so avoid storage places like this when putting away the lens. Keep the camera and lens in a dry area without humidity for the best results. [10]
    • Try storing your camera in a clean, dry cabinet or closet inside its protective casing.
    • Avoid leaving your camera in areas of direct sunlight to avoid heat damage, as well as any place with extreme temperatures.
  2. If you’re using your lens in the rain or by a wet area such as an ocean, it’s super important to wipe away any moisture on the lens once you leave. Use a soft microfiber cloth to dry the lens once you’re finished shooting. [11]
    • Carry the lens in a camera bag or wrapped in plastic while transporting it in wet weather.
    • Place a soft cloth in your camera bag so that you're always able to wipe the camera down if necessary.
  3. Sunlight will help prevent fungus from growing on the lens. Depending on how often you use your lens in wet environments, use your lens when it’s sunny outside to help keep it clean. [12]
    • Avoid leaving the camera in the sun for extended periods of time—all it needs is about 20 minutes of use outdoors in the light.
  4. Purchase a camera lens cleaning solution from a tech store or online. Spray the cleaning solution on a clean microfiber cloth, and use the cloth to wipe away any dirt found on the lens. [13]
    • Do this however often you’d like to keep the lens clean.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://richardhaw.com/2016/03/27/repair-fungus-cleaning/
      2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3864060/
      3. ↑ https://petapixel.com/2016/09/29/remove-fungus-lens/
      4. ↑ https://richardhaw.com/2016/03/27/repair-fungus-cleaning/
      5. ↑ https://richardhaw.com/2016/03/27/repair-fungus-cleaning/
      6. ↑ https://petapixel.com/2016/09/29/remove-fungus-lens/
      7. ↑ https://petapixel.com/2016/09/29/remove-fungus-lens/
      8. ↑ https://petapixel.com/2016/09/29/remove-fungus-lens/
      9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3864060/
      1. ↑ https://richardhaw.com/2016/03/27/repair-fungus-cleaning/
      2. ↑ https://richardhaw.com/2016/03/27/repair-fungus-cleaning/
      3. ↑ https://richardhaw.com/2016/03/27/repair-fungus-cleaning/
      4. ↑ https://www.exposureguide.com/lens-fungus-cleaning/

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