I have three Dahua turret cams mounted on a tree. The cameras have performed well but on one there's a noticeable drip of tree sap that is obscuring the image. Before I head up the ladder, are there any particular cleaning agents that folks might recommend that would be effective in removing such material and not damage the camera?
Tree sap on sensor
- Thread starter Billyjack5
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Mike A.
Known around here
- May 6, 2017
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I've not tried it but I know most of the lens covers are some form of plastic so I'd avoid stronger solvents (acetone, etc.). Looks like isopropyl alcohol or vinegar will dissolve tree sap and should be OK to use.
CCTVCam
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- Sep 25, 2017
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I find on cars regular soap and water works.
If you need something stronger I'd suggest investigating Isoproyl Alcohol as it's evaporates away. You can dilute it with water for more sensitive surfaces. Can't remember off the top what surfaces don't like it, but I'd guess some lesser paints and maybe some plastics. It's realtively mild though and often used to wipe down cars. As said, go down the 50% dilution dilution route if unsure. Soap and water first. Research what surfaces it might not like.
If you need something stronger I'd suggest investigating Isoproyl Alcohol as it's evaporates away. You can dilute it with water for more sensitive surfaces. Can't remember off the top what surfaces don't like it, but I'd guess some lesser paints and maybe some plastics. It's realtively mild though and often used to wipe down cars. As said, go down the 50% dilution dilution route if unsure. Soap and water first. Research what surfaces it might not like.
guykuo
Getting comfortable
A 50/50 mix of distilled water and 99% isopropyl plus 5 drops of Dawn in 750 ml spray bottle is my go to cleaning solution for large lenses that cannot be removed and washed. Mix uses 99% isopropyl because the rubbing variant can contain additives that leave a residue. Use Dawn original formula. This cleaning solution will gently but effectively remove the majority of ionic and non-ionic contaminants. The alcohol dissolves non-ionic materials like tree pitch. The distilled + Dawn takes care of ionic contaminants. This mix, leaves AR coatings intact.
However, established water stains are not removed with this mix. That I do with acidic 3D Eraser Gel Hard Water Spot Remover. However, I would only use that on lens windows that are not AR coated. Fortunately, I don't see AR coating on any of my Dahua camera lens windows. Apply Eraser Gel and leave for 30 to 60 seconds. Rinse off thoroughly with distilled. Repeat as needed to dissolve water spots.
However, established water stains are not removed with this mix. That I do with acidic 3D Eraser Gel Hard Water Spot Remover. However, I would only use that on lens windows that are not AR coated. Fortunately, I don't see AR coating on any of my Dahua camera lens windows. Apply Eraser Gel and leave for 30 to 60 seconds. Rinse off thoroughly with distilled. Repeat as needed to dissolve water spots.
Like @MTL4 I was going to suggest canola or corn cooking oil to act like a surfactant to get between the sap and the lens surface BUT then clean with a non-ammonia glass cleaner. The Windex we've known for years has ammonia in it although they may have a non-ammonia version and I just haven't seen it.
Turtle Wax and Armor All both made an automotive glass cleaner with no ammonia until COVID came along; I cannot find either any more so I use Walmart's version of non-ammonia glass cleaner, it's purple and not blue, BTW. I've been using on laptop screens and TV screens, it's safe for plastic, unlike something with ammonia that may fog a non-glass surface.
The Walmart purple is very much streak free, too.
P.S. - don't let your significant other see you with a bottle of glass cleaner or you'll get another job added to your honey-do list.
Turtle Wax and Armor All both made an automotive glass cleaner with no ammonia until COVID came along; I cannot find either any more so I use Walmart's version of non-ammonia glass cleaner, it's purple and not blue, BTW. I've been using on laptop screens and TV screens, it's safe for plastic, unlike something with ammonia that may fog a non-glass surface.
The Walmart purple is very much streak free, too.
P.S. - don't let your significant other see you with a bottle of glass cleaner or you'll get another job added to your honey-do list.