My outdoor security cameras are excellent at enlightening me with the latest spotted events, but they also face a lot of winter storms and summer dust where I live. No matter your region, your security cameras probably face the same, with weather and wind building up grime and blocking the lens over time. From water stains and finger smudges to pollen and spiderwebs, threats quickly grow as seasons shift.

To clear up your video footage and keep your camera healthy, it’s important to take a couple of minutes and clean up your camera when it gets dirty. But those lenses can be easy to scratch, so it’s important to take care. Here’s the best way to clean your security cams so they stay in the best operating conditions.

Read more: Make Sure You Don’t Install Your Home Security Cam in These 7 Spots

What you’ll need to get started cleaning your security camera

Luckily, you’ll need very few materials 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 require to clean a security camera is a soft, damp cloth. Microfiber or lint-free are the best options for gentle, efficient cleaning. Clean gentle clothes are a must: Rags or paper towels could scratch delicate lenses.
• Dish soap (optional): If water isn’t cutting it (or at least cleaning it), you can use a small amount of gentle and diluted dish soap on your damp microfiber cloth. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the camera. 
• Ladder or step stool: If your outdoor cameras are installed in an elevated location, you may need some extra help to reach it. Use a secure ladder to reach the device. 

How to clean your home security cameras 

Cleaning may seem straightforward enough — you just wipe the camera down, right? But your go-to cleaning method may depend on what you’re trying to wipe away. After all, removing sap or bird poop may take a little extra effort than just clearing away dust or pollen. And you’ll need to be more cautious cleaning an elevated security camera installed near your floodlights rather than an indoor camera placed on an entry table. For the most part, though, the method we recommend is consistent: 

1. Unplug your wired home security cameras and completely power off the camera to avoid accidental damage. If your cam is wired in, you may be able to detach the camera section, or you’ll want to get a step stool. For battery-powered/wireless cameras, you may also consider removing the battery to clean out the battery compartment, but it’s not necessary for a simple surface-level clean. 
2. Wipe down the outside of the camera with a microfiber cloth. Start with the lens when the cloth is cleanest, then move on to the body of the camera. A clean cloth should do the trick, but if you need some extra cleaning strength, use a damp (not wet) cloth dipped in a simple water and dish soap mixture.
3. For a deeper clean that goes beyond just the outside surface, you’ll need to clean the battery compartment, charging port and wired cord, too. It’s best to just dust these spots with a clean cloth, but if there is any build-up on the cord or inside the battery compartment, you can use all the same materials to clean these sections as the outside. Just remove all batteries first and allow the compartment to dry completely before reinstalling. 
4. This is also a good time to look over your security camera for any wear and tear, rusting or fraying. You should also ensure that the camera’s seals and weatherproofing are intact to defend against the elements. If you notice any signs of damage, it may be time to buy a new home security camera. 

What to avoid

When cleaning your camera (and around it), avoid mistakes likes these: 

• Though it may seem intuitive for outdoor cameras, don’t use a leaf blower or broom to clear away cobwebs or debris. 
• Do not use a power washer. Again, you could scratch the lens or knock the camera completely out of position. 
• Don’t use rubbing alcohol or powerful household cleaners on the camera.
• Don’t leave the battery compartment or any other slots damp when mounting the camera again. 
• Don’t use any kind of glasses or window cleaner, which can rub away protective coatings on lenses.

How often you should 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 best practice is to wipe each unit down at least every three to four months, or at the start of different seasons.

This, of course, also depends on weather and location. Wetter climates may require you to regularly clean the lenses of water stains, and desert climates may require you to clean sand or dust from the device monthly. Dirty storms or wildfire smoke may require you to check your camera for dirt every week or few days. 

Indoor home security cameras that are likely to only encounter dust or pet hair should be cleaned about once a year.

For more, read up on other home security mistakes you can make. Learn how to stop porch pirates, reduce the risk of car break-ins and what you should keep in a safe.