Canon has done us all a favor and presented new guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing your equipment properly. This includes cameras, lenses, cinema and broadcast systems, and even your printers and scanners. While these guidelines obviously can’t guarantee your protection from everything, they can go a long way in providing a little bit of additional security. Keep in mind that the following cleaning and sanitizing procedures cannot guarantee the elimination of the novel Coronavirus from Canon camera, video, and lens products, or other devices from other manufacturers.
Overview
For cleaning the surfaces of Canon products, Canon recommends using a soft lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth dampened with isopropyl or ethyl alcohol with a minimum alcohol content of 70-80%. Latex or similarly protective gloves should be worn at all times, and there should be adequate ventilation in your workspace.
DO NOT use cleaners containing solvents such as paint thinners or benzene to clean the surfaces of cameras, lenses, video recorders, scanners, or printer surfaces because these solutions can cause extensive damage to these devices and can be toxic.
Always be cautious when using alcohol, and be sure to close the bottle and store it securely when not in use. When finished, dispose of all wipes and gloves properly, and wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds This is always good advice after handling contaminated (or possibly contaminated) items.
Cleaning Canon Cameras, Lenses, and Video Products
To better ensure your cameras, lenses, and video products are safely cleaned and sanitized, it’s recommended that you clean all surfaces carefully, including camera grips, dials, buttons, and exterior body parts using a soft lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth dampened with isopropyl or ethyl alcohol with a minimum alcohol content of 70-80%. Wear gloves when cleaning your equipment.
Before starting, turn your device off, remove the battery, and make sure all protective body and/or lens caps are in place. Carefully wipe down all exterior surfaces of your camera or lens. DO NOT clean any coated glass surfaces with the wipe, nor should you attempt to clean the camera sensor using this cleaning procedure. Never spray or otherwise apply the alcohol directly onto or inside of the camera or device—use moistened cloths only. Allow all surfaces to dry completely before handling your camera or lens.
For cleaning coated glass lens surfaces, apply a small amount of lens cleaner to a sheet of lens tissue or lens-cleaning cloth and gently wipe the lens surfaces in gently circular motions starting at the center area of the lens and circling gradually outward until whole lens surface has been covered. Lens cleaner should never be sprayed or applied directly onto the lens surface—always use a moistened cloth or lens tissue when cleaning lens surfaces.
When finished, seal all cleaning solution containers, dispose of all gloves and used cleaning cloths, and wash your hands thoroughly.
Cleaning Broadcast and Cinema Lens Products
The process for cleaning broadcast and cinema lenses is similar to the above. As with other Canon camera and lens products, you should only use soft lint-free cloths or microfiber cloths dampened with isopropyl or ethyl alcohol with a minimum alcohol content of 70-80% when cleaning the surfaces of your gear. Wear gloves when cleaning your products.
When cleaning and sanitizing broadcast and cinema lens products, it is recommended that you clean all exterior surfaces including commonly handled parts such as drive units (servo grips), Z/F/I rings, button/switches, LCD screens, and dials.
Begin by turning off all power and removing any batteries. With gloved hands and a cloth pre-moistened with 70% to 80% diluted ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, gently wipe the lens surfaces in gentle circular motions starting at the center area of the lens and circling gradually outward until whole lens surface has been covered.
For optical front and rear glass cleaning, apply a small amount of commercially available lens cleaner to lens tissue and/or cleaning paper first. With a moist lens-cleaning paper, gently swirl over the lens surface, starting at the center area of the lens and circling gradually outward until the entire lens surface has been cleaned.
Under no circumstances should you spray lens cleaner directly onto the lens surface, nor should you use volatile solvents such as paint thinners or benzene to clean cameras and lenses, because they can cause damage.
When finished, seal all cleaning solution containers, dispose of all gloves and used cleaning cloths, and wash your hands thoroughly.
Cleaning Printer and Scanner Products
If you own a Canon PIXMA, MAXIFY, WG-Series, or Finetech printer or CanoScan Scanner, it is recommended that you clean commonly touched or handled surfaces, including the exterior operation panel and buttons, touch screen, scanner cover, and platen glass.
Start by powering down your printer or scanner and unplug it from the power source. If you use a mobile printer, remove the battery before continuing.
With gloved hands and a cloth pre-moistened with 70% to 80% diluted ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, wipe down all surfaces, control panels, operational surfaces, handles, and latches. To clean platen glass surfaces, only use glass cleaner.
All cleaners should be applied with a cloth—never spray surfaces directly and avoid using volatile solvents including paint thinners or benzene as they can cause damage to your device.
When finished, seal all cleaning solution containers, dispose of all gloves and used cleaning cloths, and wash your hands thoroughly.
Remember—These recommended cleaning procedures cannot guarantee the elimination of the novel Coronavirus from Canon printers and scanners. Be cautious in the storage and use of the alcohol, and follow all product instructions and warnings.
For more information about cleaning and sanitizing Canon cameras, lenses, printers, and scanners, click here.