How to Clean your HIKVISION Dome Security Camera - Prevent Glare

Hikvision dome camera on Amazon: amzn.to/3z9kzjA
Similar glass cleaner: amzn.to/3H7pdCr
Check out my blog: hometechdiy.com
It's important to clean your camera cover and lens several times per year as any dirt near the lens will be reflected back into the camera resulting in poor image quality. In this video I remove and clean the dome cover and clean the lens. The side-by-side comparison shows the improvement.

[@pcbuilderlover4271]

Great video! I thought it was a seal problem from camera to dome until I seen your video. Thanks! Works Great!

[@PilotVBall]

Pro pPhotographer's tip: You should never clean the lens with the same cloth you just used to clean the dome. You could have picked up an abrasive particle and now you are scratching your camera's lens.

[@tklosterman11]

No kiddin I bout flipped when I saw that.

[@Determinator21]

Boohoo

[@SmartySmarts]

Ya start w the lens THEN the rest

[@ToddSpringer444]

Thanks! Was seriously going to replace 2 cameras that were doing this. I cleaned the outside many times but not until cleaning the inside did they clear up at night. Weird only 2 of the 4 had this issue.

[@MrScottytoohottie]

Nice video. Very helpful. Thank you.

[@bbz149]

Never knew I had to clean the inside of these Cameras! always just cleaned the outside as these are supposed to be totally sealed!! I had the same image as you before cleaning them and was just about to replace both Cameras at the front of the House!! and holy sh1t what a difference, I’m shocked, image at night is now near perfect!!! MASIVE THANKS!

[@HomeTechDIY]

Glad it worked out for you. Yes, common sense says it should be sealed, but they do need to be cleaned on occasion.

[@JohnZohn]

The problem with dome cameras is that they have a rubber seal around the lens (like a washer) that dissolves over time and leaves a residue inside the dome that is only a problem at night when the infrared is on and it reflects back distorting the view.

[@pauljordan3110]

Thank you for the tips.

[@veggiepowered]

I'am Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos

[@martingardencentergreenvil6923]

Thanks for the tips

[@d.g.n9392]

Thank you. I’ve cleaned the outside, but I believe one of my cameras needs the insides cleaned. I’ll try this. (Viewing from St. Louis).

[@lucaevano]

Being IP66 rated you shouldn't need to clean the inside as no dust should get it. I use a plumbers plunger with a cloth inside on a long broom handle. That way you don't need a ladder and it's very quick.

[@josephcameron4771]

I really like this plunger suggestion for the outside.

[@-dimar-]

turret cameras are better for outside, I learned it the hard way :-)

[@lilypondlane]

That’s great, thanks, but what do I do if the cameras are up high and I don’t have a ladder long enough to reach the cameras? For me it wouldn’t be safe to climb up so high.

[@michaelpoczynek]

Cool! Thanks.

[@MrUsername880]

Have you tried using water repellent liquid on the camera to ensure water marks dont remain? Curious to see if this works

[@QuaabQueb]

Can you make some videos detailing how you have the cameras set up on your network, and how the are set up on your NVR or recording software. You ave a nice setup, I am looking to slowly phase out my CCTV system for IP cameras.

[@HomeTechDIY]

Great idea! I just purchased a new PoE managed switch and a new dedicated PC for an NVR. I will have some good information to share setting that up.

[@dutchshinewindows484]

Thank you for this video, very helpful! What is the cost for a service like this to clean these cameras inside and out?

[@markloshelder9018]

What tool (bit) do you use to remove the dome?

[@1punch_man]

Thx for the video. I have the same issue with my dome camera. I believe it is the same model. I wish I hadn't got the model with the manual zoom because focusing it without a separate monitor is a pain. I should have just gone with a fixed wide angle dome or bullet. My Hickvision NVR only supports 4 cameras unfortunately (I should have spent the extra to allow for future upgrades). Do you have your cameras connected to the Internet? I have my 4 cams connected to the NVR with a monitor. I would like to update the drivers and software as I've never done it to see any improvement. Any benefits to having it hooked up to a PC? I like that it's not connected to the net. Cheers

[@HomeTechDIY]

No, none of my cameras are open to the Internet directly. I do use Team Viewer to see my cameras remotely. It's a pain since I need to login, but it works in most cases. If you know how to do port forwarding and have a static IP address, you can access the cameras quite easily. I like the PC version because I'm double NATed on a dynamic IP address and I want control over everything, including the OS and PC hardware.

[@1punch_man]

newfiebort Thx for the reply. I wish I had enough knowledge to easily set up port forwarding etc. Do you know if there are any guides. I'll have to look into it as remote access would be good. Unfortunately I don't understand some of the other terminology used at this point but I'll look into it.

[@UnitedSoundVideo]

@ 21 seconds Never ever rub finger (s) over dusty plastic or lens glass!! This creates superficial scratches! Compress air over lens or covers first. Then use a clean ultra soft blush brush next to remove sticky dust particles . Then clean with lens cleaner pad then gently wipe off cloud with a soft clean lens cloth. Just sayin as a camera operator. Thx for time.

[@RodrigoGraca31]

Is it possible to replace the outside dome if its scratched? I found some on AliExpress but none on the official Hikvision site. and the site also doesn't state the dome size per camera..... so I might buy the wrong one......

[@HomeTechDIY]

I looked a few years ago for replacement domes and didn't have any luck. It was the same story unfortunately.

[@DavidAvellan]

I have a very similar (if not the same) camera, and after cleaning the glass cover (inside and out) I still have the same blurriness. When I just remove the cover so the lens is unobstructed, the picture is super clear. So while I cannot observe and scratches on the lens, and it appears clear, it still seems to be reflecting. I'm using a glass cleaner that I would normally use for windows, but maybe I need something stronger? Any suggestions?

[@HomeTechDIY]

I have seen a few things which could impact this type on glare. If it happens only at night, it might be due to a near by light source. Try turning off any lights within 20 feet of the camera to see if that helps. If it's happening during the day, check to see if it's getting direct sunlight or sunlight reflecting off something around the camera. An easy test would be to compare the footage on a cloudy day. Has this camera always been problematic in this location? Is this a vari-focal camera and it's focusing on the dome? Will the dome fit onto the camera in different spot (rotate the dome and see if you have the issue on another "side" of the dome). I don't think it's an issue with the glass cleaner because it would be obviously dirty. If this doesn't help, send me an email with the camera make and model and a image on the issue and a picture of the camera setup location. [e-mail]

[@DavidAvellan]

@@HomeTechDIY I bought a home that had a camera system and NVR already setup, but 3 cameras were dead, with only 5 cameras working. Of those 5, 3 of them have this problem. It happens only at night in darkness (daytime is clear) All of them cleaned, and those 3 still have the same problems. They were grey market (rebranded by a local dealer) that has since gone out of business, so I'm not sure I will ever find out what model it was (searches on serial and model number come out empty). I can rotate it, which I haven't thought of yet. These covers have a black cover inside that blocks the unused part of the dome, so I just need to remove that and then rotate to an unused portion to see if that changes things. I'll let you know if that helps. Thanks!

[@SmartySmarts]

Use a “lens, camera, monitor, glasses, etc” specific cleaners.

[@saientertainments786]

Pls mention cleaner name

[@JohnZohn]

The clarity of the cam after the cleaning was not accurately displayed because the comparison was done during the dusk when there was residual light and the infrared was not reflecting inward from the dome. The original shot was also taken with rain directly on the cam that would have dried and cleared up the view. I would like to see the view after an hour or two when it was completely dark.

[@Imwright720]

Shouldn’t have to clean inside. They have a rating of 66 or 67ip. The first number is the highest and it’s against dust intrusion.

[@LincNebr1]

Tom Geist 2 seconds ago I wondered that myself. And what a pain to have to take them apart to clean. I could see using a long reaching duster to reach up and get the outside from time to time.

[@josephcameron4771]

Shouldn't have to doesn't mean you don't.

[@SmartySmarts]

No you shouldn’t have to with specific ratings. That’s the whole point. That’s why the extra cost for the higher numbers. There are manufacturers that lie about the ratings

[@jimmymifsud1]

@@SmartySmartssome people finger them

[@defan2105]

Would Rain-X or something like that protect them covers from dirt collecting on them so you can clean them less often?

[@HomeTechDIY]

It might. I haven't thought of that.

[@SmartySmarts]

That stuff leaves slight residue that starts dripping salts/white looking trails

[@reginamendez7414]

Where do you buy those three security cameras Dome

[@HomeTechDIY]

I buy them on Amazon - amzn.to/2zxFZdf Or on the grey market. Check out my video on buying on the grey market for more info. Thanks!

[@alexandertheone311]

I don't know why you would clean inside and the lens unless you got it dusty somehow dust typically doesn't get inside and cleaning outer glass is all that's needed.

[@HomeTechDIY]

Dust may get in there during the install process, or if the cover is removed to correct the direction in which the camera is pointing. I have cameras with the domes removed right now, sitting in a box as parts. They will need cleanup. I have even seen glass cleaner streaks inside the dome straight from the manufacturer.

[@alexandertheone311]

@@HomeTechDIY Are you installing in desert? How could you get dust during install? I install ton of cameras never had the problem. Never seen glass cleaner marks from manufacturer. If you got cameras with marks probably it's used sometimes ebay sellers sell used as new.

[@HomeTechDIY]

No, not in desert, but in the dusty prairies with high winds and surrounding farmland. Dust can also enter when the dome happens to catch falling particles (saw dust, insulation, settled soil, etc) from the install surface. Agreed, some eBay sellers do sell as new, when the devices are used. Glad to hear this issue isn't affecting you! All the best.

[@alexandertheone311]

@@HomeTechDIY I see. Ok no worries maybe will be helpful for some. But for most outside cleaning is more then enough, I usually just use some disinfecting wipes or wet paper towel and then just wipe it with dry paper towel and it's been good.

[@baadshah6205]

I also have mini dome camera but unfortunately water goes inside camera lens while it's raining so can you pls tell me how to clear it??

[@pbcomputertech]

is it outdoor rated? i usaully put a silica packet inside to collect moisure.

[@SmartySmarts]

Seal outer rim (where it separates) with water tight tape (silicone) and add new silica pack

[@williamt.7654]

What kind of drill bit you are using to open the cover

[@zenonkazienko988]

It's a torx size 10, commonly called a T10

[@williamt.7654]

@@zenonkazienko988 Thank you…!!!

[@serhii_rs]

It would be enough to clean only external side of the glass.

[@SmartySmarts]

IF the rating was honest, from a reputable manufacturer..yes

[@lauraliisana]

How often do you recommend cleaning them?

[@HomeTechDIY]

I like to remove the covers and clean everything up twice per year.

[@lauraliisana]

@@HomeTechDIY Thanks for response! Just got the supplies 👍

[@jimz6076]

Thank you for providing this video. Can you recommend a camera brand for the best video quality and a camera for reading license plates. I want to capture license plates as we have porch pirates and the police say they have to have license plate to pursue the scumbag loser porch pirates.

[@PilotVBall]

Foscam 4Mp 2K cameras available at Amazon will do it. I have two discretely cross mounted by my mailbox, painted green, and hiding in evergreen hedges that I planted around the mailbox. A lot of my neighbors did the same thing after my setup went live. We capture every car coming into the neighborhood and track their movements using the camera's motion detection to e-mail a picture of each vehicle to all of us and the HOA. I also have a Foscam NVR with a 6TB drive that saves up to a month's worth of live HD video. Some of my neighbors use the Foscam Cloud instead.

[@mohamedkasim6643]

what is motion detection in cctv camera?

[@LibtardsTears]

Most of the time cleaning hikvision dome camera wont do jack shit. Because the issue is not the durty lens or dome glass. It's the IR light bleed. There's a fix for that. And that should have been mentioned in the video..

[@HomeTechDIY]

I would love to make an updated video to help other in this situation. What is the fix?