The one most effective way to clean a UV filter is to avoid getting it dirty, therefore never having to clean it. But, barring the drops of a gentle rain, a lovely scented flea dip, or a wood fiber nasal tissue, drenched with your desperate saliva, which are not effective, you should never let your skin or anyone else’s reach the filter. Don’t ever drop it in a gooey or otherwise sticky substance and don’t let your dog leave his nose and tongue print all over it. Why do dogs do that anyway? Given that during the life of the filter at least one of these events are going to occur, here are some manners of effective cleansing.
Lens Pen and Cannon Cleaning Solution
A great method is to use a lens pen with a Canon cleaning solution. A good lens pen can be had for an average of ten American dollars, if purchased at online camera shops. If paying more for supplies is what you desire and you have spare time on your hands, you might head on down to the local camera shop, where you will be greeted by a long-haired man who calls every customer, “Captain,†is a face talking mouth breather and has the breath of a thousand llama’s. He is eager to help, however, personal hygiene not withstanding. “You simply spin those imperfections to nothingness,†are Carl’s instructions. They are ALL named, after all.
Zeiss Cleaning Cloths
Try out Zeiss cleaning cloths, which you can find at your local market or a Wal-Mart. I’ve also found them at Amazon.com and other online photography stores at very affordable prices, ready to ship to your home or portrait pleasure palace.
Lens Cleaning Packets
You can use lens cleaning packets and get them from local drug store joints. I don’t know how to feel about this. Should I cruise over to Wal-Mart and fetch the cleaning packets, a couple of items from the, “Embarrassing Merchandise Department†and be done with it!
My Very Own Personal Method
Personally, I use a special cleaning cloth for which I am constantly going over visually to ensure cleanliness. I keep it folded up in a plastic case inside my camera case. Simply choose your method, secure the supplies and you should have no problem cleaning your UV filter.