How to Deal With a Scratched Honeywell Camera Lens
A clear, unobstructed lens is crucial for your Honeywell security camera to capture sharp, detailed video. A scratch, even a small one, can cause blurry spots, distortions, or significant glare, especially at night when the infrared lights are on. This can compromise the effectiveness of your security system. Before you consider replacing the entire camera, it's important to properly identify the problem and try some safe cleaning and repair methods. This guide will walk you through the steps to address a scratched lens on your Honeywell camera.
Step 1: Differentiate Between a Scratch and Debris
What appears to be a permanent scratch might just be a stubborn piece of dirt, a smudge, or residue. The first step is always to clean the lens cover properly.
The Safe Cleaning Method
- Power Down: For safety and to prevent recording smudged videos, unplug your camera before cleaning.
- Use Compressed Air: Start by blowing off any loose dust and debris with a can of compressed air. This prevents you from grinding small particles into the lens when you wipe it.
- Use a Microfibre Cloth: Never use paper towels, tissues, or the corner of your shirt. These materials are abrasive and will create fine scratches. Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth—the same kind used for cleaning eyeglasses.
- Use a Proper Cleaning Solution: If dry wiping doesn't work, lightly dampen a section of the cloth with a cleaning solution specifically designed for camera lenses or eyeglass lenses. Do not spray the solution directly onto the camera; apply it to the cloth first.
- Wipe Gently: In a gentle, circular motion, wipe the lens cover. Start from the centre and move outwards. Use a dry part of the cloth to buff away any remaining moisture.
After cleaning, power the camera back on and check the live view. If the mark is gone, you're all set. If it's still there, it's likely a scratch.
Step 2: Assess the Location and Severity of the Scratch
- On the Dome/Covering: Most outdoor Honeywell cameras have a protective plastic or glass dome that covers the actual lens. If the scratch is on this outer casing, it's much better than being on the lens itself.
- On the Lens Itself: If the scratch is on the small, recessed lens, it is much more serious and generally cannot be repaired.
- Severity: A light, superficial scuff on the outer dome might be repairable. A deep gouge that you can feel with your fingernail is likely permanent.
Step 3: Attempting a Minor Scratch Repair (Use Caution)
This step should only be attempted for minor scratches on the outer plastic dome cover, not the lens itself. This process carries a risk of making the view worse if done incorrectly.
Polishing Method for Plastic Domes
- Get a Plastic Polish: Purchase a polish specifically designed for clear plastics, such as those used for car headlights or acrylic.
- Apply a Small Amount: Put a tiny amount of the polish onto a clean microfibre cloth.
- Buff Gently: In a small, circular motion, gently buff the scratched area for a few minutes. Use minimal pressure.
- Clean and Check: Wipe away all residue with a clean, damp part of the cloth, then dry it. Check the camera's video feed to see if the scratch has been reduced. You may need to repeat the process, but be careful not to overdo it.
An alternative home remedy is to use a small amount of white, non-gel, non-abrasive toothpaste, but purpose-made plastic polish is always the better option.
Step 4: When to Seek a Replacement
If the scratch is deep, directly on the primary lens, or if polishing attempts have failed or worsened the image, the damage is unfortunately permanent. At this point, you have two options:
- Contact Honeywell Support: They may be able to advise if a replacement dome cover is available for your specific camera model. This is cheaper than replacing the whole unit.
- Replace the Camera: If no replacement parts are available, the only way to restore clear video quality is to replace the entire camera unit.
To prevent future scratches, try to install cameras in locations where they are sheltered from overhanging branches or the risk of being accidentally struck.