How to remove moisture from security cameras

Have you ever heard that tech and water are not good together? Well, the same applies to moisture. This article will give tips on how to remove moisture from security cameras.

It is crucial to keep your cameras dry; they should not be exposed to any weather. Accumulated water can damage your camera and keep it from functioning correctly, causing you issues in the long run.

Moisture can keep wires from working properly, damage the motherboard, or even shortcircuit the camera. You will then have to replace or repair the camera, which is not going to be fun or cheap.

Furthermore, moisture can also cloud the lens, distort the footage, and affect the camera’s overall picture quality. This issue can happen from the inside and outside of the lens; either way, it can create a bigger problem that could be avoided.

Below you will find a guide on how to remove moisture from security cameras. If you spot any signs of moisture, you should act immediately. And if you don’t, it never hurts to check.

Let’s dive into the tips and tricks on keeping your camera dry and how to avoid moisture altogether.

Moisture in the camera

Remove moisture from security cameras– A guide.

There are various affordable ways to keep your camera away from moisture damage. Below we will explore the ways you can remove moisture from security cameras.

Anti-Fog

Apart from being common and highly affordable, some people, especially glasses wearers, probably already have a bottle of Anti-Fog. And if you don’t, you can just order it on Amazon or find it in your local pharmacy.

Spraying a layer of anti-fog on the lens and cover of your camera will keep moisture from collecting and fogging up the image. This especially helps if you spray it on cameras exposed to humidity or during the rainy season. Applying it once in a while can help remove moisture from security cameras and keep your lenses clean and clear.

Ever have foggy mornings? Want to learn how to stop CCTV cameras from fogging up? Read all about it in the article.

Silica Gel Packets

This one might give you a reason to go shopping! Do you realize that you usually get a small silica gel bag or two when you buy shoes? The reason they are there is actually to absorb moisture.

Since they are tiny, you should be able to easily slip them into your camera and watch as the humidity is absorbed. Using these packets is a simple method to remove moisture from security cameras.

If you don’t have any, you can purchase a few silica gel packets online or look for them inside a shoe box. The more you can fit inside the camera, the better to keep your camera nice and dry.

Silica Gel for Security Cameras

Wipe it down

If you can visually see water droplets or moisture, you might want to wipe the lens down, but do it with a microfiber towel. Be gentle if you want to wipe the camera’s sensor and try not to leave any fingerprints.

Purchase some microfiber cloths if you don’t own any; they are great for cleaning and won’t leave water spots around your lens. If there is any dirt or debris, you can also wipe those off.

Cloth

Weatherproof cameras

Outdoor cameras are constantly exposed to weather, including rain, snow, heat, etc. So picking the correct camera is essential. Never install an indoor camera outside, as they are not equipped to handle the weather.

Furthermore, remember that there is a clear difference between weatherproof and waterproof. Just because your outdoor camera can handle weather does not necessarily mean you should place it where the rain hits it.

Install outdoor cameras in covered areas where there won’t be rain, snow, or too much sun hitting them to conserve your camera as much as possible.

Look at weatherproof cameras as an investment. They might be a bit more expensive, but you get what you pay for. So consider that when shopping for it.

If you want a camera that can withstand freezing temperatures, rain, humidity, heat, and snow, then look no further than the IP67-rated cameras. IP67 is a label that certifies that the camera can withstand these elements.

The reason why is their impenetrable housings that keep water from leaking inside. If you want to invest, some housings even use fans inside to control the temperature and keep the camera running.

Remove current moisture from security cameras.

If there is already water and moisture inside the camera, you should remove it from the wall and take a look inside it. Regardless of whether it is working or not, leaving the water, there will only damage the camera.

You should clean and dry the camera off with the microfiber towels or use a blow dryer from far away. Inspect the camera’s placement and make sure that it is not being directly exposed to rain, leaks, or weathering as a whole.

Furthermore, cameras have a rubber ring that helps keep water out and is placed between the camera’s lens and body. Before closing the camera up and putting it back, make sure you check on that.

Do not install your camera back if you do not see the rubber ring between those grooves. It is a crucial step; it is better to purchase a new one if the old one is lost or broken.

Final Thoughts

There are various ways to clean off the water and thoroughly remove moisture from security cameras. These steps are crucial for outdoor cameras because they are so often exposed to weather and debris. 

To keep the lenses from fogging during those pesky rainy months, you can always spray a nice layer of anti-fog on them to keep them from blocking your camera’s view and distorting the image.