How to Clean and Care for Your LensCoat Cover
By Lenscoat | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your LensCoat cover looking and performing its best with these simple cleaning and maintenance steps. Learn what to use, what to avoid, and how to handle common issues.
Quick Answer
Clean your LensCoat cover regularly with mild soap and water, avoid harsh chemicals, and inspect the clear plastic windows to keep your lens protected and looking new.
Why Regular Care Matters
Your LensCoat cover does more than just camouflage your lens. It absorbs bumps and scrapes that would otherwise damage the lens body, helping preserve resale value. A dirty or worn cover can trap grit against the lens barrel, so regular cleaning is a simple way to protect your investment.
The neoprene material is durable but needs gentle handling. Harsh cleaners, scrubbing pads, or machine washing can degrade the fabric or loosen the fit over time.
What About the Clear Windows?
Many LensCoat covers, like the ones for the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG Art and Sigma 70-200 2.8 EX DG, include clear plastic windows over the autofocus controls and distance scale. These windows let you see lens markings without removing the cover, but they can scratch or fog up if cleaned aggressively.
Treat these windows like a camera LCD screen. Use a microfiber cloth and a tiny amount of water or lens cleaner. Avoid paper towels or rough fabrics.
Step-by-Step LensCoat Cleaning and Care Guide
- Remove the Cover from Your Lens: Gently peel the LensCoat off the lens, starting from one end. Take your time to avoid stretching the neoprene. If the cover is snug, roll it off rather than pulling. Common mistake: pulling too hard can stretch the fabric and cause a loose fit. Work slowly.
- Hand Wash with Mild Soap and Cool Water: Fill a sink or bowl with cool water and add a drop of mild dish soap. Submerge the cover and gently work the soap into the fabric with your fingers. Focus on areas with visible dirt or grime. Common mistake: using hot water or bleach can shrink or discolor the neoprene. Stick to cool water and mild soap.
- Rinse Thoroughly and Squeeze Out Excess Water: Rinse the cover under cool running water until all soap is gone. Gently squeeze (do not wring) the cover to remove most of the water. Wringing can distort the shape and damage the stitching. Checkpoint: after rinsing, inspect the clear plastic windows for any soap residue that could leave a film.
- Air Dry Flat Away from Direct Heat: Lay the cover flat on a clean towel in a well-ventilated area. Let it air dry completely before putting it back on the lens. Avoid radiators, hair dryers, or direct sunlight, which can cause the neoprene to crack or fade. Common mistake: using a dryer or heater speeds up drying but can ruin the fit and material. Patience pays off.
- Clean the Clear Plastic Windows Separately: Once the cover is dry, use a microfiber cloth and a drop of water or lens cleaning solution to gently wipe the clear windows over the autofocus and distance scale. Use circular motions and light pressure. Common mistake: using alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners can craze the plastic. Stick to water or dedicated lens cleaner.
- Reinstall the Cover and Check Fit: Once everything is dry, carefully slide the LensCoat back onto the lens. Ensure the clear windows align with the lens markings and that the cover sits flat without wrinkles. A proper fit means the cover stays put during use. Checkpoint: if the cover feels loose after drying, it may have stretched from previous mishandling. Consider replacing it for optimal protection.
Products Mentioned in This Guide
- LensCoat® Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG Art: LensCoat for the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art lens offers protection from scrapes and bumps, preserving resale value, and includes clear plastic windows over the autofocus controls and distance scale. The clear windows need extra care during cleaning to avoid scratches that could obscure lens markings.
LensCoat® Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG Art - LensCoat® Sigma 70-200 2.8 EX DG: LensCoat for the Sigma 70-200 2.8 telephoto lens cover offers protection from scrapes and bumps, preserving resale value, and includes clear plastic windows over the autofocus controls and distance scale. The larger surface area of a telephoto cover collects more dust and debris, making regular cleaning more important for maintaining a snug fit and clear windows.
LensCoat® Sigma 70-200 2.8 EX DG
