How To Clean Dust Filter On Optoma Projector

After several months of watching blockbuster movies via your home theater projector, you may have noticed a decline in image quality. Sure, you're watching on a 100-inch screen instead of a 40-inch TV, but the viewing experience just isn't the same anymore.

Before you switch back to watching on a small screen, though, ask yourself first, "When was the last time I cleaned my projector?"

A projector is every bit better than a TV when it comes to a more comfortable and immersive viewing experience. It is cheaper, and it offers almost an infinite screen size while still providing HD picture quality.

However, a projector requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Because it accumulates dirt and dust, you will need to clean it regularly.

Today, we will give you a complete step-by-step guide on how to clean an Optoma projector. You will also learn about why cleaning your unit is important.

Let's get right to it!

Quick Navigation

Why do I need to clean my Optoma projector?
How do I take apart my Optoma projector?
How do I clean the inside of my Optoma projector?
How do I clean the dust filter of my Optoma projector?
How do I clean an Optoma projector lens?
FAQ
- How often do I need to clean the projector lens?
Conclusion

Why do I need to clean my Optoma projector?

Whether you use your projector often or not, it will accumulate dirt and dust. Excessive buildup of dust can lead to poor projector image as well as overheating.

Dust can get on your projector lens, making the projection image appear grainy, dull, dark, or blurry. Dust can also settle on the lamp and cause it to heat up.

Cleaning your projector is necessary not only to keep its performance from deteriorating but also to extend its lifespan.

How do I take apart my Optoma projector?

a projector is disassembled

Cleaning your Optoma projector will require disassembly. It may seem difficult at first, but you'll get the hang of it once you do it a few times.

Below are the steps for disassembling your projector:

Turn off your projector and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes.
Remove the lamp cover.

Turn your projector upside down and unscrew the two screws holding the lamp cover. If you own an H180X model, you will find one of the screws hidden below a "Read the Manual" label.

Remove the lamp.

Now, loosen the two screws on the lamp assembly. Hold the metal handle and gently pull the lamp up.

If the lid gets stuck, use a screwdriver to lift it.

Once you have removed the lamp, unscrew the screws in the corners of the bottom of the projector.
Turn the projector over and remove the screws on the backside of the unit.
Now, here's the challenging part. Gently pry open the top lid by pulling the plastic clips securing the cover outwards and up.

You can use a screwdriver, but it might chip the plastic clips a little. Once you have removed the lid, you will see the interior of the projector.

How do I clean the inside of my Optoma projector?

SIN SHINE - Compressed Air 3.0- Multi-Use Electric Air Duster for Cleaning Dust, Hairs, Crumbs, Scraps for Laptop, Computer, Replaces Compressed Air Cans (AD01-Black) — Click image for more info

Once the Optoma projector is open, clean the inside using compressed air. Hold a can of air duster three to four inches from your projector and use short bursts of air to eliminate the dust.

Use the nozzle to target any accumulated dust you see. Wipe away any remaining dust using a microfiber cloth.

Then, proceed with cleaning the projector's housing exterior. Use a moistened cloth to remove any traces of dirt and dust from the case to prevent them from falling back to the interior when you reassemble the projector.

How do I clean the dust filter of my Optoma projector?

dust filter from a device

Regularly cleaning the dust filter of your Optoma projector is an essential part of keeping the unit running properly. The filter stops dust from accumulating on the optical elements and prevents the projector from overheating.

Optoma recommends cleaning and replacing the filter at least once every three months, but if you operate the projector in a dusty environment, more frequent cleaning is advisable.

To clean and replace the dust filter, simply follow the below steps:

Switch the projector off and disconnect the power cord.
Slowly remove the dust cover found on the side of the projector. Pull it gently to avoid damaging the lid.
Remove the dust from the filters using a small brush or a small vacuum. If the filters are extra dirty, you may need to replace them.
Finally, put the dust cover back and turn the projector on.

How do I clean an Optoma projector lens?

cleaning a projector lens using a soft towel

Cleaning the lens on an Optoma projector is relatively easy. Once the unit has cooled down, and you've disassembled it and removed the faceplate, you will need the following:

A soft, dry, lint-free cloth that you can buy at a camera or photography store
A lens cleaning solution

Once the projector is open, access the lens. Put a drop or two of the cleaning solution on a clean cloth and carefully wipe the lens in circular motions.

Do not touch the lens with your bare hands, as the oil from your fingers could leave burn marks when the lens heats up. Also, fingerprints are the hardest to remove and will affect the projector's picture quality.

Do not use abrasive solvents or other cleaning chemicals as they can damage the lens. Do not use alcohol either.

Also, do not wipe the lens with paper towels or tissues as they have rough fibers that can leave scratches.

For a video tutorial on how to clean the lens on an Optoma HD20, watch this:

FAQ

How often do I need to clean the projector lens?

You should clean your projector lens whenever it is dirty – that is when you notice a drop in video quality. Be careful not to overdo it; clean it only when necessary.

Your projector lens should remain pretty clean, unless you frequently use it outdoors, especially in dusty environments.

To keep the lens from getting dusty, cover it with the lens cap when the projector is not in use.

Conclusion

dust in the air through projector light

Knowing how to clean an Optoma projector is a simple yet cost-effective way to bring your unit back to its glory days.

By cleaning it regularly, you get to save a few hundred bucks from skipping a trip to a repair shop. You also get to ensure you enjoy an uninterrupted and cinema-like viewing experience from the comfort of your home.