Cleaning & Care Guidelines for Customers

At Everything Film Equipment, we understand that rental gear is used in real-world environments. We do not require customers to clean gear before returning it, and in most cases, minor dirt or wear is completely normal and expected. Our goal is transparency, fairness, and protecting the gear for everyone who uses it. Check out the Everything Film Equipment Cleaning & Care Guidelines below!

No Cleaning Required for Normal Use

For the vast majority of rentals, no extra cleaning is required for light dust, fingerprints on lenses or screens, minor smudges, or small marks or stains on cases or bags. If something can be cleaned with a quick wipe or microfiber cloth, we will handle it in-house and will not charge or flag it.

What Is Considered Excessively Dirty

A cleaning fee may apply when gear requires more than basic wiping or special cleaning products, or when it significantly increases turnaround time. Examples include:

Mud, sand, gravel, or rocks

Excessive moisture exposure

Excessive dust buildup

Adhesive buildup or residue

Grease or oil residue or stains

Anything requiring deep cleaning

Cleaning Fees are Assessed Based On:

Time required to clean
Extent and severity of contamination
Any specialty products needed to safely clean the gear

If dirt or contamination causes permanent damage, the customer may be responsible for repair costs or replacement costs. This includes damage caused by sand or grit in mechanical parts, liquids entering electronics. improper cleaning methods, and corrosion or internal contamination.

These situations are covered under our rental agreement under Damaged, Modified, Lost or Unreturned Equipment:

Renter shall keep the Equipment in good repair and condition and not materially modify, alter or attempt any repairs on the Equipment regardless of fault.

Renter assumes and bears the entire risk of damage and or lose to the Equipment from any cause during the lease period. In the event of any material modifications, Renter will be responsible for all reasonable costs of Rentee in restoring the Equipment to its normal condition.

Unless pre-existing damage is reported to Rentee at the time of pick-up after Renter takes possession of the Equipment, it is assumed any damage to the equipment occurred during the term of the Lease.

In the event of damage, Rentee shall choose to repair or replace the item, within reason. And Renter is responsible for total cost of replacement or repairs whether in-house with parts and labor or external which will be charged to their on account form of payment. If not successfully charged within 24 hours, Renter shall be considered to be in Default.

At Rentee’s discretion, a cleaning fee may be charged if any of the following must be removed from the equipment upon return;Smoke, Mud or dirt, Chalk, powder Sand or Any other matter that must be removed from the Equipment before it is placed back in Rentee’s inventory.

Everything Film Equipment Cleaning & Care Guidelines: What Customers May Clean Themselves

Customers are welcome, but not required, to do light cleaning if needed during a shoot or before return.

Acceptable cleaning methods:

Microfiber cloths
Lens cleaning solution (designed for optics)
Pre-moistened wipes (used gently and sparingly)

Cleaning should be limited to:

Removing dust
Removing fingerprints
Light exterior smudges

To avoid accidental damage, do not use:

Harsh chemicals or solvents
Household cleaners
Alcohol not intended for electronics
Abrasive cloths
Excessive pressure or scrubbing

Customers should never attempt cleaning that:

Strips paint or finish
Changes surface texture
Forces debris into seams, buttons, or vents
Requires disassembly

If unsure, don’t clean it. Contact us instead.

If using any moist cleaning method:

Moisture must stay on exterior surfaces only
Never allow liquid near:
- Ports
- Buttons
- Vents
- Mechanical or electrical components

Any moisture entering internal components can result in damage.

Customers using gear in outdoor environments, construction sites, warehouses, or dusty or sandy locations should understand there is a higher risk of dirt exposure. Our rental agreement clearly outlines that customers are responsible for cleaning fees and repairs resulting from debris exposure.

If gear gets dirty, please be upfront with us and let us know what happened. Trying to hide damage or fix it without proper tools often causes more harm than good.

We are happy to handle minor cleaning ourselves. In most cases, it’s best to let us clean it, unless debris is actively affecting your shoot.

If you’re ever unsure whether something you rented should be cleaned and what products are safe to use, contact us. We’re here to help!