How to Check and Clean Your Camera Sensor Safely and Easily

All photographers have to clean their camera sensor at some point. Cleaning the camera sensor especially if you shoot mirrorless. The process of camera sensor cleaning can be quite intimidating because you don’t want to damage it. However, you can perform this task easily. All you need to do is follow certain guidelines and use the right cleaning tools.

Here’s a step-by-step guideline that will help you check and clean your camera sensor safely and easily:

Preparation

First, make sure that the space where you will perform camera sensor cleaning is itself relatively dustless and clean. One way to achieve this is to have the hot water run in your bathroom. This will make the space humid. Stop the water and wait for a few minutes so the room cools down and the humidity takes down the dust in the air. Obviously, you will need to make sure that the surface where you are cleaning is also clean. A good light source close by will be required as well to allow you to clearly see inside the camera chamber.

If it’s a DSLR camera, you will need to lock the mirror up. You can achieve this by using the Bulb Mode. Also, use a shutter release. In this way, you won’t have to keep your finger on the shutter.

Dust Blower

Start with a dust blower to remove dust in your sensor chamber. Oftentimes, it is effective and can get the job done. If you are cleaning a DSLR camera sensor, then it is recommended that you use the blower first before putting the mirror up. And then use it afterwards as well. Make sure to use the blower that does not redistribute dust.

Sensor Static Brush

Static brushes use static electricity to remove dust. These can be expensive as compared to dust blowers but they are definitely worth it. Using them to clean the camera sensor is easy; simply charge the brush with motor, turn it off, and then turn the lights on. Brush the sensor a few times.

Sensor Swabs

If the above-mentioned tools are not enough, then the next step is wet cleaning. Cleaning your camera sensor safely in this way requires a little more concentration. You will need to apply a brush with liquid in order to remove smears and other dirt. Sensor swabs are the most common option for this. Sensor swab kits generally include at least five swabs and a cleaning solution. To clean your camera sensor with sensor swabs, first set your camera face-up. Get the solution bottle and one swab. Use a drop of the solution to wet each end of the swab. Then swab the camera sensor from right to left or left to right. Do not apply different solution or reuse swabs. They are single-use items and made for very specific uses.

Check the Results

Use a Sensor Loupe to check the results. It will allow you to get instant results and you can also use it during the cleaning process. In this way, you will avoid wasting swabs and back-and-forth with your computer and your camera so there will be no risk to contaminate the sensor.