CLEAN-UP CREW

Mike Harris shows you how to use VisibleDust’s Vswabs and VDust Plus solution to gently remove stubborn sensor stains

- Mike Harris

15 MINS

If you use a camera with an interchangeable lens for long enough, it’s inevitable that something unwanted is going to settle on the sensor at some point. Many cameras feature a built-in sensor-cleaning function, which causes the sensor to vibrate in an attempt to remove particles of dirt, but while this can be handy in a pinch, sooner or later a more invasive solution will be required.

The easiest way to clean your sensor is by using a simple air blower to shift unwanted build-ups – don’t be tempted to blow into the camera yourself, though, as this could cause tiny particles of saliva to stain your sensor. Oil- and water-based stains require a wet cleaning solution and although consciously introducing fluids to the inner workings of your precious camera can be a daunting prospect, the cleaning method is relatively simple.

In this tutorial we’ll show you how to apply VisibleDust’s VDust Plus cleaning solution using its MXD-100 Sensor Cleaning Vswab (www.visibledust.com). This is rated to combat water- and oil-based stains, while the 24mm swab is designed to clean full-frame sensors that have a low-pass filter (crop sensor and no low-pass filter swabs are also available). We also show you how to find out whether or not your sensor actually needs cleaning.

A word of warning: you embark on the task of cleaning your camera’s sensor at your own risk! If you’re not confident, or if you’re unsure how to remove a particularly stubborn stain, seek out a specialist camera cleaning service.