Clean-up crew

Mike Harris uses VisibleDust’s Vswabs and VDust Plus solution to gently remove stubborn sensor stains

- Mike Harris

The Mission

– Check and clean your camera’s sensor

Time

– 15 minutes

Skill level

– Intermediate

Kit needed

– Sensor cleaning kit

– Air blower

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

The easiest way to clean your sensor is by using an air blower to shift unwanted build-ups – don’t be tempted to blow into the camera yourself 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 rather daunting prospect, the cleaning method is relatively simple.