The best and worst ways to clean your camera's sensor

A lot of photographers are nervous about cleaning their camera's dirty sensors, but it doesn't have to be scary! We demonstrate some proven techniques for sensor maintenance, along with some terrible, terrible methods
No functioning cameras were harmed in the making of this video.
Watch our lens cleaning episode as well!
• The Best (and Worst) W...
Music provided by BeatSuite.com
www.beatsuite.com
Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store
www.thecamerastore.com
0:00 - Intro
1:42 - Identifying dust
3:21 - Cleansing with fire
3:39 - Dust blower
5:50 - Homemade sticky wand
6:24 - Ricoh Pentax Sensor Cleaner
7:38 - Wet cleaning
8:09 - Swab and liquid cleaning
9:44 - Manual repairs
10:57 - Sending for service
11:45 - The wrap
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[@frstesiste7670]

You should always remove the battery before cleaning with the flame thrower.

[@Soumyaroopc]

Yes, it’s not like we want that lithium battery catching on fire.

[@erwinchan6077]

@@SoumyaroopcExplosions also cleans dust

[@maortheyoungcameraguy175]

@@erwinchan6077 dying is also killing dust

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

Practial advice like this is what makes this KZbin channel valuable

[@JerryWilliam63]

Heyyyyyy,, That is a good vending, maybe you can use that in another afsnit.

[@Pete292323]

Thank god, he didn't damage that ribbon cable, got scared there for a moment.

[@RealThore]

Damaged the ribbon cable when cleaning a compact cam once. Not even the propane tank could help with that :/

[@AnthonyKongSYD]

He is a professional. He knows what he is doing. 😁

[@jeepjoseph9036]

I am a camera and lens tech. As a professional, I can assure you the flamethrower is the best way to clean the sensor. Clients are always suprised at how well it works. For some reason though, they are occasionally angry about it...I can't seem to figure out why that is though

[@khitanese]

If your clients get angry, try a flamethrower.

[@jeepjoseph9036]

@@khitanese not a bad idea. Though their R5's get hot enough to not need a flame thrower. Then I just spray the sensor with a firehose

[@fahdmoh8424]

@@jeepjoseph9036 hahahaha

[@shinonomenano9043]

Can confirm, when customer didn't go back that would mean our services are good 👍😊

[@FarzadFarzamfar]

I tried the flame thrower method and it really got rid of all the dust. However, initially I had problems fixing my lenses on the body after the cleaning. I got really concerned! But I just used the flame thrower again, and put a lens back on right after. You must be a bit careful because of the heat, but the lens slipped right on then. Thanks!

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

Always make sure the ring lights red!

[@patrickmolloy6994]

good tip ! I flamed a couple of lenses too. I had trouble replacing the battery - but a quick blast took care of the battery door too! Wondrous

[@valdemarfilm7697]

I work in a camera store and one day a customer came in with a camera and told us it was a bit dirty and needed a clean. When we took a look inside there was ants in the evf and sensor. We told the customer we couldn’t help him. That blowtorch would have been helpful though.

[@Simon74]

Will my camera’s sensor get dirty if I take dirty pictures with it?

[@falsemcnuggethope]

Taking dirty pictures with your camera definitely increases the risk of taking dirty pictures also in the future.

[@Photovintageguy]

No, but your lens will definitely get dirty. You might need a lens cleaner, like a windshield wiper.

[@mrogex]

it depends if you can see the dirt with a naked eye

[@shelwee]

true ode to Kai when he was on digitalrev! well done

[@Mikey1962]

I just ordered the Pentax sticky sensor cleaner from The Camera Store, it looks like a good first step solution for me. Figured I had better get on right away because who knows how many might be left in stock after this video airs. Thanks for all the tips and helpful insight with this this mysterious task.

[@Broadluxe]

I hope DPReview is paying you guys well, you are both the entire reason I watch their videos and use their website.

[@charlesdavis6371]

I really enjoy your sense of humor - now back to the show. I wasn't aware of that Pentax tac wand .. will order one. I've only had to use the swabs a couple times - but with my move to mirrorless, I'd think frequency may increase. Great video - something every channel should have. TY

[@shawnmcdonald7930]

I almost spit out my coffee when he said you want to be careful about that ribbon cable.

[@yawningmarmot]

Another great video! When I had Nikon D80 back in the day, I hated cleaning its sensor. Whenever I tried to do this, I would just end up with more dust that was visible even at f/5.6. I blame it on the felt that covered the inside of the camera around the sensor and collected dust like crazy. Nowadays with mirrorless cameras it's a lot easier to clean the sensor, as there are cleaning systems built in. And that rocket blower really does work like magic when you need it.

[@kamilpotato3764]

I don't understand why camera companies never implemented some sort of sensor cover in the mirrorless cameras as soon as you remove the lens. Like some sort of iris or curtain. Like z9 does it now.

[@NeXMaX]

@@kamilpotato3764 Likely due to space reasons. Some cameras use the mechanical shutter curtains to cover the sensor, like the Sony a9ii/a1 and Canon's EOS R/R6/R5/R3, although since the shutter curtains are much more delicate than the "blast door" of the Z9, they may be more susceptible to damage.

[@exploresouthwest]

10:03 This is my favorite Red Green episode.

[@HennerZeller]

I find that soaking the sensor with battery acid for a few hours works well. Remove tough dirt on sensor with steel wool first. :)

[@corykphotography]

Still one of the best camera related videos of all time.

[@talentfreaks]

My favorite resource for cameras. Awesome, actually solved a problem I've had in my Canon 6D IR camera. The manual sensor cleaning was a huge help and now it is clean. Love the sense of humor too.

[@everydayisextra]

Perfect, just brillant! Couldn’t have come at a better time as I was about to scan your library for exactly this topic. Spent a week at Disney and forgot to bring any cleaning stuff, got really mad at myself. Having the blower and a designated wet cleaning kit, your advice with the Pentax stick is greatly appreciated, makes all the sense in the world to me. As always, thanks so much, what you guys do is invaluable! I only wish you wouldn’t always be so dead serious, you know. A little bit of humor here or there might help.

[@jeffrey17363]

Sometimes it’s very easy to mistake lens dust for sensor dust, especially on the back of wide angle lenses. Before you do any cleaning, it’s a good idea to switch lenses and see if you see the same dust spot.

[@ziginox]

The first time I hit the sensor cleaning mode on my a6500, I was quite surprised to find my camera doing its best impression of a DualShock controller. Also, the Giotto's blowers are worth the extra expense, they're much higher quality than cheapo generic ones. I have a small one that hangs out in my bag, as well as a larger one that stays home. The Photographic Solutions kit is also great. No horror stories here, thankfully. I've even cleaned the delicate pellicle mirrors in Sony's SLT cameras, no sweat. OH! And one other thing you should get. I don't recall who makes it, but I have a goat hair brush that's designed specifically for sensor cleaning. You use a blower to both clean and build up a static charge on the bristles, then lightly drag it across the sensor. It works great for the few bits of dust that a blower can't get.

[@jonathanj4497]

Nice, I like the how-to type videos! Good job

[@pergunnareriksson]

Love it! Thanks for the sound and concise tips. Flamethrower ordered!

[@user-xi5mv9zh2v]

I'm just thinking about cleaning my sensor, and this video helps a lot, thanks very much.

[@valentinbusuioc4054]

loved it, funny and very instructive!! more of these, please! :)

[@acanuck1679]

Terrific video. Very well done, thank you.

[@Elgsdyr]

I've actually used an Arctic Butterfly sensor brush for many years and it has dealt effectively with any dust problems I've come across. I did buy a swab system at some point but I've never had to use it so it's just collecting dust in my cupboard.

[@charlesdavis6371]

well ... I guess 'collecting dust' is what it was made for. baahaahaa

[@DobromirManchev]

The irony of a dust cleaning kit collecting dust in a cupboard...

[@ziginox]

Can confirm, I'm surprised Chris didn't mention those style. I have a somewhat similar one, but a much cheaper style that's similar to a small paintbrush. You just use a blower on the bristles to clean them and give them a static charge, then swipe it across the sensor. It works great! I've still had to use swabs a couple of times, but that was mostly when I left a fingerprint when clumsily changing lenses...

[@ponderingnugget]

Same here, I've been using the Arctic Butterfly for years. It works like the elder wand.

[@Estradinhas_do_ES]

Same here. Artic Butterfly, after some blowing, has been my non-destructive effective method.

[@kameronstrickland]

The bits in this video were great, but I also learned some helpful information. The Pentax sensor cleaner is new to me, and that seems like a nice intermediate tool for cleaning sensors. When I clean my A7Riii (no sensor lock mode) I just leave the camera off. Should I really turn the camera on and turn IBIS off? I thought keeping the camera on would invite additional dust to stick to the sensor immediately upon cleaning.

[@Andy_Thomas]

That flamethrower technique looks tricky; I'd definitely recommend practicing on a friend's camera first.

[@jbird7782]

Instant classic 🤣 I haven't laughed that hard in awhile, thanks guys! I needed that.

[@MrPhilbautista]

You didn't mention my favorite way of cleaning my sensor. Giving it a good wipe with my trusty t-shirt (while I'm wearing it, of course).

[@falsemcnuggethope]

Yeah, don't forget to breathe on the sensor first to give it some moisture

[@MrPhilbautista]

@@falsemcnuggethope moisture usually not a problem for me since I sweat a lot.

[@golight1]

So happy u washed the nikon down the toilet. I dune just the same when My new d850 came back from its 5th in-warrnty, official nikon lab repair.

[@blackvally13]

That flamethrower part was clearly stolen from Kai and Lok - they are definitely proud of this episode! Thumps up! Funny and informative!

[@Sooch900]

I just got my Nikon Z9 a week ago and it already has a couple specs of dust on the sensor. I’m gonna try your flamethrower method, thanks for all the great tips!

[@deliciouslyme6206]

Important photoshoot for me tomorrow and I had all the equipment but terrified to ruin my sensor! Thank you for this. I only used my rocket blower in the end and that’s all I needed but thanks to your video I realised how simple it is! (Love the ‘delicate’ way you took the lens out -Impressive! 👌👌👌😂

[@thehowlingterror]

So helpful...I'd been using the wrong sized pry bar.

[@falsemcnuggethope]

The size doesn't really matter, you just need to yank it hard enough.

[@andrewkingham]

I didn't even flinch with the flamethrower, but when you threw dust at the sensor I physically winced in pain.

[@ExVeeBrawn]

I remember being at a press event a few years ago with people from maybe a dozen other outlets. We'd been going since early in the morning, and finally found ourselves on a lunch break. We finished eating and were sitting around waiting to get collected to go to our next stop, and were just killing time as best we could. One of my fellow invitees decided it would be a good time to do a little upkeep on his camera. He popped off the lens, grabbed a napkin from the stack in the middle of one table, and proceeded to dry-wipe the sensor with it. I, and the couple others sitting close enough to see what he was doing I think all about had heart failure at the sight. He said something like "you guys worry too much" and just kept at it until he was satisfied. Evidently the camera survived the experience just fine, but that was far more stressful to witness than anything in this video!

[@peterreber7671]

I saw on another video that it was recommended to turn the camera off, wait 5 to 10 seconds before changing lenses because when the camera is on the sensor has an electric charge that attracts dust. Allow the charge to dissipate first.

[@fotoschumacher]

Thanks for that one!

[@bsmukler]

It’s important, when drilling into the camera body to remove the lens, to drill a second hole to let the light back out (just as Bullwinkle’s approach to leaky boats).

[@badaspunkbtch]

😂😂😂

[@photographerlostintimber]

I followed your advice and for me the drill and pry bar was very helpful, since, i never needed to clean my sensor again. LOL.

[@kenclx]

thumbs up for being able to keep a serious face all through out the video!

[@tomariko]

In Thailand Sony Thai is cleaning your censor for free if you buy your camera in Thailand ( not grey market ) at every Sony store in bangkok. Feeling lucky to have such a good service. Some camera store also do it for 5-10 usd.

[@billkipper3264]

I've found that for the really stubborn stuff a steel wool pad works wonders. Not the kind with the soap already impregnated into it, that will leave residue. Then, I use a little trick and soak it in carburetor cleaner for a couple of hours then scrub again with a scotchbrite pad. If all that doesn't work I'll spray it with flouroantimonic acid. That will eat ANYTHING on the sensor and the sensor itself if you're not quick. Not to mention the whole camera. And anything else it gets on. Two words of caution though if going this route. One, don't forget your hazmat suit and gas mask. It's somewhat toxic. Two, DO NOT use in conjunction with water. It has this small habit of exploding on contact with H2O. That could cause a mess. Other than that, have fun.

[@MountaineerMichael]

So my canon dslr had fallen into a river and didn't work for about a year. It's been workin', but it won't take photos (connection lens error) and when I take it outside the exposure is white out. Everything looks like snow. The video recordin' works, but still take it outside and everything is snow, indoors everything is not snowed. Tried the lens in another/new camera works fine. What can you tell me about this older cam? Also internal battery doen not hold a charge, thought id let you know. Thank you for your time.

[@nickwilliams7867]

I git a sensor brush over ten years ago. Still works, very quick and easy to use

[@Panphobia]

Great Video! I must say I hadn’t heard of half of these techniques (even though I do in fact own a toilet), so your input is greatly appreciated. Do you happen to have any experience with the nitecore blowerbaby? I haven’t used it myself but it seems like a rocket blower on steroids

[@ziginox]

If you had a way to filter the incoming air, I could see one of those working. With the intake wide open, I imagine it would throw dust at the sensor. Not an issue for most things they intend it for, but probably not the best for something this delicate.

[@jackheart2925]

Took a swab to my camera however I didn't know the ibis had to be off before cleaning prior to this video; luckily I was gentle it enough to move the mechanism every so slightly like once or twice so no harm done. But now I know, thanks Chris 👍👍

[@luzr6613]

For those photographers who lack in-body stabilization ie those with shaky hands - you can protect the lens mount when using the flamethrower technique by attaching your macro extension tubes.

[@grehmet]

It's probably also worth raising the point that it makes sense to be selective, if you can, about where you change lenses, to reduce the risk of getting dust inside your camera. If you can, try to avoid changing lenses in dusty environments. Another point to note is that it is worth checking that the dust you are seeing on your images is really from the sensor, and is not dust on the lens. If that is the case, you may discover that no amount of sensor cleaning will help.

[@kamilpotato3764]

I don't understand why camera companies never implemented some sort of sensor cover in the mirrorless cameras as soon as you remove the lens. Like some sort of iris or curtain. Like z9 does it now.

[@astrostl]

First: make sure the REAR element of your lens isn't smudged or spotted by wiping it down with a microfiber cloth. To test: set to max aperture and infinity focus, then take a pic of a clear blue sky or a white screen on a monitor. Then go into Lightroom, Develop, hit Q, then click 'Visualize Spots' and crank the slider to visualize where you need to clean. Repeat after cleaning until you like what you (don't) see.

[@gosman949]

I'm surprised they didn't mention this in the video for all the newbees.

[@mrogex]

made my day!

[@djshineboy]

The toilet cleaning method is still the best method for deep cleaning your sensor. I’ve cleaned several camera’s using that method. There’s also an extra benefit because it improves autofocus because the electronics in your camera perform much better when they are soaking wet. Glad to see that there’s finally a proper KZbin video of the process. I can HIGHLY recommend this method to other users.

[@andersstrick]

What about the toothbrush and vacuum cleaner trick? Works wonders ;)

[@JamieKitson]

I bought a Ricoh Pentax kit at your recommendation and haven’t been very impressed with it so far, but I just realised I hadn’t peeled the film off the sticky paper so the gummy was keeping all the dust 🤦

[@parasinthephilippines]

Top notch.

[@AnastasTarpanov]

Will be interesting to compare with nitecore blowerbaby for example.

[@TheRigldbrg]

Best video ever! Now where's my flame thrower?

[@GeorgePrince]

Great video in how to utilize your skills to put an end to all your past cameras..lol..

[@tlatown]

Awesome! Need that flamethrower!

[@josecolon8143]

Does the Camera store or B&H sell the flame thrower? Or the chip shortage vs high demand has affected its availability? I need one of those! 🤗

[@pbyfr]

Just done today my K3 III and K5 with the Pentax tool, it's so easy. And it is so small, it fits anywhere to take it during a trip. The per-imbibed swabs I used were always too wet, and it was a pain to have sensor dry without some trace on it. So much that I always avoided cleaning the sensor, if the dust wasn't that visible. With the Pentax tool, I don't mind cleaning it more often (really necessary when doing macro and stopped down).

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

I didn't know there was a pentax sensor cleaning tool!

[@pbyfr]

@@mipmipmipmipmip I knew about it, but it is only last year that I was aware that it was available outside Japan. At least for Europe, it wasn't imported when it came out.

[@RealDaveTheFreak]

The most impressive thing is how you were able to keep a straight face all the time. Well done! xD

[@KevinLin145]

What camera was this episode shot with. Some how felt like the "slow mo throw dust shot" isn't very S1H-y. But what do I know :D

[@ChrisProuse]

Ha! What temperature do you recommend? Can I use an acetylene torch or do you recommend propane 😄

[@harrison00xXx]

Well, i got the Canon EF/RF adapter with filter insert and got additionally a transparent glass instead of the polarizing filter. Since i use mostly anyways EF lenses my sensor is all time protected from dust (and its awesome since i switch lenses and telescopes nearly daily) Still, it seems my dust blower isnt enough and i should get only for the case such a nice wet cleaning tool too.

[@rwilifeandtravel1854]

The flame thrower method seems great if you're using disposable digital cameras or cameras designed for use in a volcano (or hell). Haha! For me it's always initially the blower and if that's not effective it's the swab. These days I tend to shoot with two camera bodies if I feel I'm going to need to change lenses during a shoot. Changing lenses outdoors is always risky. I learnt the hard way many years ago to avoid changing a lens in a field with potentially lots of pollen floating around. It sticks to the sensor.

[@timothyduvernet2711]

I use an Invisible Dust magnifier to check for the dust first. Then the blower is about all I've ever needed. I don't know how any oil or similar would contact the sensor unless it was exposed and facing up to something that fell into it. There is also an invisible dust antistatic brush that spins around to clean before and after you use it. Works great without introducing smears or similar.

[@patricksavage8519]

Followed your guidance and used my Makita power drill on my Sony A1 and it’s no longer working. Any suggestions?

[@Alex_564]

That Ricoh/Pentax kit would have been handy a few months ago. Is there any budget alternative to the Ricoh/Pentax cleaning kit?

[@brettpatching]

I've read more than one review saying that you shouldn't use anything else - users found residue on their sensors with other products from the gum. I saw a video of a sensor being cleaned at the Leica factory. They started by SUCKING dust from the sensor area before touching the sensor - they said that a rocket blower might blow dust into the shutter mechanism, which actually makes a lot of sense. Then they started taking dust off with gum - and I could see that it was the Ricoh/Pentax cleaning kit. They turned the camera on after each pass and photographed a white daylight-lit background with the camera tethered to their computer to check until they had removed everything. Impressive.

[@bdeheer]

My favorite technique is a combination technique. This is something I use for the more subborn dust and oil. I like to use some gentle rubbing with a cleaning compound but that can be expensive so what I do is the following: 1: Take the lens off, this is a no-brainer of course 2: Drive to a sandy road, anythin unpaved will do. The particulate material will serve and the cleaning compound. 3: Place the camera in front of one of the powered wheels. 4: Do a burn-out. This will burn out the dust and oil from the surface of the sensor really quickly and with some luck leave behind a protective film from the tire. The sand from the road will do a deep cleaning.

[@checksix_TC]

Hey Chris have you tried using a vacuum cleaner on a sensor? :)

[@mixtape5143]

Hilarious and informative!

[@patrickmolloy6994]

I tried drilling the hole, but unfortunately the camera isn't waterproof now. BUT it dried really well using the flame thrower method!

[@veqlargh81]

A lot of times I get cameras with dust in between the glass on the sensor. That is pure joy to clean... :)

[@dougcrann]

Heading out to the garage, going to give my sand blaster a try at cleaning the sensor.

[@frank21cn1]

Need more videos like this lol

[@Noir.photolab]

Your Best video So Far :))

[@NoName-rg3np]

Haven't seen this much destruction of camera gear since the old school days of Digital Rev with Kai and Lok!

[@jamespeirce2582]

I’m fairly sure modern Sony cameras feature sensor dust attraction routines instead of cleaning routines. I suppose I can’t blame them… seems easy to mix those up.

[@Penguins247]

Yep, it's the age old "Whoops, used a minus when I should have used a plus" ;)

[@bosstowndynamics5488]

Another commenter pointed this out already but active sensors are charged and do attract dust. Turning the camera off for lens changes reduces this effect.

[@blau1296]

Visible Dust wet clean solution is very good. Have been using that for over 10 years without a single issue

[@madhatter42o]

I had a piece of dust located behind the sensor. I was unable to clean it off so I used my OCD and was scrubbing it aggressively and still wouldn't wipe off. Took it in and found out the dust was behind the scratched sensor. Might try a mig welder next time. I hear that works.

[@worldaviation4k]

*The video that got me millions of views was with a camera cleaned by a panda head costume's fluffy ear on the sensor lol didn't have my pentax swab at the time in Osaka but it gave me the thought of whether it leaves residue as I start looking at buying a new one instead of using a brush or sunglasses cloth or even worse my hoodie*

[@philipbenjamin4720]

This video should be the first in a series. Other videos in the series could include attempting to go through airport security with a propane tank - and another set in court with a DP review TV viewer suing after following the advice in the video.

[@lingfish1]

Gold.

[@JesseHamptonPhotography]

I find taking the lens off then spinning the camera around by my peak design neck strap in the rain cleans everything up nicely.

[@jackbrumby1892]

Humour? I use VSGO cleaning swabs & Visible Dust cleaning solution. Also an Arctic Butterfly dust remover & an LED loupe light. I used to go to the Nikon Service Centre in Sydney. My camera store in the city (Georges Cameras - the best) showed me how to do it and gave me complete confidence to do it myself. P.S. You are cleaning the protective film of glass in front of the sensor, not the actual sensor. Cheers.

[@brunofdgoncalves]

There's a lot of meme material in this video to be used on facebook camera groups. Entertaining as always, let's hope everybody recognizes the humour and don't use a flamethrower on their camera.

[@gdv2268]

I use shower for my G9 body cleaning. No problem sir !

[@David-gh8my]

Years ago I noticed dust on my Nikon D40X I had none of the sensor cleaning kits so I locked open the shutter and ever so delicately with a damp and dry cotton bud cleaned and dried the sensor it worked but for the first time sensor clean, it was nerve-wracking.

[@NorCal-yeti]

Awesome

[@NorCal-yeti]

@Text me on telegram👉@DPReviewTV08 what does this mean?

[@klackon1]

Will a weed burner work? I don't have a flame thrower, the Army and Navy Surplus Store had sold out, just after your video was posted, apparently. Anyway, I do have a weedburner so I'll give it a go. I also have a swab kit on standby, just in case the weed burner isn't powerful enough. Thanks for the amazing tips.

[@davidjoseph4459]

I could not stop laughing at the drilling hole and then using a pry bar. Hilarious stuff to do that with a straight face.

[@user-tx3fo3nd1p]

My favorite tool - LensPen SensorKlear II .

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

The method acting skills of Chris are going through the roof. We'll lose him to Hollywood soon if things continue this way.

[@stevepritchard3970]

Going to try the toilet method - should I use white, brown, long or short grain rice?

[@stevepritchard3970]

Well, that didn't work. I am not happy. I don't think the R5 is as weatherproof as they say.

[@WayneLLC]

My flame thrower got checked at the customs and they are bringing me in.. Still worth it.

[@yurym4385]

You can also output sensor to a display or tv. With a far away point source such as flashlight the dust will create strong shadows and then you can clean it with a toothpick with cotton wool with some alcohol. I saw people using hardened screwdrivers instead of toothpicks, that is more convinient but leads to oopses with scratches.

[@yurym4385]

But generally the sensor is covered with glass so it is hard to scratch

[@whatremains4307]

How in the world do you not link the sticky thing he used? Because now I need it.

[@sanfordlavine1760]

I have found that using a #2 Pencil Eraser and a Hershey Bar works well. It’s a portable kit that can be purchased almost anywhere.

[@MaximumDiver]

Good old Windex does the trick! Or if that doesn't work, Javex is my next best pick!