Keeping your camera in good condition has a huge effect on the quality of image you produce. 

As with all appliances, your camera and lens is made up of moving parts and mechanisms. So, if they’re not kept free from dust, moisture and oily contaminants they can’t perform at optimum condition.

When dirt and moisture come in contact with your camera body and lens, they can cause their functions to collapse. 

In this article, we’ll highlight key steps you can take to today to ensure both your camera body and lens are living up to their full potential. 

Now, cleaning your lens can be a double edged sword. Do it too much and you risk the chance of stretching your lens. Slack off on it and you’ll notice a drop in image quality.

So, when is a good time to clean your camera body and lens? The “dirt test” below will show you how.

How to perform a dirt test on your DSLR camera.

This is a detailed process that reveals how you can check if your camera needs cleaning. 

• Step 1: Set your camera to manual mode. Then adjust your focus ring to infinity. This enables you to see dust in the viewfinder.
• Step 2: Next, adjust your camera to a small aperture and take a picture of a plain white piece of paper or surface. 
• Step 3: Transfer the photos to your computer and examine them. As you zoom in on the picture to inspect it, find out if you can see any spots, dirt particles, scratches or any abnormalities on the image. You can also adjust to a darker contrast to see if any spots get more obvious.

If you notice anything, then it’s time to clean up. And the first thing you’ll need to have by your side  is a cleaning kit.

Your camera cleaning kit

These tools will ensure that cleaning your camera will be easy and straightforward. 

We’ll go over a few tools so you’re well prepared.

Let’s dive in:

1 Air blower

Blowing air into your lens or camera  body with your mouth can cause negative effects. For one, the acid present in your saliva can damage the lens.

A better way to get rid of dust  is to use a manual air blower.

2. Soft brush.

If your blower doesn’t get the job done, then you can pick up a soft brush to help you remove any dust particles that may be left.

Preferably, use brushes made from camel or goat hair because they are soft and won’t scratch your lens.

3 Cleaning cloths and wipes.

There are various wipes available on the market you can use to remove dirt from your lens or camera. Wipes are disposable and should be thrown away after use.

On the other hand, cloths can be washed and reused. Just make sure they’re clean before using them.

4. Cleaning Fluid.

These come in the form of cleaning solutions. They’re effective for removing fingerprints without leaving any stain behind. 

Recommended Cleaning Supplies:

• Nikon Lens Pen Cleaning System
• Zeiss Pre-Moistened Lens Cloths Wipes
• Canon Optical Digital Camera and Lens Cleaning Kit fdfdfd
• Giottos AA1903 Rocket Air Blaster Large
• Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth
• Giottos CL1001 Large Cleaning Kit with Small Rocket Blaster
• Hoodman Lens Cleanse Natural Cleaning Kit

How to clean your DSLR camera body and lens.

Now, you’re ready to start cleaning your camera and lens.

Once again, here’s a step by step breakdown. 

• Step 1: The most important cleaning supply is your soft cleaning cloth. It should be present with you at all times to get rid of dust or any other particles. So, take out your cloth and clean off the exterior part of your camera body and lens. Then, gently apply one or two drops of cleaning solution and use it to carefully clean around the lens mount.
• Step 2: Clean the front glass of the lens with your cloth as you clean the camera exterior. 
• Step 3: Take the air blower you have and use it to remove any dust hiding in any crack or crevice of the lens’ rings and dials. Then, apply one or two drops of cleaning solution on your cloth again and use it to wipe off dust around the lens and on the glass.
• Step 4. It’s time to approach the camera interior.  Remove the lens mount so you’ll be able to access the camera’s digital sensor. 
• Step 5: Due to the risk of damaging the sensor, you need to be careful while cleaning it. That’s why it’s important to check if your camera has a manual with specific cleaning instructions for the particular model. Then, set your camera mode to sensor cleaning mode. Make sure the camera power is on and your camera is fully charged so it doesn’t switch off while cleaning and leave some tools inside your camera.
• Step 6: Once your camera is on sensor cleaning mode, the shutter will open, allowing you to gain access to the digital sensor.  Use your blower to blow air on the sender’s protective filter to remove any dust on it.
• Step 7: After using your blower, it’s time to make use of your brush. Use it to remove any hidden particles or sand that may be stuck on the surface. Then finally end by applying a drop of solution on your cloth and using it to remove any particle on the surface. This ensures any hard particle gets off and your camera sparkles.
• Step 8: Once you’re done cleaning, exit the cleaning mode on your camera and put back the lens on the camera body.Then, go back and perform the dirt test to ensure all particles are removed. If you still notice particles, then you’ll have to undergo the cleaning process again.

Conclusion 

DSLR cameras are expensive and you need to make sure all parts are  treated with special care. 

This way, your camera will produce the best image qualities and live up to its potential.