An important part of owning a camera is keeping it ready for use. Lens glass attracts specks of dirt and dust, while moisture from condensation, rain, or spray leaves a mineral residue. In addition, dust particles get onto camera sensors, often when changing lenses. Cleaning your camera with the right equipment and technique is imperative.

Dirt can cause dark spots and blobs on your photos, and light reflecting from dust particles may cause white spots. While camera stores will clean your equipment for a fee, it’s possible to do it yourself with the right photography accessories for camera and lens cleaning.

Kits for Camera Sensor Cleaning

The most common problems are visible spots from tiny particles of dirt on your camera sensor. You can see these specks with special sensor magnifiersm and remove them in several ways. One method is to use a small filtered air blower; another is to wipe the sensor with special swabs, brushes, and cleaning solutions. Complete sensor cleaning kits contain everything you need to clean your camera sensor and to remove smears and stubborn dust particles. Always take care when cleaning camera sensors, and carefully follow the instructions.

Looking after Lenses and Optics

Although lens glass is tough, the same doesn’t apply to lens coatings, which can damage easily. So careful cleaning is necessary. A simple blower, brush, or soft microfiber cloth removes loose dirt. Use special cleaning pencils or lens cleaning fluid with microfiber cloths to remove grease and smudges. Always use approved lens and optics cleaning supplies that remove dirt without scratching lens glass, in order to protect vulnerable coatings. A camera cleaning kit is inexpensive and compact, suitable for carrying with your camera gear.

LCD Screen Cleaning

LCD and plasma screens attract dust and need regular cleaning. A microfiber cloth removes surface dust without scratching plastic screen surfaces. It may help to wet the cloth with a screen cleaning solution to remove smears and stubborn dirt. LCD screens aren’t waterproof, so don’t spray cleaning solutions directly on the screen. Antistatic, disposable wipes are convenient and contain cleaning fluids that loosen dirt safely. Other products include mini cleaning rollers, chamois cloths, and cleaner kits. Display and screen cleaning supplies can also clean smartphones, tablets, and LCD screens.

Cleaning Supplies for Films and Negatives

If you are a film photographer, you know negative film attracts static, inviting dust that’s visible when printing or scanning film. Remove loose dust with antistatic brushes, antistatic microfiber cloths, or disposable lint-free photographic wipes. Stubborn dirt and mold may need emulsion film cleaning supplies with a high alcohol content which dry without leaving streaks or causing damage to the delicate film surface.

Find the best products for removing dust, dirt, and oily smears from your camera sensors, lenses, screens, and films at B&H Photo and Video.