No creative should feel held back by their camera equipment. Proper maintenance is key to keeping your photos and videos crisp and clean. Considering the time and money that can be spent on selecting a premium camera, it's crucial to protect this delicate investment.
From sensor and lens cleaning to safely storing your camera, in this guide, we take you through everything you need to know to ensure you continue to get the best image quality and increase your camera’s longevity.
Why is camera maintenance important?
Cameras are intricate devices with delicate, moving parts. Without proper maintenance, dirt, dust, and debris can degrade image quality and, in severe cases, cause damage. This means the cleaning process is essential for the best results in your creative projects.
What to avoid using when cleaning a camera
Before we cover how to clean a camera, let’s first go over what not to use, as using the wrong tools can cause more harm than good. For example, we would suggest you avoid using any cloth that isn’t a microfibre one, as typically other materials are too coarse and can lead to scratching and damage.
You should also only use solutions and sprays that have been made specifically for cameras, as household cleaning solutions and generic sprays can cause further damage.
How to clean a camera at home
While sending away your camera gear to be professionally cleaned can be a great option every now and then, cleaning your camera at home will help avoid the need for heavy maintenance later down the line and will reduce costs for professional camera cleaning services. If you want to know more about cleaning your camera at home, keep reading for our top maintenance tips.
How to clean the exterior of your camera
Let’s start with the simplest of cleaning jobs first. Cleaning the outside of your camera will help prevent debris from getting between the cracks of buttons and causing issues or malfunctions inside your device.
To clean the exterior of your camera, simply take a microfibre cloth or a soft brush, and wipe the visible surfaces. For stubborn spots, use a damp cloth, but be careful to keep liquids away from cracks and sensitive components. A blower, such as the Kenro hurricane blower, is great for removing dust from cracks and crevices.
Kenro Hurricane Blower - £10.99
How to clean a camera lens
The lens is the most critical yet vulnerable part of your camera. There are a few things you’ll need to clean your lenses before you begin, such as:
- A blower or compressed air
- A lens brush
- A microfibre cloth
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Camera lens cleaning solution
Once you have your gear ready, you can begin cleaning the lens
- First, remove the loose particles and dirt from the exterior lens surface by using your blower or compressed air can
- Then, take the lens brush and gently wipe away any remaining debris
- Finally, use the camera lens spray and a microfibre cloth to get rid of any smudges and marks on the lens.
How to clean a camera sensor
A dirty camera sensor can cause visible spots in your images, so regular cleaning is essential. Luckily most modern cameras have sensor cleaning software built in and will clean the sensor when the camera shuts down, however, this will only remain effective for so long and eventually, it will need to be cleaned manually. For sensor cleaning, there are a few specific products that you’ll need such as:
- A blower (we do not recommend using compressed air for this delicate job)
- Sensor swabs
- Sensor cleaning solution
When it comes to cleaning your camera’s sensor, it takes a little more care and caution as it is a sensitive component. If you’re feeling unsure about this process, then having it cleaned professionally is a great option for peace of mind. However, if you want to clean it at home for more regular and less costly maintenance, then carefully follow our guide below to ensure you’re doing it correctly.
- Start by putting your camera into sensor cleaning mode (it should be in the menu under camera settings)
- Then, use your blower to remove the loose particles and dust from the sensor
- Finally, if you still find there are stubborn smudges and dirt on your sensor, use a sensor cleaning swab and cleaning solution to gently wipe the sensor, doing so only in straight lines to avoid damage.
Always check the manufacturer's guide before cleaning the sensor to avoid damage.
The best way to store your camera and lenses
In addition to cleaning and maintaining your camera, you should also ensure that it’s safely stored away when not in use. You want to make sure your camera is protected from extreme temperatures and elements to keep it in top condition and free from damage. Below you can find a few tips for safe storage.
Keep it in a dry area - Moisture can damage your camera so keep it stored in a cool, dry place
Store it in a camera bag - For the best protection against the elements, bumps, and scratches
Keep out of direct sunlight - Leaving a camera in direct sunlight can cause it to overheat and can damage the internal components such as the image sensor
Watch out for the elements - Protect your camera from rain, humidity, and extreme temperatures by storing it indoors or in a protective case.
Maintaining your camera
It’s not just cleaning that can keep your camera in top condition. There are a few other camera care processes to think about, such as firmware updates that address bugs and performance issues. Keeping your camera up to date will help to maintain the quality of the images and videos you’re able to produce. Check your manufacturer's website regularly for firmware updates to keep your camera running smoothly and prolong its lifespan.
The best equipment for cleaning your camera
Of course, the equipment you use for cleaning and maintaining your camera makes a huge difference! Using the wrong cleaning supplies can damage your camera further, such as using a regular cloth instead of a microfibre cloth as mentioned above. We’ve included a list of the best camera cleaning gear below, to help with all your camera maintenance jobs.
First, having a good cloth is a game changer for your camera cleaning kit. Take this magic cleaning cloth, made with ultra-fine microfibres. It’s perfect for cleaning any part of your camera, as the soft fibres prevent scratching during the cleaning process.
You’ll also need a safe solution for cleaning your camera, such as the Kenair lens cleaner. This eco-friendly aerosol helps to polish and clean your delicate lenses to ensure you continue to get crisp image quality. It works perfectly with the microfibre cloth to effectively and safely clean your camera parts.
Air dusters, such as the Kenair clean air duster are a great way to get stubborn debris and dust out of small nooks. Made with ozone-friendly technology, these cans emit a powerful, controlled jet of air to blow dust, fluff, lint, grit or other unwanted debris from surfaces or cavities.
Kenair Clean Air Duster & Accessories - £34.65
How often to clean a camera
How often you should clean your camera depends on a number of factors, from how often you use your camera, to the conditions in which you use it. If you keep your camera in an indoor studio, then you may not need to clean it as often as someone who regularly takes their camera to outdoor environments such as beaches and forests.
However, we would recommend cleaning your camera every few weeks regardless of use, to properly maintain its functionality. If you use your camera in dusty or outdoor environments, a quick clean with a blower or microfibre cloth after each use is recommended.
Get all the kit you need to keep your camera in top shape with Kenro
Cameras are delicate pieces of equipment that we invest a lot of time and money into, and caring for them will not only ensure longevity but will also keep your image quality looking sharp.
At Kenro, we’re passionate about helping cameras perform at their best, which is why we offer a range of camera maintenance products. Grab everything you need to keep your camera in top shape with our full range of camera cleaning accessories.
