How to Clean Nikon Cameras

Cleaning cameras is fairly simple

Nikon is one of the most popular camera brands in the world. Like all cameras, Nikons can get dusty or dirty with use. By cleaning your Nikon camera regularly, you can prevent dirt and dust from showing up on your pictures. Though this project is relatively easy, it can be risky if proper precautions are not taken. For cleaning cameras safely, you'll need to buy some specialty tools to help prevent damage to the camera's sensor.

Things You'll Need

• Camera manual
• Air blower
• Sensor Swab
• Eclipse Cleaner
• Soft, dry cloth
• Lens cleaning solution

Instructions

1. Put your camera into cleaning mode. This de-energizes the camera sensor, which keeps it from attracting dust as you clean. It also holds the shutter open so that the sensor is easy to access. Different Nikon camera models require different steps to put the camera into cleaning mode. Some may be as simple as hitting the "Mode" button until you come to "Cleaning." If you are unsure how to do this, check your camera manual or the website in Resources.

2. Remove the lens from the face of the camera to expose the shutter and sensor---the flat glass surface that's just behind the shutter. Depending of the Nikon model, you have, the lens may twist or screw off. Set the lens aside so it can be cleaned later.

3. Blow air out of the camera cavity using an air blower. You can use an air blower made for camera cleaning, or use a simple air pump, such as a foot pump that you would use for an air mattress. Keep the needle at least a few inches away from the sensor, and pump the blower to remove dirt and dust.

4. Wipe the sensor using a Sensor Swab and Eclipse cleaner. These are the camera cleaning products Nikon recommends, and also the same products Nikon uses when you send your camera in for cleaning. Apply a tiny bit of Eclipse to the SensorSwab then run it gently across the sensor. Press just slightly less pressure than you do when you are writing. Continue this process until all dirt and dust have been removed.

5. Spray a lens cleaning solution onto a soft, dry cloth, and use this to clean your lens and camera body. Use a cloth that won't produce dust, such as a microfiber cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use canned air sprays to blow inside of your camera. They often contain pollutants or chemicals that can damage the camera's inner workings.

References

• Cleaning Digital Cameras

Resources

• Cleaning Digital Cameras: Camera Cleaning Mode
• Photosol: Sensor Swab