Removing Salt Water From a Digital Camera

Removing salt water from a camera is possible.

Beach vacations offer many great photo opportunities. A photo of your family in front of a glowing sunset adds terrific memories for your scrapbook. But in trying to get that perfect shot, you run the risk of dropping your camera into the ocean. Yet, all hope is not lost, because you can salvage a camera damaged by salt water.

Things You'll Need

• Moist towelette
• Ear syringe
• Microfiber cloth
• Lens-cleaning fluid
• Distilled water
• Rubbing alcohol
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Clean your hands in fresh water or use a moist towelette.

2. Remove the battery and memory card and keep the camera's compartment doors open.

3. Remove salt water from body of camera as soon as possible using a dry cloth. If salt water is on the lens, clean it with a microfiber cloth with lens-cleaning fluid to remove it.

   According to Dave Johnson, editor of "How to Do Everything: Digital Cameras," you must add cleaning fluid to the microfiber cloth and not onto the lens.

4. Soak the camera in distilled water.

5. Soak the camera in rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is flammable and this step should be done in a well-ventilated room.

6. Repeat Step 5 and soak camera in distilled water.

7. Dry the camera with paper towels and extract excess water with a syringe.

8. Place the camera in a warm room and let it air dry for several days.

9. Reinstall the charged camera battery and memory card and turn the camera on.

Tips & Warnings

• For added protection, always keep your camera in a plastic storage bag while you are at the beach. This will keep is protected from the sand and salt water.

References

• "How to do Everything: Digital Camera"; Dave Johnson; 2008