To clean a camera body, switch the camera off, remove the lens and battery, brush and blow away loose grit, and wipe the surfaces with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid soaking the body or spraying liquid on it. Check the manual for any care notes specific to your model.
What You Need
- A hand blower made for cameras.
- A soft brush with fine bristles.
- Two clean microfibre cloths, one slightly damp and one dry.
- Cotton swabs or a soft toothbrush kept only for gear, for tight seams.
- A body cap and a clean, well-lit workspace.
Cleaning Steps
- Turn the camera off, take out the battery and the memory card, and remove the lens. Fit the body cap on the mount.
- Hold the camera so that dust falls away from the openings, then blow loose dust from dials, buttons, ports and seams.
- Use the soft brush on grips, hot-shoe slots and around the dials to lift trapped grit. Never brush hard across the screen.
- Dampen a cloth lightly with plain water. It should not drip. Wipe the body panels, grip and back.
- Use a swab, slightly damp, around buttons and edges. Take care not to push moisture into gaps.
- Dry everything with the second cloth.
- Clean the viewfinder eyepiece and rear screen with a lens cloth, using gentle strokes.
- Open the battery and card doors and wipe the edges. Leave the doors open for a few minutes for any trace of moisture to dry.
What to Avoid
- Do not spray anything directly onto the camera.
- Do not use strong cleaners, alcohol or solvents unless the maker says so, since they can harm coatings and rubber.
- Do not poke tools or sharp objects into ports and seams.
- Do not touch the lens mount contacts with a wet cloth.
- Do not clean the sensor as part of this routine; see a separate guide for that.
Dealing with Specific Marks
| Mark | Gentle approach |
|---|---|
| Fingerprints | Dry or slightly damp cloth |
| Sticky residue | Slightly damp swab, rubbed lightly |
| Grit in dials | Blower first, then a soft brush |
| Sunscreen or oil | Wipe soon; check the manual for suitable cleaners |
How Often
A quick wipe after each outing keeps grime from building up. Do a fuller clean every few weeks of regular use, or sooner after beach, dust or rain. When storing, put the body cap on and keep the camera in a dry place.
FAQ
Can I use disinfectant wipes on the body?
Check the maker’s guidance first. Strong chemicals may harm rubber grips and finishes, so a lightly damp cloth with plain water is the usual choice.
Why not blow with my mouth?
Breath carries moisture and tiny drops of spit. A proper hand blower moves air without adding any.
The Short Version
Power down, remove the lens and battery, blow off grit, brush gently and wipe with a lightly damp cloth, then dry. Skip harsh cleaners and never soak the body.
