Cleaning a camera should make it work better, not create damage to the camera’s components. Using things like paper towels or cleaning solutions not specifically designed for cameras could cause scratches and smears on the delicate camera equipment.
Using the best camera cleaning kit gives you the proper tools to perform the job on your own. Our favorite model is the Altura Professional Cleaning Kit for DSLRs, which has items for all parts of the camera.
What to know before you buy a camera cleaning kit
A well-rounded camera cleaning kit should contain items for all of the different parts of the camera. Each part requires specific tools to clean it properly.
Lens cleaning
When cleaning an interchangeable lens for a DSLR camera, you’ll need to clean both the front and back glass on the lens. Lens glass will collect both dust and smudges.
Start with a soft lens brush to remove dust. A microfiber cloth or a lens cleaning tissue will deliver the results you want for removing smudges on the lens that can affect photo quality.
Mirror cleaning
A DSLR camera has a mirror inside of it to reflect the light traveling through the lens to the viewfinder at the top of the camera.
Dust or smudges on the mirror will not affect the quality of your photos, but they could affect the view you have through the viewfinder, so the mirror may need occasional cleaning.
Sensor cleaning
The image sensor is the chip in the camera that measures the light entering through the lens and records the photo. Sensors can collect dust, which affects photo quality.
You will want to clean the sensor occasionally, but this process requires a steady hand and the right tools. Improper cleaning of the sensor could damage the camera permanently.
Camera cleaning kit features
Here are a few items you will definitely want in a standard camera cleaning kit.
Storage case
It’s easy to organize the camera cleaning tools when they all ship in a storage case that you can tuck into your camera bag.
Lens pen
A lens pen with a cleaning tip will offer a safe cleaning solution designed to remove fingerprints and skin oils from the lens.
Air blower
Rather than using canned air, which could damage the components inside the camera, pick a camera cleaning kit with an air blower with a squeeze bulb.
Microfiber cloth
Microfiber cloths are soft and suitable for all kinds of cleaning tasks, so they are ideal to have in a kit. Use the cloth on the lens glass, on the LCD, or on the body of the camera.
Camera cleaning kit cost
Inexpensive camera cleaning kits will cost less than $20, but they may have limited components. For a camera cleaning kit with everything you may need, expect to spend $20-$50.
Camera cleaning kit FAQ
Should I clean the camera every day?
A. No. Those who use the camera several hours a day every day in windy weather may need to clean it every few days. Most people can clean the camera far less often. If you notice specks in photos or smudges on lenses, it’s time to clean it.
Do soils on the camera body cause issues?
A. Not really, although a dirty camera body can be a sign that it’s time to clean the entire camera. Smudges on lenses and dust on the image sensor are far bigger concerns than dirt on the exterior of the body.
Which camera cleaning kit should I get?
Best of the best camera cleaning kit
Altura Professional Cleaning Kit for DSLRs: available at Amazon
Our take: Comprehensive kit that contains all of the tools you’ll need to keep your DSLR camera as clean as possible.
What we like: Includes a carrying case for convenience. Uses an all-natural cleaning solution to protect the camera.
What we dislike: After applying the cleaning solution to the sensor, it takes a long time to dry, so you can use the camera again.
Best bang for your buck camera cleaning kit
Tycka Camera Cleaning Kit: available at Amazon
Our take: Nice collection of camera cleaning supplies for those on a budget.
What we like: Materials in this kit’s brushes are softer than some others, protecting against scratches on lenses. Has a carrying case to keep everything organized.
What we dislike: Doesn’t focus on lens cleaning tools as much as some others.
Honorable mention camera cleaning kit
UES DSLR Camera Sensor Cleaning Kit: available at Amazon
Our take: Offers an all-natural cleaning solution for the image sensor, which prevents unwanted streaks and smudges.
What we like: Includes swabs for multiple sizes of image sensors, which is convenient. Extremely soft materials in swabs to prevent scratches.
What we dislike: Only made to clean the image sensor on a DSLR camera, so you’ll need a separate product for lens cleaning.
Kyle Schurman is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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