Review The Best Camera Sensor Cleaners : Which Are Best, And How To Use Them In 2023

Possessing one of the top camera sensor cleaners on hand is a great precaution to take. You can keep your sensor well-protected and take advantage of the integrated sensor-cleaning mechanisms that come standard in current cameras, but if you use any equipment for an extended period of time, it will eventually require cleaning. A camera sensor is no different.
Before we continue, it’s important to note that camera sensor cleaning kits should only be used by individuals with sufficient experience. A camera sensor is a fragile object that must be cleaned with care. If you are uncertain about how to clean a sensor, it is advisable to utilize a professional sensor-cleaning service. It will be more expensive, but cheaper than purchasing a new camera.

How does one determine whether a camera sensor need cleaning? Take a photo of a clean background, such as a white wall or sheet of paper, then examine the resulting image closely. If you notice black stains or flaws on the image, there’s a significant possibility that they’ve reached the sensor.

1. The VisibleDust EZ SwabLight Kit

VisibleDust is undoubtedly the industry standard in sensor cleaning, as it is one of the most well-known names in the field. This kit has four swabs and a tiny 1.15ml phial of cleaning liquid, but the SwabLight is its true star. This little flashlight attaches to the end of a swab and glows downward, allowing you to always see where you are cleaning. The case is additionally textured, making it easier to hold than a swab handle.

Also included in the kit is the water-based stain-removing Sensor Clean solution from Visible Dust. If you have oil-based stains or residue, you can additionally purchase the separately offered VDust Plus and Smear Away solutions. The Quasar Plus Sensor Loupe is another alternative, however it is not inexpensive.

Eventually, this sensor cleaning kit is of the highest quality. It gets the job done and makes cleaning your sensor as straightforward as possible. Who could argue against that?

2. Photography Techniques SensorSwab Ultra

The Photographic Solutions SensorSwab Ultra kit is available in many configurations, with swaps of varying sizes to accommodate various sensor sizes. Type 1 is the optimal choice for small-sensor cameras. The Type 2 arrangement is optimal for APS-C, whereas the Type 3 configuration is optimal for full-frame. You should not be surprised to hear that larger items are more expensive.

The kit includes SensorSwab Ultra wands and Eclipse cleaning solution, which can also be used to clean lenses with the included lint-free PEC Pad cloths. It should be noted, however, that the package does not include any lighting or magnification instruments. But, once you’ve worked out how to see what you’re doing, the kit provides a great clean for a sensor.

3. Kinetronics SpeckGrabber Pro

A thorough wet cleaning is not always essential for a sensor, especially if just a few dust particles are present. In situations where only a short overall touch-up is necessary, the SpeckGrabber is a great option. It consists of a simple plastic stick with a 2mm2 soft pad at the end, which is dabbed precisely on the particle to be removed. Easy!

The set contains many cleaning wipes for the grabber, which can also be cleaned with soap and water. Particles adhere effectively to the SpeckGrabber’s tip and do not leave any residue on the sensor, which is quite effective for something so inexpensive.

This is a fantastic tool for quick cleans and touch-ups, especially as a simpler alternative to a wet-clean kit, but it is ineffective on tenacious dirt and stains. Just be sure to keep dust off the tip, since you wouldn’t want to transfer it to the sensor!

4. LensPen Sensor

LensPen boasts that NASA uses their cleaning equipment on the International Space Station. This is a bold claim, but we were unable to verify it for ourselves.

This set contains a variety of tools for dry sensor cleaning. With the SensorKlear Loupe’s LED illumination, identifying any dust is a breeze. The focus of the loupe may be adjusted to accommodate various sensor sizes, and it fits firmly on the lens attachment of your camera. There is also a very convenient side hole for cleaning while the loupe is in position.

Yet, while the view is spectacular, the cleaning performance is hardly stellar. The accompanying hurricane blower will clear loose particles, however just blasting air in this manner can result in dust from the chamber being blown onto the sensor.

Use the accompanying SensorKlear II cleaning pen for optimum results. Its hinged tip ensures a strong connection with the sensor, but it does not gather dust as well as the Dust-Aid Platinum and SpeckGrabber tools tested.

All View

With specially developed swabs and solution, you can remove the majority of muck from your sensor, while a simple air blower can quickly remove dust. It is recommended to perform a dry clean with a hurricane blower prior to a wet clean. A package containing a loupe and a light can greatly assist you in determining which areas require cleaning. Certain designs permit cleaning while the loupe is resting on the lens mount. DIY kit alternatives are detailed in our guide to the best loupes(opens in a new tab). If you purchase a kit without a light, a headlamp is an ideal substitute because it frees your hands. If you opt for a wet cleaning kit, the provided swabs and solution will only be sufficient for a limited time. Ensure that replacements are readily accessible and inexpensive.