How to clean the lens and image sensor of your camera

In this article, we explain how to clean the camera lens and image sensor by yourself. 

Items you'll need to clean the lens and camera

• Blower - used to blow away dust and dirt on or in the camera.
• Brush - used to wipe away dust from the camera body or lens. Use a large or small brush for the lens according to the situation.
  
  Note: We recommend using a plain blower instead of a brush blower
  Plain blower (recommended)
  Squeeze the bulb with your fingers to force the air out. You can easily adjust the air pressure.
  
  Brush blower
  A brush blower can be used as both a blower and a brush. When using a brush blower with a removable brush, remove the brush when using it as a blower. This prevents dust on the brush from being blown onto the camera.
  
  
  Notes:

  • Do not use an air duster. Doing so may damage the image sensor or cause a malfunction.
  • Do not touch the sensor's surface or blow on it too hard.
  • Sony is not liable for any incidental or consequential damage due to mishandling at non-Sony service locations or otherwise.
• Cleaning cloth - used to wipe off the camera or lens. A cloth made of synthetic fibers, which can be washed and used again, is recommended.

Step-by-step videos: Camera and lens maintenance

How to clean the lens

How to clean the image sensor

For E-Mount

For A-Mount

How to clean your camera

1. Remove dust and debris from the camera body.
   Use a brush to sweep dust and debris from the entire camera. Use a large brush for the outside of the camera and a small brush for delicate parts. Do not press the brush hard against the camera; sweep gently.
   
2. Remove dust and debris from delicate parts using a blower.
   
3. Take the front lens cap off, and remove the dust on the lens surface using the blower.
   
   If particularly dirty, wet a soft cloth or lens tissue with lens cleaner solution, and wipe in a circular motion from the center of the lens.
   
   IMPORTANT:
   
   • Do not apply lens cleaner solution directly to the lens.
   • Do not use any organic solvent such as thinner or benzine to clean the lens.
   
4. Replace the front lens cap to prevent dust from attaching to the lens.

5. Press the lens release button, and detach the lens.

   *For the ILCE-QX1
   
   IMPORTANT: Be careful do not touch the sensor's surface.
   

6. Use the blower while holding the camera facing slightly downward so that dust and debris easily fall off the sensor's surface.

   *For the ILCE-QX1
   

7. Reattach the lens.

   *For the ILCE-QX1
   
   Notes:

   • Take the lens off and on in a dust-free location. Dust and debris may easily enter the camera and lens in a dusty location.
   • For an A-mount
     When you attach the lens, confirm that the mirror has been completely pushed down.

8. After you are finished cleaning, check that dust has been removed.

   • Set the shooting mode to Aperture Priority (A), and the aperture value to F11.
   • Take a picture of a white wall, white paper, or the sky.
   • Make sure that no dust shows on the image.

If the issue is still unresolved, the product may need to be repaired.