Sensor Dust

[hmca]

I have a Sony a6000 mirrorless camera.  I know that I have a lot of sensor dust but have not addressed it.  Today I tried using a blower for the first time but see very little difference.  The spots are rarely noticeable in my pictures and I can usually clone them away.
I have a sensor cleaning kit that I bought a number of years ago but am afraid to use it.   So the question is.....what would you do?   Ignore them or clean the sensor?   There is a camera store that I can take it to....just wish it was closer.

Before blower
 


After blower




Test image

In-camera cleaning

[pontiac1940]

Helen
Since getting the mirrorless, I've only ever used a blower. However, with the DSLRs I used cleaning swab kits a few times. Scares you the first time, but pretty harmless. Sensor surfaces are pretty tough stuff. Make sure you get swabs sized for your sensor. 
WARNING! The following two procedures may not be right for you. Results mighty vary. Consult you lawyer and mental coach before trying!! Do not attempt if over 50 years of age or under 50 years of age.   

1) Once I had left over swabs and the cleaning fluid was gone, so I used 99% isopropyl and it worked okay. 
2) This is a bit scarier. I've also used canned air for stubborn dust bunnies! The propellant can leave a film if it spews out. So very carefully, get the sensor ready to clean and slowly start the canned air so it is flowing at medium pressure and there is no propellant coming out. Direct at sensor. Works a charm. But a bit scary. 

Clive
 

[fotofrank]

Helen, I do clean the sensor on my Nikon.

My steps (in my order) for sensor cleaning:

1. I have my camera set to clean the sensor on startup and turn off.
2. I also use a blower, never a can of compressed air.
3. Next steps are using Dust Aide to lift the dust off
4. As needed a wet swab with a sensor cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluids that I have all say alcohol free.

Sensor cleaning is a little scary, but over the years of using digital cameras, I now don't even give it a second thought, I just do it as needed.

[tonyw]

Must admit I've never cleaned a sensor. My Nikon DSLR doesn't get a lot of use now and the odd spots that are there just gets a quick clone if needed. My Fuji mirrorless sensor clean is set on start-up and turn off and I've not had significant cleaning needed beyond that. I am very careful changing lenses and use a blower mainly on the camera end of the lenses. Until any spots become really bad and not fixable with a quick clone I'd probably live with it. Maybe by that time I'll be ready to trade it in on a new model 

[pontiac1940]

Mar 14, 2021 19:28:32 GMT tonyw said:

Maybe by that time I'll be ready to trade it in on a new model 

I like your thinking. 
"Sensor is dirty. Need new camera!" 

[hmca]

Thanks Clive and Frank. While I have watched some youtube videos and they make it look rather simple; in the end I am afraid to try this myself.
I never change my lens outside and thought I had been very careful but obviously not. Being everything I saw said the in-camera cleaning was worthless, I didn't try that.
After seeing Tony's post I gave it a try and it did seem to get rid of some of them. Guess I'll keep on cloning when I notice them until I can get to the camera store.

Will add an image after in-camera cleaning to my first post for reference. It did seem to help some.

[pontiac1940]

Helen
Well, good you cleaned a bit. 
The swab kits are really easy to use and there is little fear of damaging anything.
Clive 

[blackmutt]

Helen, I was scared to death the first time I tried it. All worked ok. I worked slowly and used a light touch. Just be sure to buy the cleaning kit that matches your camera. Watched alot of different you tube videos too!