To clean a DJI drone, remove the battery, brush or blow off loose dust, and wipe the body, propellers and vision sensors with a soft, dry cloth. Clean the camera lens with a cleaner made for camera lenses. DJI's manuals say not to use a wet cloth or any cleaner that contains alcohol on the drone, because liquid can get into the housing and short the electronics.
What you need
- Microfiber cloths (keep one just for the lens)
- A hand-squeeze air blower
- Lens cleaning fluid or tissues made for camera lenses
- A soft, clean brush for vents and motor gaps
Step by step
- Power off and remove the battery. DJI's manual says to take the battery out before servicing, including cleaning or changing propellers.
- Blow off loose grit with the hand blower, especially around the motors, gimbal and vents. Wiping sand drags it across the surface.
- Wipe the body and arms with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Clean the propellers. Wipe them dry and check for nicks, cracks or bends. DJI says to replace loose, damaged or misshapen props promptly.
- Clean the vision sensors. Use a soft cloth only. DJI's Mini 4 Pro manual says not to use any cleaning product with alcohol on the vision and infrared sensor glass, and to contact DJI if a sensor lens is damaged.
- Clean the camera lens last with a lens cleaner and a clean cloth. DJI's manual: "Use a lens cleanser to clean the lens."
- Check the battery contacts. If there's buildup on the metal terminals, DJI says to clean them with a clean, dry cloth.
- Refit the gimbal protector for storage.
Cleaning the camera lens
The gimbal camera is delicate. Support the camera with one hand so you don't force the gimbal motors, and wipe gently in small circles. Never spray fluid directly on the lens; put a drop on the tissue instead. DJI warns against alcohol, benzene, thinners or other flammable substances on the camera.
A fogged lens isn't dirty. DJI says condensation forms when you move from cold to warm, humid air, and it clears on its own once the temperature evens out. Wait rather than wiping.
After the beach, sand or rain
- Sand: blow out the motors before the next flight. Grit in a motor makes noise and wears the bearings. Take off from a landing pad, not the sand. DJI advises taking off from flat ground so debris isn't kicked up.
- Salt spray: wipe the drone with a dry cloth soon after. Don't rinse it.
- Rain or a dunk: DJI's drones aren't waterproof. If the camera gets wet, DJI says to wipe it dry with a soft, absorbent cloth. If the drone fell in water, don't power it on; DJI warns that can cause permanent damage. Start a repair.
How often?
Wipe the lens and sensors before every flight; DJI's pre-flight checklist includes making sure they're clean and nothing covers them. Do a full clean after dusty, sandy or coastal flights. Store the drone dry, with the battery removed and the gimbal protector on.
When cleaning won't fix it
If obstacle sensing warnings stay on after cleaning, see DJI vision sensor error. Soft photos after cleaning: how to focus a DJI camera. Motors grinding after sand: send it for a check, or ask us on the repair page.
Keep your drone protected in transit with a DJI Mini shoulder bag, or shop the DJI Mini 4 Pro.
Related guides
- DJI Fly app guide: home screen, camera view, settings and icons explained
- How to focus a DJI drone camera (tap focus, AF and MF)
- How to tilt and rotate the camera on the DJI Mini 4 Pro
- How to tilt, rotate and flip the camera on a DJI drone
- DJI camera or lens error (and "camera not calibrated")
- Best DJI Mini 4 Pro camera settings for photo and video
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