How Do You Care for an Action Camera After Salt Water?
To clean a GoPro after salt water, rinse the camera in fresh water with every door closed, let it dry naturally, and wait until it's dry before you open a door if you can. That's the core of what GoPro, DJI and Insta360 all say, with small differences: Insta360 asks for a 5 to 10 minute soak after seawater, and DJI and Insta360 both say not to use a hair dryer. Rinse the float and strap too.
Key takeaways
- Fresh-water rinse with the doors closed, every time.
- Air dry; DJI and Insta360 both say no hair dryer.
- Open doors once the camera is dry; if you must change a battery sooner, open the cover facing down.
- Rinse floats and straps too.
After salt water
Right after the swim
Floats and straps
Before the next trip
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By the numbers
- Insta360 asks X4 owners to soak the camera in fresh water for 5 to 10 minutes after every use in seawater (Insta360 (opens in a new tab)).
- DJI says a hair dryer's hot air can rupture the Osmo Action 5 Pro's microphone membrane and built-in breathable membrane, after which the camera is no longer waterproof (DJI, Osmo Action 5 Pro user manual (opens in a new tab)).
- GoPro says to rinse with fresh water, side door closed, and dry after exposure to dirty or salty environments (GoPro (opens in a new tab)).
Journalists and writers may use these figures with credit and a link back to this page. Questions: [email protected].
What should you do right after the swim?
Follow your camera maker's guide. Here is what each says:
| Step | GoPro | DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro | Insta360 X4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rinse | Fresh water, side door closed | Tap water | Soak 5 to 10 min in fresh water, then rinse gently |
| Dry | Dry after rinsing | Dry naturally, wipe with a soft dry cloth | Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth |
| Hair dryer | Not covered on the page we cite | Don't | Don't |
| Before reuse | Door latch closed before water | Let it dry before using again | Completely dry before using again |
Sources: GoPro (opens in a new tab), DJI (opens in a new tab), Insta360 (opens in a new tab).
DJI adds one detail worth copying for any camera: if you need to change the battery after using it in water, open the battery cover facing downward, wipe water from the gaps and clean the rubber seal (DJI (opens in a new tab)).
If you use a dive or waterproof case, DJI says to rinse the case with tap water after using it in the sea (DJI (opens in a new tab)).
How do you care for floats and straps?
Rinse them in fresh water after salt water and let them dry before you pack them away. Our camera float 1-pack uses quick-dry material, so it is ready again sooner.
While they dry, check the cord and clip for fraying or cracks, and look at the color for fading from the sun. Replace a float or strap that is worn or damaged before the next trip.
What should you check before the next trip?
- Seals and doors. Clean, dry and closing fully. Our post on checking a GoPro door seal walks through it.
- Battery and card. Charged and cleared.
- Float and strap. Cord and clip in good shape, no fraying or fading that looks worn, float attached, weight under the float's rating 7 oz (200 g).
- Quick test. Clip everything on and test in shallow water before you rely on it.
The snorkeling checklist has a printable before, during and after list.
Gear for this
- Waterproof Camera Float, 2-PackTwo foam floats with quick-release cords, each made to float up to 7 oz (200 g). Connect both to one camera for added security. Six color pairs.View on Amazon for Waterproof Camera Float, 2-Pack (opens in a new tab)
- Waterproof Camera Float, 1-PackOne float on an adjustable strap, a floating wrist strap for your camera, for an action camera, phone pouch or small waterproof camera. Seven colors.View on Amazon for Waterproof Camera Float, 1-Pack (opens in a new tab)
Frequently asked questions
How do I clean a GoPro after salt water?
Rinse or soak it in fresh water with every door closed, wipe it with a soft cloth, and let it air dry before you open a door. DJI and Insta360 both say not to use a hair dryer.
Should I rinse my GoPro after the ocean?
Yes. GoPro says to rinse it with fresh water, with the side door closed, and dry it after salty or dirty water.
Can I use a hair dryer to dry my action camera?
DJI and Insta360 both say not to. DJI says hot air can rupture membranes in the Osmo Action 5 Pro and end its waterproofing.
How long should I soak my camera after seawater?
Insta360 says 5 to 10 minutes in fresh water for the X4. Check your own camera's manual for its routine.
When can I open the camera door after a swim?
Ideally once it's dry. If you need to change the battery sooner, DJI says to open the cover facing downward and wipe water from the gaps.
Do I need to rinse the float and strap?
Yes. Rinse them in fresh water after salt water and let them dry before packing. Check the cord and clip for fraying, and replace a worn float or strap.
Sources
- GoPro: HERO13 Black, how deep can you dive? (opens in a new tab)
- DJI: Osmo Action 5 Pro user manual (opens in a new tab)
- Insta360: X4 waterproofing (opens in a new tab)
Related reading
- How do you check a GoPro door seal?
- Snorkeling with a GoPro: setup checklist
- How do you keep a GoPro from sinking?
- Camera float 2-pack
GoPro, DJI and Insta360 are trademarks of their owners. Nordic Flash is not affiliated with them; brand names are used only to describe compatibility.