DSLR Cleaning

[auwesman]

So as I'm still somewhat new to DSLRs I've got a question.

My Canon XTI was at one point a store display model.  When I first bought it, it had a pretty nasty dust spot.  The dust deletion process in the camera has completly elimintaed this spot on my shots....but deep down inside I know that the dust is still there.

 So, before I just delv in and give the camera a cleaning, I wanted to get some tips

[Joshua Szulecki]

Okay...

The dust removal "vibrator" has failed you. Dust delete is removing part of your picture and blending it, so that isn't the best option.

The FIRST stage is to buy a blower, either a purpose built camera bulb (like the Giottos Rocketblower) or a baby snot sucker bulb at a pharmacy. Do not use compressed air or any powered method. ONLY a manual bulb. Blow it a few times before using it, to get any dust out of it. Do not use it if anything blows out besides air. Follow the cleaning directions in the manual, which only cover blow cleaning. If this doesn't work, and it usually does for big chunks...

The SECOND stage is to either send it in for cleaning (pointless, they sometimes leave more dust, and it costs $), or to pick a direct sensor contact cleaning method. There are brushes, swabs, etc... I use the Copperhill method (google it), but for a cleaning n00b, SensorSwabs might be a good option. Research the options and determine which is best for you. It is a personal choice, depending on how squeemish you are. It's hard to damage a sensor, but it can happen, so follow directions and read about it as much as possible.

[auwesman]

The dust removing "vibrator"  has indeed failed me with this particularly large dust spot.
My thought on the dust removing vibrator is kind of mixed.  I mean, when it shakes the dust off the sensor...where does the dust go?    It's still in there!  Anyhow, I'm happy to have the technology, I just know as a display model this thing needs a good manuel cleaning.
Thanks for the help!