Nikon D3000 dirty lense?

Okay, so guilty as charged, I use the corner of my shirt as a cloth for the dust on my lense. I uploaded pictures to my computer yesterday, and some seemed a little fuzzy/grainy. Is it my fault? Is there a way I can fix it? If I have to buy something please include a link. 10 Points Best Answer!

Who taught you how to clean lenses?

First to protect the coating on the lens, it is recommended that a UV filter be placed on all your lenses.

Then if you scratch or damage the special coating on the UV filter, you are only out about $60. Having the front element of your lens replaces my cost more than buying a new lens.

The good news it that a dirty or scratched lens does NOT produce "grain" or noise. That is a function of using high ISO's

http://www.kenrockwell.com/...eaning.htm

I disagree with the habit of "glueing" a UV filter to your lens. Even the best, which will cost a substantial percentage of what a new kitlens will cost, will deteriorate performance. To me they only make sense when shooting in high risk situations such as on the beach or in a boat.

If you caused smudges on the lens you can see that if you look closely, You will need to get rid of that.

I tend to use a microfiber cloth for minor smudges. More serious work may require a wet clean. This is a nice kit that includes a microfiber cloth and some wet wipes intended for coated optics.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...l#features
I know fhotoace always warns for those but Zeiss knows optics.

A lot of people also like one of these for cleaning lenses:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...ENLP1.html
I have no personal experience with them.

And while you're shopping, one of these rocketblowers is great for removing dust from your camera and lens exterior
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...lower.html