If you’ve invested in a pair of binoculars, it is important to learn how to clean binoculars properly. Not only will this help maintain the quality and clarity of your optics, but it can also extend their lifespan significantly.
Cleaning your binoculars correctly can be tricky and time-consuming, but if done regularly, it doesn’t have to take more than a few minutes per session. In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to clean the exterior lens surfaces as well as how to safely disassemble and clean the interior components of your binoculars.
How To Clean Binoculars Quick Guide
Learning how to clean binoculars doesn’t have to be complicated. You can achieve this sometimes annoying task by following the steps below. For a more detailed explanation continue reading below.
- Remove loose dirt/dust
- Eliminate smudges with a cleaning lens solution
- Dry the lens with a soft cloth
- Clean the body
- Store them properly
How To Clean Binoculars
If you follow these steps carefully, you’ll be able to maintain the quality and clarity of your binoculars, as well as extend their lifespan significantly.
Additionally, if done regularly, cleaning your binoculars shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Read carefully the steps below on how to clean binoculars:
Step 1: Remove Loose Dirt/Dust
Begin by removing any loose dirt or dust which can be done using a soft-bristled brush. Avoid rubbing with your fingers and use an anti-static cloth instead.
If there are still smudges and dirt particles stuck to the lens surface, you can use a blower brush to gently remove them.
If you wish to cleanse your binoculars, hold them upside down and carefully use a lens cleaning pen’s bristles to get rid of any light debris.
Afterward, take advantage of some canned air in order to blow away the dirt. However, ensure that the product provides brief spurts of air only as too much pressure can lead to frosting up the lenses.
Step 2: Eliminate smudges with a cleaning lens solution
Use a high-quality, lens cleaning solution and apply it to a soft, lint-free cloth. Apply circular motions across the surface of the lens in order to remove any remaining dirt particles or smudges.
To remove any lingering dust particles, take a damp cotton swab and clean the lenses. Never pour cleaning liquid directly onto the binoculars as it can damage their interior components.
After scrubbing with water (if your device is waterproof), be sure to let them dry completely before putting them away in storage.
Step 3: Dry the lens with a soft cloth
Rinse the lens with distilled water and dry it off with a clean, soft cloth. To ensure the lens remains free from dirt and smudges, avoid touching them with your hands.
Initially let the binoculars adjust to room temperature, and then delicately clean all parts with a dry cloth. Pay extra attention when handling the optical surfaces. Keep them organized in their case along with absorbent material.
Clean your binocular lenses with this cloth alone to avoid the possibility of scratches. Store it in a plastic zipper bag when not in use, and make sure that you do not utilize any type of fibrous fabric such as paper towels, toilet paper, or facial tissue – since these could leave behind fibers that would damage the lenses.
Step 4: Clean the body
Utilize your blower to get rid of dust particles across the binocular body before carefully wiping it with a damp cloth, being incredibly mindful not to come into contact with clean lenses.
For optimal protection of your delicate lenses, make sure you use a different cloth than that which was used on them.
Step 5: Store them properly
For optimum protection and purity, high-quality binoculars are always accompanied by a case that keeps them safe from dust when not being utilized. Don’t forget to make sure the lenses are capped before storing them in an uncontaminated and dry environment.
How To Clean Binoculars: Recommended Tools To Get the Job Done
MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
These Glasses Cleaner and Screen Cleaner are a must-have for all your cleaning needs. Sourced from the highest quality microfiber, these are guaranteed to leave no scratches, streaks, marks, or lint behind when used on delicate surfaces such as LCD/OLED screens, laptops, phones, tablets, and more.
With its ability to absorb dust, oil smudges fingerprints, and dirt with ease it makes for an ideal eyeglass cleaner or stocking stuffer! Not only that but each MagicFiber Lint Free Cloth comes in its own protective polybag so you don’t have to worry about running out of clothes.
How versatile is this product? It can even be used to clean binoculars inside and outside easily – making it a great choice for anyone looking for how to clean the binocular lenses or how to clean binoculars.
ZEISS 2oz Spray and Microfiber Lens Cleaner
This kit is so small, it can fit into virtually any bag. It includes a 2-ounce lens cleaning spray bottle and microfiber cloth to make sure your lenses stay sparkling clean on the go!
Not only is this cleaner formulated to efficiently clean coated lenses, but it works on a wide variety of optical surfaces, from the anti-reflective coating and Blue Light Blocking glasses to binoculars and even riflescopes.
ZEISS cleaners are specially designed to safely and effectively eliminate dust, fingerprints, and dirt without compromising the integrity of your lenses’ coating.
Vortex Optics Lens Cleaning Pen
Experience a whole new level of lens cleaning with the Vortex Optics Lens Cleaning Pen. This revolutionary, non-liquid compound is designed to outperform other cleaners and won’t spill or dry out as liquid cleaners can.
It’s the perfect size for pocket carrying so that you’re never without it when smudges, dust, and oily fingerprints blur your view of the world around you.
Safe and easy to use on all lenses, this pen reduces static charge build-up while its retractable natural hair brush removes any dust particles present. Keep your binoculars clean inside and out with this powerful cleaner.
Altura Photo Professional Cleaning Kit
Altura Photo’s Professional Cleaning Kit is the perfect solution for all your camera cleaning needs! This exclusive kit includes a 2 oz Bottle of Alcohol-Free, Ammonia-Free, Odor-Free Lens Cleaner plus a Lens Cleaning Pen, Brush, and Air Blower.
It also includes 50 Sheets of Lens Tissue Paper and 3 extra large MagicFiber Microfibers Cleaning Cloths. This Altura Photo Camera Cleaning Kit is compatible with all brands and models so you can safely clean your binoculars inside and out without worry.
Common Questions About How To Clean Binoculars
What you should know before cleaning your binoculars?
To ensure pristine lens protection, begin by reading the owner’s manual. Next, use a blower or soft brush to remove any loose debris from the lenses. Then, dampen a cotton swab with lens cleaner and lightly rub it in small circles to buff away dirt and residue. Finally, cap your lenses tightly when they are dry for added security and longevity.
What you shouldn’t do when cleaning your binoculars?
- To clean your lenses, never wipe them with your fingertips.
- Avoid using any kind of fabric or cloth not specifically designed for the task.
- Never exhale onto them or rub them using your breath
- Be careful not to overclean as this may damage the delicate parts of your binoculars
- It is not necessary to disassemble your binoculars before cleaning
Why you should dry your binoculars before storing them?
Have you seen the small packet of moisture absorber, probably silica gel, in your binocular case? It’s there for a reason! Chances are that they will have cooled down after using them to observe the night sky.
When bringing them inside and exposing them to warmer air, condensation can form on their cold surfaces – including lenses. This humidity not only has the potential to bond dust particles onto your binoculars but also creates an environment suitable for fungal growth.
Is a lens brush a good tool when cleaning binoculars?
While lens brushes may not be as gentle with your lenses as a blower, they can get rid of more persistent dust and other particles. Plus, since storing them in your camera bag is easier, you never have to worry about forgetting them when you’re out taking photos.
How to clean binoculars with a cleaning kit?
- To start, use a blower to blow away any dust and another residue from the lens. However, if you don’t have one handy, lightly brushing it with a brush specifically designed for lenses that come in most kits or can be purchased separately is just as efficacious–all while minimizing the chances of scratching due to friction.
- Cleaning your lens has never been easier! With the kit’s cleaner, twist the pen’s end to “replenish the dry cleaning compound,” then remove its cap and reveal a soft tip. Utilizing light pressure in circular motions will quickly and effortlessly eliminate any smudges that come across it.
- To use one of the liquid-based cleaning kits, you must apply a small amount (generally just one drop) of the provided fluid on an unused lens cleaning tissue or cotton swab.
- When using certain kits, you can opt to spray cleaning fluid onto the lens or just utilize the supplied wet wipes. Then carefully wipe away any dirt and debris with a light lifting motion, starting from the edges of the lens towards its center.
Video Tutorial: How To Clean Your Binoculars
Check out the youtube video below and watch carefully how to clean binoculars, how to clean binoculars lenses, and more useful tips, just like the pros do!
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your binoculars properly is important to maintaining their performance and longevity. While the process may seem intimidating initially, it doesn’t have to be with the right tools.
With a blower or soft brush for removing debris, lens cleaner and cotton swabs for buffing away dirt and residue, and cleaning kits for liquid-based cleaners, you can easily keep your lenses clean without damaging them in any way.
Finally, always remember to store your binoculars dry after use – this will help protect against condensation that could lead to dust bonding and fungal growth on delicate parts of your device. Follow these tips when learning how to clean binoculars so you can enjoy clear views every time.
