Binocular is a piece of great viewing equipment that you can use for a variety of purposes, starting from hunting, birdwatching, hiking, camping to stargazing at night. To make the best use of this viewing equipment, it is essential to keep your binoculars clean.
But, do you even know how to clean binoculars? This is really a burning question for all those outdoor lovers who have a keen interest in this viewing device.
Trust me; I have seen many of my friends who use their t-shirts to clean the lenses right after pulling out of the bag. This is not recommended at all.
You have to gather a clear understanding of the appropriate procedure required for cleaning a set of binoculars – cleaning the inside, outside, and lenses. In fact, you need to get yourself acquainted with the right binocular cleaning kit so that you can perform the cleaning procedure more efficiently.
Being a fanatic outdoor lover, I have used numerous types of binoculars. At the same time, I have always followed the right method while cleaning this viewing equipment (meaning my set of binoculars).
Today, I am going to share a detailed discussion on how to clean binoculars so that you can do it the right way.
Let’s jump into the details….
Binoculars Cleaning Basics
It is no doubt to say that binoculars can provide us with astonishing imagery if we can choose the right kind binocular with high-quality lenses. If you invest a good amount of money in purchasing a set of binoculars, then it is quite obvious that you want to keep it away from all types of damages.
At the same time, you also want to keep your binoculars clean from all types of dust, fungus, fog, and spores because they can cause serious damage to the lenses. And such damage can completely ruin your favorite viewing tool. And, this is what you would never want to experience.
If you don’t use the right cleaning kit and rub the lenses continuously, then it can distort the lenses’ outer coating. This can scatter the incoming light while it passes towards your eyes. As a result, you will get false imagery because of the scattering of light. Thus, the binocular set of yours won’t serve for a long period.
Hence, you have to pay your utmost attention to the best method for cleaning a pair of binoculars for using this viewing equipment of yours for a longer time.
Binocular Cleaning Kit
For cleaning my binoculars, I generally use the following 2 binoculars cleaning kit –
Lens Cleaner Solution
A lens cleaner solution is a type of liquid solution that is used explicitly for cleaning binoculars.
Microfiber Cloth
A microfiber cloth is the right kind of cleaning equipment for cleaning the binocular lenses.
Always try to put a higher level of focus while looking for high-quality lens cleaning products because it will keep the lens coatings safe.
How to Clean Binoculars
In this section, I am going to share a step-by-step guideline on how to clean binoculars. Never miss any of the following steps while cleaning your set of binoculars –
Step 1 – Cleaning Binoculars Outside
At the very beginning, you should start by cleaning the outside portion of your binoculars. For cleaning the outer surface, you can use a dampened & soft cloth. This will remove all types of dust and debris from the outer surface of your binocular.
But, do not use the dampened cloth for cleaning the outer lens surface. For this purpose, you can use a soft brush and rub it over the lenses in a gentle manner.
If this is your first time cleaning a pair of binoculars, do not try to do things hurriedly. Instead, be as much patient as it is possible you.
Step 2 – Cleaning Binoculars Lens
In this step, I am going to talk about how to clean binocular lenses. For this purpose, you need to use the lens cleaning solution and a good-quality microfiber cloth.
At this moment in time, there is a wide range of lens cleaning solutions available from different manufacturing companies. Make sure you choose the best cleaning solution from one of the renowned brands.
Now, spray the solution with your microfiber cloth. And, then start rubbing the microfiber over the lens in a gentle manner. Keep in mind that using excessive solutions may damage the color coating of the binocular lenses. And this will create a negative impact on imagery produced by the lenses.
So, you have to be very careful while performing this step.
Step 3 – Cleaning Binoculars Inside
Binocular is a piece of viewing equipment that we use in various weather conditions where temperature can vary from time to time. So, it, sometimes, might be necessary to clean binoculars inside.
But this step is not necessary if your binocular is a waterproof one as this type of binocular is manufactured in a way so that it can serve you under all types of weather conditions.
Since most binoculars are waterproof these days, so you don’t need to get tensed about this step.
Step 4 – Cleaning with Lens Cleaner Solution
You can also use a lens cleaner solution to clean the circular areas around the lenses of your binoculars. For this purpose, a clean microfiber cloth is a better option than a dampened cloth.
Step 5 – Cleaning Fungus
If you leave your binoculars without cleaning the device, then there is a higher chance of experiencing a fungus attack on the lenses of your binoculars.
To get rid of a problem like this, you have to disassemble the lenses from the binoculars. And, it is not that much hard even for a newcomer as the latest binocular models come with the easy-to-assemble feature.
Try dishwashing liquid to clean the lenses because they work great for cleaning fungus from any surface.
However, if you have an older binocular model, then you may need to use a tool called “lens wrench” for disassembling the binocular. Then, you can follow the dishwashing liquid formula accordingly.
Step 6 – Cleaning Rubberized Armor of Binoculars
For cleaning the rubberized armor of your binocular or the binocular body, you can use little alcohol and a cotton pad. Then, rub the cotton pad over the rubberized armor for cleaning all the dirt right away. Yes, it’s as simple as that.
Best Practices on How To Maintain Clean Binoculars
If you have a great level of passion for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, birdwatching or hunting, then it can be challenging for you when it is about maintaining clean binoculars.
However, if you can follow the best practices on how to maintain clean binoculars, then you don’t need to get worried at all.
Here, I am going to share some of the best practices that you can follow for maintaining clean binoculars –
- Never try to over clean – When you try to remove every single dust particle from your binocular set, at that time, it can cause more damages to the overall performance of your viewing equipment.
- Try to Avoid Fingerprints – For keeping the lenses pristine, you need to keep yourself away from touching the lenses. It would be best if you are more careful when you have dirty finders because this can cause a serious level of damage to the lenses.
- Using the Lenses Cap – The best way to keep the lenses of your binoculars safe from any unwanted accidents is to keep the lens cap over the lenses. And, you have to do it whenever your viewing equipment is not in any use.
Renowned hunters like Dr. Grant Woods and AJ Gall have put a higher level of focus on keeping your binoculars safe while going for a camping or hunting trip.
If you take a look at the Deer Hunting Statistics or Bighorn Sheep Hunting Statistics, you will get an idea about how much interest the outdoor lovers have in hunting.
My Advice on Cleaning Binoculars
Based on my personal experience, I am going to share some useful advice on how to clean binoculars in this particular section. You can follow my advice to keep your binoculars safe for a longer period.
Here we go….
- Always use a high-quality lens cleaner solution made of a renowned brand. Never clean the lenses with an ordinary lens cleaner solution.
- Try to use a soft and clean brush for cleaning tiny particulars from the binocular lens.
- For cleaning the lenses, always use a soft and clean microfiber cloth. Using a dampened cloth for cleaning the lenses is never a good idea.
- Don’t clean your binocular lenses too often using lens cleaning solution as it may damage the lens coating of your viewing equipment.
- Don’t clean your binoculars speedily. Instead, try to perform the cleaning procedure gently.
- Always try to purchase a waterproof binocular from the best binocular brands because the waterproof models require less cleaning over time.
Conclusion
After reading the above discussion, you have got a clear idea of how to clean binoculars following the step-by-step guideline.
To be honest, I have tried my best to make this discussion as much detailed as possible from my end so that you can get to know the perfect procedure for cleaning your binoculars.
If you still have any questions regarding this subject matter, you can ping me at any moment you want.
I would love to extend my helping hand.
Take Care!
Good-Bye!
Check Out Our Top Picks –