How to Clean Binoculars

Get the best use and longest life out of your binoculars by keeping them clean.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Compressed Airs
• Soft-bristle Toothbrushes
• Lens Caps
• Lens Cleaner
• Lens Cloth
• Binoculars
• Binoculars

1. 

   Blow dust off each lens with a can of compressed air.

2. 

   Clean off remaining dirt and grease from each lens with lens cleaner and a lens cloth. When cleaning, begin at the center of the lens and swirl towards the outer rim.

3. 

   Scrub crevices of the casing with a soft-bristle toothbrush.

4. Wipe the casing with a slightly damp cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the lens caps when you have the binoculars out of the case. Take the lens caps off (to prevent condensation), and use your binocular case to keep your binoculars clean and protected.
• Cleaning lenses with harsh cleaners or rough cloths may scratch them.

[annvans]

on 4/18/2009 Thanks for the info, great article.

[pamscape]

on 1/6/2009 I wonder if I can use these tips in my telescope? Good tips

[nikimiller1]

on 8/13/2007 I cleaned mine with rubbing alcohol and a q-tip. Are they ruined?

on 11/22/2005 Upon discussing the matter with my local astronomy society, it seems that using a regular lens-cleaning cloth and fluid is fine.

A cotton bud will suffice for removing dirt round the edges
beware though to wet the cloth, not say copious amopunts of fluid onto the lense as wel do not want the fluid to leak onto the internal mirrors

on 11/22/2005 Never clean binoculars by scrubbing, because it will scratch the convex lenses. Never clean binocular lenses with alcohol substances such as chlorine, or antibacterial cleaning agents such as Lysol.