How to Clean Binoculars Exterior, Interior and Body? Guide [2024]

Most of the binoculars are very sensitive and slight carelessness can destroy your investment. You might be wondering about what you can do to ensure that your binos remain safe. Look, these tools are mostly used in outdoor conditions, where dust and debris will surely come on them. 

So, the dust reaches the lenses which significantly impacts the quality of your view and potentially damages your binoculars over time. So, cleaning the binoculars is very important as it helps you in keeping your binos safe and secure. But unfortunately, many people don’t even know how to clean binoculars. 

I know that the cleaning process should be done carefully as a careless or harsh approach can also badly impact your binos. So, in this guide, I will go down into the depths and guide you about the exact method of cleaning the binoculars so that you don’t remain unaware or confused. So, let’s get started.

Related Article: How to Restore Old Binoculars?

Why Should You Clean Your Binoculars?

Cleaning the binoculars actually increases the lifespan of binoculars as the dust and debris stay away. Keep in mind that binoculars usually get damaged when the dust reaches their interior side. So, when you regularly clean the binos, it means that dust won’t affect your binos.

In the section below, I will explain the importance of the cleaning process so that you know everything with due diligence by understanding the importance.

1- Prevent Damage

As I said earlier, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on the lenses and cause scratches or other damage. Not only does dust slowly damage the binoculars, but the visual quality of binoculars also goes down when the lenses are dirty or have some sort of dust on them. 

Over time, this can affect the quality of the image and even render your binoculars unusable. By regularly cleaning your binoculars, you can prevent this damage and ensure that they last for years to come.

2- Improve Image Quality

This may sound a little exaggerated but it is the fact that a small speck of dirt or fingerprint on the lens can affect the clarity and quality of the image. You won’t be able to use binoculars that have some dust on them. So, I highly recommend you clean the lenses of your binoculars each time you use binoculars for viewing nature.

3- Maintain Resale Value

At some stage of life, you’ll think about changing your binoculars and buying new ones. At that time, you would consider selling your old Paris. So, if your binos are not safe, or in good condition, the buyers won’t give you high value.  Buyers are more likely to pay top dollar for a pair of binoculars that are in excellent condition, both inside and out. By cleaning the binoculars on a regular basis, you actually enhance the resale value of your optics.

Binoculars Cleaning Kit – Required Tools

It is a fact that cleaning binoculars is a tricky task, so having proper tools is very necessary to avoid any complications. The right tools can make the cleaning process much easier. That’s why I recommend investing in a binoculars cleaning kit. 

Here are some essential items to include in your kit that will help you in the cleaning process:

• Lens cleaning pen
• Microfibre cloth
• Lens cleaning solution
• Air blower for dust removal
• Small brushes to remove the dirt that has stuck on the body of binos

If you don’t have a cleaning kid then I recommend you buy the above-mentioned tools from any optics shop. These tools are very important as they will help you clean the binoculars without giving any scratches on the lenses. 

How to Clean the Binoculars?

As I said earlier, cleaning the binoculars (lenses) is essential to maintain their performance and longevity. In the section below, I will go down into the details and give you a stepwise guide on how you can clean your binocular.

1- Read the User Manual or Instruction Book

First of all, read the user manual provided by the manufacturer that will help you understand what chemicals are not allowed to be used while cleaning the binoculars. There is instruction about the dismantling of the binocular components as well. 

Many people ask me questions about the dismantling of components and their relation with warranty. Look, if your binoculars are under warranty, then dismantling or unscrewing the nuts and bolts will void the warranty of your binoculars. More details about the warranty can also be found in the user manual.

2- Remove Dust and Debris

Once you’ve read the user manual, now it is time to begin the cleaning process. Before applying any cleaning solution, I recommend you completely remove any dust and debris from the lenses. When I clean my binoculars, I Always air blower to blow off any loose particles. It is important not to use compressed air or a vacuum cleaner as it can damage the lenses.

3- Remove the Stranded Particles

The dust particles or dirt that are loosely attached to binoculars can be easily removed by the air blower. However, there will be some dust particles that will be strongly attached to your binoculars. You will have to use a brush to remove these stranded particles.

4- Apply Cleaning Solution

After removing the dust and debris, I always apply a cleaning solution to the lenses. Many people ask if they can use alcohol or vinegar as a cleaning solution. The answer is no, You cannot use alcohol or other chemicals as they can affect the lenses of your binoculars.

This is why I recommended a professional cleaning kit that comes with a cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. You can spray a small amount of the cleaning solution onto the lens and let it sit for a few seconds. This cleaning solution will do the job for you.

5- Clean the Lenses with a Microfiber Cloth

Once the cleaning solution has sat for a few seconds, then you should use a microfiber cloth to clean the lenses. Keep in mind to wipe the cleaning solution gently – wipe the lenses in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. 

Precaution: It is important not to apply too much pressure as it can damage the lenses.

I highly recommend you check for any remaining smudges or debris. If there are any, then repeat the process until the lenses are clean.

How to Clean the Body & Exterior of Binoculars?

In the upper section, I have explained how you can clean the lenses of binoculars without making any extreme effort. In the section below, you will learn about cleaning the exterior part of binos.

1- Remove Dust Debris & Stranded Particles

The first step is quite similar to what you have read in the above section. Remove any dust and debris that has accumulated on the body of your binoculars. You can use a blower to loosen the dirt and dust, and then I use a soft camel hair brush to brush it off. 

2- Use a Damp Cloth to Clean the Body

Once the dust and debris have been removed, then Use a damp cloth to clean the body of my binoculars. This step is very crucial as using the wrong cloth can put scratches on your binoculars. I recommend you use a very soft cloth or microfibre cloth that doesn’t put any scratches or bad impact.

For cleaning the body of binoculars, dip the cloth in a solution of warm water and mild soap, and then wring it out so that it is damp but not soaking wet. With this soaked cloth, you can remove all the stranded particles, smudges, and other contaminants. I recommend you make sure that the soaked cloth gets into all the nooks and crannies.

3- Dry the Binoculars

After cleaning the body of the binoculars, it is important to dry them thoroughly. For this, you can use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the body of the binoculars, making sure to remove any excess moisture.

In case you don’t want to use a dry cloth, then you should keep your binoculars under the sun for at least 30 minutes. The sunlight will dry your binoculars and all the moisture will go away. In fact, drying binoculars under the sun is preferable to drying them with a dry cloth.

How to Clean Binoculars Inside / Interior of Binoculars?

So, it is time to learn about how you can clean the interior of your binoculars. To clean the inside of binoculars, you’ll need to dismantle the components of your binoculars and remove all the dust from there. 

You must have basic tools that will be helpful in dismantling the binoculars. Keep in mind that dismantling binoculars’ components can void your warranty. So you take the step carefully or you should ask for the manufacturer to clean the interior of your binoculars without voiding your binoculars from warranty.

However, if your binoculars are not under any warranty, then you can dismantle your binoculars and clean the interior side of the binoculars quite easily. Here are the steps that you’ll need to follow:

• First of all, unscrew all the nuts and bolts with a screwdriver
• I recommend you keep these nuts in one place so that they don’t get lost. Finding them will be difficult as they are smaller in size
• Now, go on to remove the cap that is present on the focus system and clean this cap with a microfibre cloth
• Remove the ocular lenses and clean them. Make sure to clean this lens carefully and don’t go with the harsh approach
• It is time to unlock the cover plates and clean the interior parts including the prisms
• Once the whole interior of the binocular is cleaned, then screw back all the nuts and bolts carefully and make sure that sealing doesn’t remain unfit at their places.

How to Clean Sticky Binoculars?

If your binoculars have a rubberized coating, it is likely that they will eventually become sticky over time. There are multiple reasons that could cause your binoculars coating to become more sticky which will ultimately affect your holding comfort. Using binoculars with dirty hands is one of the most prominent reasons that cause binoculars to get sticky.

This can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to heat and humidity, as well as the natural breakdown of the rubber material. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to clean your sticky binoculars and restore them to their original condition.

To clean your sticky binoculars, you will need a few basic tools:

• Water
• Rubbing alcohol
• Microfiber cloth
• Mild dish soap
• Cleaning cloth preferably microfibre cloth

These tools and chemicals must be available if you want to clean all the stickiness of binoculars. In the section below, I am going to mention some useful and practical steps that will help you in removing all the stickiness of binoculars.

• First of all, I recommend you wipe the rubberized coating with a microfiber cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris. This step is common in almost all types of cleaning – no matter if you are cleaning lenses or the exterior of binos.
• Once you have removed all the dust, now mix a solution of mild dish soap and water in a bowl. Dip your microfiber cloth into the solution and wring out any excess water.
• Use the damp cloth to gently scrub the rubberized coating, being careful not to apply too much pressure. This step is very important and special care is needed to complete it. By using the soaked cloth, you will be able to remove any sticky residue from the surface of the rubber.
• If the rubber is still sticky after cleaning, you can try using rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining oils or greases. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a clean microfiber cloth and gently rub the affected area.
• Once you have finished cleaning the rubberized coating, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe it down and remove any excess moisture.

Why does the rubberized coating of binoculars get sticky?

The primary reason is that the rubber material is breaking down over time. This breaking down of material is usually accelerated by exposure to heat and humidity, which can cause the rubber to oxidize and lose its elasticity. 

Not just coating is to blame for stickiness, in fact, the oils and greases from your skin can also contribute to the stickiness of the rubber of binoculars. If you want to prevent your binoculars from becoming sticky then make sure to store them in a secure place and don’t use them with dirty hands or in extreme temperatures.

How to Store Your Binoculars?

As someone who loves using binoculars, I know how important it is to store them properly to maintain their quality and longevity. Binoculars are not stored properly and left in an environment where moisture is present, chances are high that the lenses of binoculars will get foggy which will ultimately affect the binoculars’ quality and performance.

In the section below, I am going to mention some useful tips for storing binoculars so that you don’t need to clean them again and again. 

1- Store in a Dry Place

When you’re not using your binoculars, I highly recommend you store them in a dry place where moisture is not present. Moisture can damage the lenses and cause mold to grow inside the binoculars. When you keep binos in dry conditions, then you actually save them from moisture attack.

2- Use a Protective Case

A protective case is a great investment for your binoculars. It will protect them from scratches, dust, and other potential damage. When you keep your binoculars in a protective case, then it remains safe from different outdoor conditions. I recommend you carry a protective case with you when you are out. If you don’t have a protective case, you can wrap your binoculars in a soft cloth or use a padded bag.

3- Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Extreme temperatures can damage the lenses and other parts of your binoculars. I always try to avoid leaving my binoculars in a hot car or in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. I also suggest you not use your binoculars under extreme outdoor conditions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In the end, I would say that cleaning your binoculars is an essential part of maintaining their longevity and performance. Regular cleaning will ensure that the lenses and interior remain free of dust, dirt, and moisture, which can cause deterioration over time. 

In this guide, I have given all the possible ways that will help you in cleaning the lenses, interior, and exterior of your binoculars. By following the instructions, you’ll be able to mark your binoculars safe from outdoor conditions, and they will be loyal friends of yours.