How to Clean and Store Binoculars

Quality hunting binoculars are designed to last year after year no matter how often you hunt. It’s a fact of life, binoculars get dirty. You’re going to take them outside, you’re going to have them in the sun and rain, and dust is going to settle on the lenses. But a good pair of binos can be a big investment. And keeping them properly cleaned will extend their life and performance.

5 Steps for Proper Cleaning

So, what’s the right way to clean binoculars to avoid damaging them? Follow these simple steps to ensure you are protecting your binoculars while you clean them.

1. Remove Loose Dirt

Use a blower or soft camel hair brush against the lenses to lift particulates before you do any rubbing. Don’t use your breath to fog the lenses before wiping them, as the moisture will trap dust particles on the glass. You can use compressed air canisters to remove loose dust particles and dirt, but be very careful not to tip the canister upside down or you will accidentally spray harmful liquids onto your binoculars.

2. Clean the Body

Use your blower to loosen dust across the binocular body. Then wipe it gently with a damp cloth, or if your binoculars have really seen some action run them under warm water and gently scrub away the dirt, do not scrub the lenses.  

Most binoculars have removable eyecups. Simply twist those off and remove any dust and dirt from the threads with canned air or running them under warm water. Set aside to dry.

3. Clean the Lenses

Dip a cotton swab in a lens-safe solution, your binoculars instruction manual will recommend which type of cleaner is appropriate and safe for their coating and gently moisten the lens, cleaning in a circular motion. Do not use window cleaner or eyeglass cleaners. They are too harsh for the lens coating and will cause damage.

4. Dry your lens with a soft, microfiber lens cloth.

Make sure you use this cloth only for the binocular lenses, then store it in a plastic zipper bag to keep it dust-free between cleanings. Never use fibrous cloth such as paper towels, toilet paper, or facial tissue, as they will leave scratch-inducing fibers behind. Do not use the same cloth you used on the body. Your lenses are delicate and need their own cloth to avoid damage.

5. Store Them in Their Case.

Most quality binoculars come with a carrying case that will keep them protected and dust-free while they’re not in use. Remember to cap those lenses and store them in a clean, dry place.

What do you do if the inside of your binoculars is dirty?

Under no circumstance attempt to disassemble your binoculars to clean them inside. You will ruin their waterproofing and fog proofing, but you’ll also nullify any warranty with the manufacturer. If you think something inside needs attention, contact the manufacturer. The most important thing to remember is, if you treat your binoculars with care, they can last you a lifetime. Now that you know your binoculars inside and out, get out there and glass like a machine.