We used to clean our binoculars by blowing into them and rubbing them using our shirt sleeves. This may help you, but it might affect the quality of the glass. Knowing how to clean binoculars inside is essential in keeping the binoculars work at their best. Cleaning your binoculars properly will provide better images and ensure long life.
It is essential to clean your binoculars because many things get in there every time you have your outdoor adventures. Remove any debris and dust that gets stuck on lenses. But it is not recommended for you to clean the binoculars very often. It’s because the lens has a protective coating and a layer reflective coating to allow a greater amount of light to pass through the lenses to create vivid, sharper, and brighter images.
Unknown to many, if you often clean the binoculars lens, it could mess up the lenses and remove the coating. Also, if you clean them incorrectly, it could damage and scratch the lenses. Read this post to learn how to clean the binoculars inside correctly. But there are things you need to know about binoculars, so we included them in this post as well.
Why Are My Binoculars Cloudy/Sticky?
For first-time binocular users, you might experience cloudiness when using your device. One of the leading causes of having a cloudy binocular is when you rub dust on the eyepiece and leaves untraceable microscopic scratches. These scratches scatter when exposed to light. Thus, providing you a cloudy view.
Another cause of having a foggy binocular is a sudden temperature change. Below are steps on how you can fix cloudy binocular lenses.
- Open the lenses. Wipe them up with a soft dry cloth.
- After wiping, allow it to air dry.
- Do not blow or rub the lenses.
- Then return the binoculars the way they were.
How Do You Clean the Inside of Your Binoculars?
Binoculars usually come with a set of lens caps and cases. But, having lens caps are not enough to keep the lenses clean. You also need to clean them to provide a clear and vivid image. But before we proceed on the steps on how to clean your binoculars, you should know first what tools to use and what you should not use.
Essential Tools and Chemicals
Here is the list of the tools you can use in cleaning the lenses safely.
- Lens pen
- Lens cleaning fabric made especially for cameras
- Lens cleaning kits
- Fine bristled lens brush
- Compressed air
- Lens cleaning cloth
You should not use the following materials in cleaning your binoculars to prevent scratching and damaging the optical lens coatings.
- Bandana
- Dish soap
- Handkerchief
- Shirttail
- Toilet paper/paper towels
- Windex
How to Clean the Binoculars Body
The dirtiest part of the binoculars is its body. It deals with weather, dirty hands, and other elements. This is why it is made of a durable material like rubber. The body protects the entire binoculars and lenses.
Cleaning the exterior is one of the easiest parts of the process. In cleaning the body, use a soft, clean, and slightly damp cloth to wipe out all the grease and dirt. Some use cotton buds to clean the hard-to-reach areas. Also, do not forget to clean the inside of the lens caps.
How to Clean the Inside of a Binocular Lens
In cleaning the binoculars’ inside, you might need tools like a screwdriver with a flat head. Some binoculars may require more tools depending on their designs. Below are steps on how to clean the binoculars inside.
This is the easiest part of cleaning your device inside. Unscrew the cap using the right screwdriver to expose the focus mechanism. By doing this, you can take out the eyepieces. You will be able to remove the cover plate to display the prisms. More prisms will be exposed to enable you to clean the inside of the objective lenses.
Some barrels may have small grub screws that you need to remove and should be returned exactly they were after cleaning.
Use a lens cleaning product to clean the parts. You can use the items we mentioned above in cleaning the internal glass. Since it does not have coatings, those tools we have barred you from using can be used.
By opening the binocular, you get familiar with the glass parts’ mechanisms, assemblies, and workings inside. But there is a risk of damaging the glass, introducing bacteria, microbes, and spores.
Cleaning the Binocular Using a Cleaning Solution
Wipe away the remaining dirt on the lenses using a cleaning solution. But you need to take precautions when applying as if it pours on other internal components. It can cause damage. Never apply glass or window cleaners as the chemicals can be harmful to the lenses. Make sure you have read the owner’s manual before using the solution.
Use a lens cloth after removing all the dirt to eliminate any remaining streaks. Apply less pressure and wipe the lenses in a circular motion. Ensure the lens cloth is stored in a clean area to not add more dust to it. Never use toilet paper and clothing items as they might leave scratches.
Binocular Cleaning Kits
You can also buy a binocular cleaning kit to make the cleaning process of lenses safe and easy. Typically, a cleaning kit includes the following:
- A packable ballistic nylon case to hold the cleaning materials.
- A chamois cleaning pad for dusting the eyepiece.
- 1 oz bottle of lens cleaner.
- Microfiber soft cleaning cloth for wiping the lenses.
- A lens cleaning pen with an anti-static brush.
A lens pen is a small retractable brush that is used to remove dust from the lenses. To use it, simply brush the surface of the lenses. The pen removes all the dust and debris off the lenses surfaces. Some kits may include an air blaster or squeeze ball. It is an air pump that lets you get rid of dust and debris from binoculars, cameras, and other sensitive devices with lenses. The price of cleaning kits may vary depending on what is included in the package. Choose the one that will fit the type of binoculars you have.
How Often Should I Clean My Binoculars?
If you notice your binoculars provide a poor-quality image, you can clean them. Most of the binocular owners would clean their devices before and after using them. This can help prevent the buildup of dust and dirt that could cause damage to the lenses if not removed right away. But you have to use the right tool and material when cleaning your binoculars so you will not damage the natural coating of the lenses.
Image clarity is essential, particularly when it comes to birding binoculars. You need to bring your device to a professional if there is a significant change in clarity even after cleaning the lenses. It might be due to a shift in the prisms or lenses.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have a better idea of how to clean binoculars inside, make sure you use only the suitable materials and tools approved for cleaning sensitive lenses. Reading the user’s manual before using your binoculars can help you in keeping the device works perfectly.
Keep in mind that you are dealing with sensitive lenses, so you need to be very careful when cleaning them. Proper maintenance and regular care are vital to ensure you will have a vivid viewing experience every time you use your binoculars for hunting adventures.
Binoculars are not cheap. Proper maintenance is the key to make it last longer. If you want to share your thoughts about the topic, feel free to comment below