We all have a pair of binoculars. But how often do we clean them? We should not forget that the lenses in our binoculars are very sensitive and can easily get dirty if they’re not cleaned regularly. On the other hand, cleaning inside binoculars can be a little challenging. This is because binoculars are typically made of plastic and metal, which makes cleaning difficult. The eyepieces can be difficult to get to without damaging the lenses.
If you are cleaning your binoculars for the first time, then hold on and read this step-by-step guide. I am going to tell you guys how I clean my binoculars. It is not hard, but it does need a little bit of effort and attention. Are you ready to know how to clean binoculars inside safely? Let’s go:
Materials and tools you will need
- Cleaning solution
- Binocular cleaning cloths (or a microfiber cloth)
- Rag or paper towel
- Glass cleaner of your choice (optional)
- Lens pen
How to clean binoculars inside? – Step by Step
So, if all tools and materials are ready, let’s begin:
1. Start by cleaning the surface of your binoculars with the cleaning solution.
2. Next, we need to clean the inside of our binoculars using a lens pen (or any other type of cleaner you might have).
3. To do that, carefully unscrew the eyepiece from the binocular lens.
4. Then, using your cleaning cloth or microfiber cloth, clean the inside of the eyepiece and lens until they are shining clean. Be careful not to touch the lenses themselves; they are easily scratched.
5. Once both eyepieces have been cleaned, reattach them to binocular lenses and screw them back in place.
6. Finally, dry your binoculars off with a rag or paper towel before putting them away.
7. Use light pressure. Do not use excessive pressure, as this may damage your lenses.
8. And that’s it. Your binoculars are now clean and ready to use.
Are there any risks involved with cleaning binoculars inside?
Let me be honest. I saw many people in forums and on social media complaining of binocular lens damage after cleaning them inside. I can tell you from personal experience that it is not that risky to clean binoculars inside. Sure, there are some risks involved (like lens scratches), but in the end, your lenses will be fine. Just use caution and go slowly at first until you get a feel for how much pressure to apply when cleaning them.
Some people also suggest cleaning binocular lenses every couple of months to help keep them clean and free of fungus and bacteria. After cleaning your binoculars inside, you may face one more problem: blurry vision. This is usually because of moisture condensation on the lenses. To avoid this, make sure your binoculars are kept in a dry place when not in use. And finally, if you do experience lens damage after cleaning them inside, don’t hesitate to get help from others.
Is it safe to use a moist cloth instead of water when cleaning my binoculars inside?
When I was telling my friend about cleaning binoculars inside, he was surprised at first when I told him that he should use moist cloth instead of water. I always suggest this to every single person. This is because, after doing some research, I found that this is a common cleaning technique among binocular enthusiasts.
Why? Because using a moist cloth helps clean the lenses and exterior of your binoculars without damaging them. According to experts, 90% of binocular lens damage can be avoided by cleaning them this way. Not only that, but using a moist cloth also helps preserve the lenses’ coating and ensures they’re free of fungus and bacteria. Sounds great so far, right?
Best practices to prevent the inner surface of a binocular from becoming dirty
Above, I told you that cleaning inside of a binocular can sometimes be risky, as it can cause lens damage. What if our binoculars never need to clean inside, but we still want to take good care of them? It is good to take care of these tools properly so that they don’t get dirty and foggy. It is said that- Prevention is better than cure. In that case, here are a few best practices you can follow to help keep your binoculars clean and free of dust and dirt:
1) Store them in a dry place
I always strongly suggest keeping your binoculars clean and dry. This is because moisture attracts dirt, dust, and other elements that can damage the optics inside them. A dry environment will help keep your lenses free from fungus.
2) Inspect the lenses regularly
One of the best ways to know if your binoculars are in good condition is to inspect their lenses regularly, especially if you do not have to clean inside them often. By doing this, you’ll be able to detect any signs of lens wear or fogging.
3) Be careful while using
I cannot stress this enough. Just because you clean your binoculars inside does not mean that you can go wild and use them in any way possible. Be careful when using them, especially if they have lenses that are exposed to the elements or if they’re still new.
4) Use cover lenses
One last tip is to always use cover lenses when using binoculars in dusty or dirty environments. This way, you’ll reduce the amount of debris that can get inside your lenses and potentially damage them.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to clean binoculars inside. Keep remembering all the tips and tricks we shared, and you will be able to clean your binoculars like a pro in a matter of minutes. All the dirt, grime, and even bacteria can be easily removed by using these techniques. Don’t forget to check out my recent blog post about the five best lightweight binoculars for travel.
