By following the below listed procedures for cleaning your binoculars you will gain many years of up-close optic viewing with very little effort and or materials. Practice good cleaning habits and your binoculars will give you the service and reliability you expect.

Cleaning your Binoculars

Following the cleaning methods listed below will insure proper cleaning of your binoculars and binocular lenses, which in turn will result in a longer binocular life as well as sustained optic viewing.

- Number one, keep the lens covers 'on' and your binoculars in their protective carrying case at all times unless viewing.

- Keep the lens covers on when cleaning the outside or body of your binoculars to prevent dirt from getting on the binoculars lens.

- Excluding the binoculars lens, wipe all dirt and debris from your binoculars with a soft cleaning cloth or a terry cloth towel. In some cases you may need a wet or damp cleaning cloth or towel to remove dried dirt or mud. Dry your binoculars off with a clean dry cloth after using a damp or wet cloth.

- To clean the binocular lens, first blow away any dust or debris on the lens, (commercially produced compressed canned air is recommended for blowing off the binocular lens but don't use the type containing a lubricant) or use a soft lens cleaning brush (available at all camera stores) to brush away dust and debris.

- Binocular lenses are normally 'coated' with one or more layers of lens coating that reduce glare and improve clarity and depth perception. This coating can be easily scratched so use caution when cleaning your binocular lens by following these instructions.

1. If your binoculars came with a micro-fiber lens cleaning cloth, use this to clean your lens after blowing or brushing away any dust or debris. Gently and with light pressure, wipe the lens in a circular motion. On the larger objective lens you may want to 'ball up' the cleaning cloth and twist lightly in a circular motion on the lens. By doing this you will exert less pressure on the lens than when using your fingers on the cloth to press down on the lens.

2. If a cleaning solution is to be used, make sure it is recommended by the binocular manufacturer before using as some cleaners may discolor or dissolve the lens coating. Use the micro-fiber cloth in conjunction with any cleaning solutions. Always apply liquid cleaners to the cloth and not directly on the lens. Lens cleaning pens as found in camera stores are also a good way to clean the lens of your binoculars.

3. Do not use a paper towel to clean your binocular lens. Paper towels are made from wood and wood is abrasive. Even when used wet or with a cleaning solution they will scratch your binocular lens.

4. Insure that your binocular case is clean inside and out before storing your binoculars in the case. Wipe and or blow any dirt from the inside of the case and clean the outside with a damp cloth.

5. Do not attempt to 'field clean' your binoculars unless you have the proper cleaning materials with you, especially the binocular lens. If you should drop your binoculars in the dirt, sand, mud or snow, blow them off with your mouth as good as possible until you can clean them properly. Compressed air is a good way to clean the dirt or sand from all the nooks and crannies of your binoculars including the hinge area and focus knob.

6. If your binoculars are waterproof/fog proof, a quick rinsing under running water will not hurt them. Make sure you dry them off and clean the lens immediately.

7. The binocular safety/neck strap can be cleaned with a damp or wet cloth and or mild cleaning solution applied to the cloth. Dry the strap as good as possible after cleaning by using a dry cloth pulled along the strap using moderate pressure.

In conclusion, by following the above recommended procedures for cleaning your binoculars you will assure your binoculars will perform as they are designed to as well as give you many years of up-close optic viewing. If you treat your binoculars with respect, they will view as you expect.

Should you still have concerns regarding "Cleaning your Binoculars", contact your binocular manufacturer's technical department or website to insure proper cleaning of your binoculars.