How to Clean Binoculars?

The cleaning and care of the optics

To keep binoculars clean or to remove minor soiling, not much equipment is needed. Since the lenses usually have a practical protective cover, the first piece of advice is, of course, always to close it immediately as soon as the binoculars are not used. With the closed protective cover, the binoculars should be stowed in the appropriate storage, as long as it is not needed. In this way, it can come to no dirt, and the binoculars are well protected against external influences.

With frequent use or when used in dusty regions, contamination cannot be ruled out and is usually unavoidable. But do not worry, with a few useful items that are reasonably priced to buy, cleaning and maintaining the binoculars is a breeze.

You can buy the following materials cheaply :

• Clean microfiber cloth
• Little bladder
• A beautiful, soft brush or directly an optical brush
• Glasses cleaner
• alcohol

Simple tips for cleaning

With the brush, it is easy and very easy to remove small debris such as eyelashes, grains of sand, or dust. For this purpose, the dirty side of the binoculars can be kept down, and the dirt can be brushed away quickly, without applying much force. The good thing is that the optics do not scratch when using a soft brush and applying little pressure. Also, a bellows can perform very good at removing the smallest particles. If you still feel dirt or grease marks after that the optics, you can help out with a clean and damp microfiber cloth. However, it should be noted that there are no small particles on the glass, which could leave lasting scratches in the worst case.

For fingerprints, i.,e. Fat residues, on the optics, a clean, dry microfiber cloth is the best helper for cleaning. At best, the optics should not come into contact with traces of grease. Unfortunately, such light soiling cannot be avoided entirely over time. Dirty debris should be removed with a soft microfiber cloth promptly. In the specialized trade and also in the online shop, you also find cleaning agents, especially for glasses. These detergents, or a small amount of pure alcohol, can be used as the cleaning liquid for the surface of the lens. Circling the optics with a clean optical cleaning cloth or microfibre cloth, but applying little or no pressure. So spots and heavy residues disappear without complications. For splashes of water on the optics, however, it only helps to rewet the stains before gently wiping them with the cloth.

Tip! Waterproof binoculars can be conveniently cleaned under running water.

Prevention is the alpha and omega

Dost binoculars also have suitable protection for the lenses, which are used to prevent dirt, dust, or other influences included. Especially during transport or hikes, it should be ensured that the lenses are optimally protected. Of course, the binocular should be stowed when not in use as possible in the appropriate bag so that it can not come to soiling. 

As a rule, the scope of supply of binoculars also always includes a small microfibre cloth with which the lenses can be carefully removed from fingerprints.

Should it still be the case, we have a few small and inexpensive utensils that make the binoculars cleaning fast:

• Microfiber cloth *
• Bellows*
• Fine brush
• Cleaning products for glasses *
• Maybe alcohol

Cleaning fingerprints

The optics of the binocular should, of course, not be touched with your fingers. Of course, this can not always be ruled out, so there are occasional fingerprints. Should this happen, the Mirkrofasertuch is still the first point of contact for cleaning the binoculars. Here it should be ensured that the cloth is spotless!

Often, it is enough to lightly brush the lens and wipe the microfiber cloth in a circular motion to remove the fingerprints successfully.

Cleaning of dust and dirt

For a dusty or dirty lens, you should always be careful. In rare cases, the glasses may be easily scratched by dust or dirt grains; you try to wipe them off with a cloth. It is best to use a small brush with fine bristles. Also, even with small bellows, optimal results can be achieved.

Cleaning of water splashes and grease

If you travel a lot in nature, it is inevitable to come to the ever-changing influences of nature. As a result, small raindrops can quickly spread unnoticed on the glass, leaving behind deposits and small edges on the optics that can significantly influence the viewing experience. 

Never try to wipe away the dried drops of water, as this could cause scratches. It is better to moisten the stains beforehand before wiping them with a microfiber cloth. 

Fatty dirt, such as gun grease, should always be removed quickly before it settles and dries. It is best to use an eyeglass cleaner or perhaps some alcohol to clean the binoculars optimally.

Purification of fungus (fungus)

In high-quality or waterproof or filled with nitrogen models, a fungal infection of the inner optics is usually excluded. This does not mean, however, that no fungus can form on the surface of the binoculars. We will show you know how to best deal with a fungal infestation of the binoculars!

Funding usually occurs when the binoculars have been stored for a long time in a warm and dark environment. If the device next to it is even a bit dirty, optimal habitat for mushrooms is required. Especially traces of grease are the breeding ground for fungal spores par excellence. To prevent this, the binocular should be kept for an extended period of non-use, if possible, in a light and airy place. Often it helps to expose the fungus-infested binoculars to direct sunlight, as the moisture film evaporates from the surface as soon as it is heated.

Especially with high-quality binoculars, which should perhaps be passed on even over generations, you should be particularly careful here. Once the fungus has spread to the lens, there is a possibility that the surface could be permanently damaged. A simple cleansing with water, glasses cleaner or alcohol, and a cleaning cloth, the fungus may remove under certain circumstances, but he may, however, have left his mark.

Cleaning the housing

For cleaning the case of the binoculars, you can easily access various household appliances. If the binoculars are watertight, then it is no problem to wash them off with lukewarm water under the tap. Also, stubborn stains can be removed with a little detergent. It is not recommended to use solvents or gasoline as these may attack and damage the materials. 

Advantages and disadvantages of cleaning binoculars

No detergents with chemical additives

Another tip that is worth gold: Never use solvents or household cleaning products with chemical additives. It can lead to severe damage to the lenses and eyepieces that permanently limit the quality of the binoculars in use.