Binoculars are essential items for nature adventurous. For you to have clear images, you need to have clean binoculars. Can binoculars be cleaned? The answer is a big yes. However, you need to take good care of your binoculars regularly and maintain their cleanliness to avoid cleaning them severely. When you are out in the field using your binoculars, they may contact spores, dust, fungus, or fog. These substances alter their functionality hence the need for cleaning. In this article, you will learn how to clean binoculars using the safest items.
Cleaning Binoculars
Some binoculars come with a binocular cleaning kit. In case yours do not have, you can purchase one for yourself and carry it whenever you use a binocular. There are some things that you must have before you start to clean your item. Whether your question is how to clean Vortex binoculars or how to clean Bushnell binoculars, cleaning is the same.
Things required to clean binoculars include:
- Dump cloth
- Lens pen brush
- Lens solution
- Cotton buds
- Lens cloth
- A Blower brush
Step 1: Read the manufacturer’s manual
Every binocular comes with different instructions depending on the manufacturer. It is good if you go through all the instructions to understand your binocular and know the dos and don’ts of the particular item.
Some brands are particular on the type of chemicals and tools that you should use to clean your binoculars, depending on the lenses make. Remember that lenses are covered using different coverings that have different chemical reactions.
Step 2: Brush off the dust plus other debris
First of all, use a damp cloth to wipe off debris and dust on the binoculars’ outer body. Ensure that the cloth does not drip any water that can find itself in the binoculars through the crevices. You can use cotton buds to remove dirt from any part that is difficult to wipe using a damp cloth.
Secondly, remove any large particle that is on the lenses.
Thirdly, use an extremely soft brush to remove any dirt sticking on the sides of the binocular lenses.
Note : You should never blow the lenses using your breath.
This is because your breath contains moisture that may make things worse once it mixes with dirt, making the dirt stick more on the lenses. Alternatively, if the lenses are so dirty, use a blower brush, which is more effective in removing any stuck particles.
Step 3: Wash using lens solution.
Using an appropriate lens solution for your binocular lenses, wash your lenses thoroughly but carefully. This method is the simplest and the most effective one.
On the other hand, you should limit the times you use the lens solution to clean your binocular lenses. This is because the solution damages the color coating on the lenses with time, leading to unclear images.
Use a compressed spray bottle to administer the solution then allow it to spread through the lens. You can also place a lens cloth on top of the lenses if you don’t have a spray bottle. Pour the solution on the cloth and allow it to soak then wipe the lenses gently.
Step 4: Wipe off using a lens cloth
Most of the binoculars come with several pieces of lens cloth. Make sure that the cloth you use is clean and free from dirt particles. The lens cloth should be completely dry. Use it to wipe the lens surfaces tenderly. All the dirt is now gone.
How Do You Clean the Inside of a Binocular Lens?
Some non-waterproof binocular lenses may contain some dirt on the inside part, making them foggy or cloudy. This dirt may result in the formation of fungus if not cleaned early enough.
Before opening any binoculars, ensure that you are perfect in assembling it back the way it was or else you take to a professional.
How do you remove binocular lenses? Some binoculars are easy to disassemble, where you revolve the knob to take out the lenses. Others require a lens wrench to open.
To open using a lens wrench, position the lens wrench on the lens’s sides to remove it. Put the lens on top of a paper then put some drops of a recommended dishwashing detergent. Shake the lens slowly then add some drops of vinegar to remove any impurities.
Always put on some gloves before holding the lenses to prevent fingerprints from tampering with a clear view of the lenses. Examine your binocular under a bright light to make sure that no dirt is left behind. I hope your question on how to clean binoculars is well answered.
How Do You Disinfect Binoculars?
Use pre-moistened wipes to wipe both the lenses and the body of your binocular. While disinfecting the lenses, make sure you do it very gently to avoid scratching them. You can also use some lukewarm water mixed with gentle dishwashing soap. Rub gently then dry using a microfiber cloth.
Maintenance Practices On Binoculars
A binocular is an expensive item that needs proper maintenance to serve you for long. The following are the maintenance practices to be carried out on binoculars:
- Avoid over-cleaning since the solutions can lead to lens damage.
- Always use the lens cap when the item is not in use. This will prevent any lens damage or breakage.
- Keep away from touching the lenses to prevent fingerprints from smudging the images.
- Look for suitable accessories to carry the binoculars like the shoulder harness to keep it safe.
- Ensure you store it in a clean and dry pouch to keep it away from dust.
Conclusion
A clean binocular will make your adventure to be fruitful. You will be able to view clear images that will allow you to capture every detail of the object you are observing. I am certain that now you know how to clean binoculars effectively. Keep your binocular as clean as possible to avoid cleaning it severally.