Binocular care and maintenance shouldn’t be rocket science. Whether you are a recreational user or professional, good binoculars are essential tools you want to rely on. Modern quality binoculars are relatively robust, and usually, the few mechanical components are maintenance-free. Still, a little binocular care should be taken to reduce the instrument’s wear and tear and prolong its lifetime.
Binocular Maintenance & Care
You may not have to clean it much if you have your binoculars stowed away most of the year and take it out only for occasional observations, but you still have to store it carefully to avoid glass mold. With the protective lens caps that most binoculars come with, keep the lenses covered. In a dry cabinet, store the binoculars in their carrying case or storage bag. Placing dehumidifiers with it, such as Silica Gel, will ensure a dry environment.
Several challenges that affect the functionality of even the best binoculars have to be addressed by binoculars heavily used and exposed to the weather and outdoor environment.
- Moisture-influences the binoculars through rain or spray and condensation
- On lenses and in nooks and crannies, fungi and algae can grow on.
- Small insects and bugs may try to make a home for themselves.
- Grease, grime, and dust from the environment and user contact
- It is easy to remove the dirt grime from the instrument and extend the lifetime of your binoculars with a little care and the right type of cleaning utensils.
STEP 1: Read the Handbook
It is essential to read the user manual thoroughly before cleaning to discover if the manufacturer recommends specific tools or chemicals. While often thrown into the trash without much thought, as many binoculars have different lens coatings with varying reactions to cleaning solutions, the manual will describe what not to use. There is no small cost for binoculars, so using the wrong chemical can damage the lenses after repair and cost the user a new set of lenses.
STEP 2: Minor Debris Removal
Items that are used in any Photoshop to remove dust.
- Air Blower
- Lens cleaner brush
- Lens cleaning wipes
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
- Spray bottle
You can use the Air Blower and Lens Cleaner Brush to quickly remove debris from the lenses, such as dust and small particles. Be patient and avoid too much force being used. With too much pressure, you don’t want to scratch the optics. With a spray bottle, you can rinse debris off using distilled water or other unique cleaning solutions. Be careful with non-waterproof binoculars. Remove Grease Removal
Use lens cleaning wipes and microfibre clothing to remove grease or fingerprints from your binoculars. Be careful not to pressure the air blower and always clean the lenses first with a lens cleaner brush. Otherwise, small grains and debris particles could easily scratch the lenses’ coating.
As they could attack and damage various materials, seals, and coatings, do not use dry paper wipes and strong solvents. Use at least 90 percent ethyl alcohol or 99.9 percent isopropyl alcohol if you have to use solvents. This dissolves fat so that it can be easily wiped away, and without leaving any residue, alcohol residues evaporate.
The best thing would be if the lenses did not come into contact with grime and fingerprints, which would inevitably lead to glass surface changes. Acids that could damage the lens coatings can be formed by dirt that combines with the air’s moisture. Fingerprints are made of organic material left on surfaces, which could provide an atmosphere for mold or fungi’ growth. Sadly, dirt and debris can not be avoided altogether. So it should be promptly removed.
STEP 3: Cleaning Solution Should Be Applied
Wipe away any remaining dirt gently by using a cotton swab with water or a cleaning solution. It is important not to pour the solution directly onto the lenses, as it can seep into the binoculars’ internal components and cause damage. Run a light stream of water gently over the lenses to remove excess grime if the binoculars are waterproof. Do not store binoculars until they have completely dried out.
Avoid using window or glass cleaner on binoculars because chemicals that can harm the lenses’ integrity are often included in these products. It is crucial to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid damage before applying any cleaning solution to the lenses.
The Wrong Way To Clean Binoculars
The breathe-and-rub method, like a glass shower door, is truly a formula for frosting the glass. Silica, in other words, tiny rocks, is a primary dust ingredient. It’s tougher with silica than glass. You gouge microscopic scratches into the glass and the ultra-thin coatings on the lenses if you rub dust across the eyepiece.
Individually, you can’t see the scratches because they’re so small, but they scatter light. And so your binoculars start to give a cloudy image over time.
How To Clean Your Binocular Body?
The binocular body components go through a lot of turmoil in addition to the lenses. Several things can affect the exterior’s cleanliness and the rubber eyecups of the binoculars between sticky fingers and unforeseeable weather.
How To Clean The Binoculars’ Exterior?
The easiest part of the whole process is cleaning the exterior, but it should be done routinely to keep the binoculars perfect. To remove any excess dirt and dust, take a soft, damp cloth and wipe the body.
How To Clean The Binoculars’ Inside?
Word of wisdom, if you wonder how to clean binoculars’ inside Bushnell, don’t. The disassembly of binoculars can ruin the optical alignment, and only a professional should be trusted. Tackling this will void the manufacturer’s warranty and leave the binoculars susceptible to scratches, bacteria, and dirt.
Use a lens-specific cleaning solution and fabric to ensure no damage occurs if the interior needs to be cleaned. Begin by unscrewing the cap when dismantling the binoculars to reveal the focus mechanism, removing the oculars, and removing the cover plate to expose the prisms. To clean the inside of the objective lenses, remove the bottom plate. Note: There are tiny screws on many binoculars that will need to be reinstalled exactly as found.
How To Clean The Rubber Eyecups On Binoculars?
Due to general usage, the stick rubber on binoculars may become sticky or rough over time. However, depending on the damage, this material can easily be cleaned or scraped away. Use a cleaning solution or water gently and rub the area damaged until clean.
For information on rangefinders check out this guide.
