How to Clean Binoculars (A Step-by-Step Guide)

A clean pair of binoculars delivers sharper, brighter views and lasts far longer in the field. 

Dust, fingerprints, and moisture will slowly degrade image quality and, if ignored, can wear down the protective coatings on your lenses. Many birders damage their lenses not through harsh use outdoors but through poor cleaning technique at home, or by introducing dirt and debris through things like digiscoping. 

The good news is that safe cleaning is simple, quick, and only requires a few inexpensive tools. With the right approach, you can keep your binoculars performing at their best for many years.

What You Need Before You Start

Before touching the lenses, it’s essential to set yourself up properly. The materials you use determine whether your binoculars stay in perfect shape or end up with micro-scratches that never go away.

You’ll need:

• A soft lens brush (camel hair or synthetic)

• A high-quality microfibre lens cloth

• A manual air blower

• Lens cleaning fluid designed for coated optics
  
  

These four items cover nearly every cleaning scenario. A manual blower removes dust safely without pressure. The brush clears away the particles that an air puff can’t lift.

The microfibre cloth handles smudges, and the lens fluid dissolves oils without damaging coatings.

Equally important is what not to use. Avoid shirts, scarves, tissue paper, napkins, and any type of paper towel. These materials seem soft but contain fibres that can scratch delicate coatings, especially if you’re using clothing designed to stand up to the elements. 

I also want to stress how important it is NOT TO USE household cleaners such as Windex or general glass sprays. These products are designed for treated windows, not precision optical surfaces. 

Setting the right foundation prevents damage before it begins.

Step 1: Remove Loose Dust and Dirt

Always start by removing loose debris. Even a tiny grain of sand can scrape the lens surface if dragged across it.

Begin with your manual air blower. Hold the binoculars upside down and give several gentle bursts to dislodge dust and grit. 

This helps gravity work with you, not against you. Follow this with a soft brush, using light strokes to sweep off any remaining particles around the edges and centre of the lens.

This step is crucial because most scratches occur during the wiping stage. If the lens is still dusty, your cloth will effectively act like sandpaper. Taking ten seconds to blow and brush can prevent permanent cosmetic and optical damage.

Step 2: Clean the Lens Surfaces

Once the lenses are free of loose dust, you can begin the actual cleaning.

Take a clean portion of your microfibre cloth and, if needed, apply a small drop of lens cleaning fluid to the cloth, not to the glass. 

Applying fluid directly to the lens risks excess liquid seeping into the edges, especially around eyepiece lenses where internal fogging can develop. This is one of the rookie mistakes that I often see people making out in the field. 

Even if your binoculars are rated as waterproof, directly spraying pressurized liquid directly on the lenses is not a good idea. Here is a great diagram from the IEC on what waterproof ratings actually mean. Keep in mind that good binoculars should be IPX7: 

Source

Use gentle strokes starting from the centre of the lens and move outward in a spiral pattern. Avoid aggressive circular scrubbing. If you hit a stubborn fingerprint or smudge, resist the urge to press harder. Instead, use more fluid or a fresh section of the cloth.

Remember that modern binoculars use multi-coated optics. These coatings improve brightness and reduce glare, but they are thinner than a strand of hair. Proper cleaning preserves those coatings and keeps the image bright and sharp.

Step 3: Clean the Body of the Binoculars

The external surfaces of binoculars collect oils, sunscreen, dust, and dirt. Over time, this buildup can make them slippery, sticky, or unpleasant to hold. Fortunately, cleaning the body is simple.

Use a lightly dampened cloth — never soaking wet — and wipe down the rubber armour, barrels, and bridge. Focus on areas where your hands rest, as these gather the most grime.

Take care around the eyepieces, focus wheel, and dioptre adjustment. Moisture can seep into moving parts and compromise internal lubrication or even affect waterproof seals. Even though many binoculars are waterproof, they’re not designed to handle direct water exposure from cleaning fluids or saturated cloths. 

Keeping the body clean improves grip and prevents dirt from migrating toward the lenses.

Step 4: Maintaining Eye Cups and Moving Parts

Eyecups and moving components are often overlooked, yet they play a big role in comfort and long-term function.

Extend the eyecups fully and wipe them with a microfibre cloth. If sunscreen or skin oils have built up, a lightly dampened cloth will remove residue. Rotating or twisting eyecups accumulate dirt inside the mechanism as well, so extend them fully to reach any debris.

Our NatureRay Scenic Pro ED features removable eyecups for easy cleaning: 

For hinges and focus wheels, avoid applying any type of lubricant. Modern binoculars use specialised greases that are sealed at the factory. 

DIY lubrication can soften rubber, attract dust, or create uneven resistance. If a mechanism becomes stiff, this usually requires professional service rather than home repair.

Simple maintenance keeps everything moving smoothly without risking permanent damage. Keep this in mind if you’re buying binoculars for yourself or as a gift for someone else. 

Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Binoculars

Many well-meaning users accidentally damage their binoculars through improper cleaning. Here are the most common pitfalls:

• Using alcohol wipes. Alcohol can damage certain coatings and leave streaks.

• Using harsh soaps or household sprays. These products break down optical coatings over time.

• Over-cleaning the lenses. Clean them only when you need to. Frequent rubbing gradually wears coating layers.

• Wiping too hard. Pressure grinds grit into the glass. Always let the fluid and cloth do the work.

• Cleaning in the field on a windy or dusty day. You’re more likely to trap dust under your cloth.
  
  

Avoiding these mistakes extends the lifespan of your optics and preserves image quality.

Storage Tips for Keeping Binoculars Clean Longer

Proper storage reduces how often you need to clean your optics in the first place. A few simple habits make a big difference:

• Keep binoculars in their protective case when not in use.

• Use desiccant packs inside the case to manage humidity, especially in tropical climates.

• Store them in a cool, dry cupboard rather than inside a car, glove box, or on the dashboard. Heat can warp components and weaken lubricants.

• Use both objective and eyepiece caps while hiking or travelling.

• Let your binoculars dry fully before storing them if you used them in rain or fog.
  
  

Good care at home prevents unnecessary cleaning and protects the internal components from moisture and mould.

 FAQ: How to Clean and Care for Binoculars

Can I use alcohol wipes to clean binocular lenses?

It’s not recommended. Alcohol can strip or dull modern anti-reflective coatings. Use a purpose-made lens cleaning solution instead.

What is the safest way to remove dust from binocular lenses?

Start with a manual air blower to lift dust without touching the glass. Follow with a soft lens brush if needed. Never wipe dust directly with a cloth.

Can I clean binoculars with water?

You can use a lightly dampened cloth to clean the body, but you should avoid using water on the lenses. Excess moisture can seep into the edges and cause fogging or mildew over time.

How often should I clean my binoculars?

Only when necessary. Over-cleaning lenses wears down coatings. A quick dust-off with a blower is fine anytime, but full lens cleaning should be occasional.

What should I do if my binoculars fog internally?

Internal fogging usually indicates a seal or moisture issue. This cannot be fixed at home. Contact the manufacturer or a professional repair service.

Cheap binoculars under £100 usually fog up internally because they are not gas sealed. High-quality optics brands such as NatureRAY develop Optics that are fully fog-proof. They are Nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging.

Can I use eyeglass cleaner on binoculars?

Only if it’s a cleaner specifically labelled as safe for coated optics. Many eyeglass sprays contain additives that aren’t ideal for high-end binocular coatings.

Why are my binocular lenses smearing when I wipe them?

This usually happens when oil (from eyelashes, fingerprints, sunscreen) spreads instead of dissolving. Apply a small amount of optical cleaning fluid to your cloth and wipe again with very light pressure.

Should I take my binoculars apart to clean inside?

No. Binoculars contain precision-aligned prisms and sealed components. Opening them at home will void warranties and ruin collimation.

How do I keep binocular eyecups clean?

Extend the eyecups fully and wipe with a microfibre cloth or damp cloth. This helps remove sunscreen, dirt, sweat, and skin oils that build up over time.

What is the best way to store binoculars?

Use the case, keep both sets of caps on, and store them in a cool, dry place with a desiccant pack. Avoid car dashboards or humid cupboards.