{"id":380,"date":"2018-03-21T10:08:56","date_gmt":"2018-03-21T10:08:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tma65.com\/blog\/?p=380"},"modified":"2018-03-21T10:08:56","modified_gmt":"2018-03-21T10:08:56","slug":"dos-donts-of-cleaning-optics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/dos-donts-of-cleaning-optics\/","title":{"rendered":"Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts of Cleaning Optics"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\"><div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/dos-donts-of-cleaning-optics\/#Dos_and_Donts_of_Cleaning_Optics\" >Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts of Cleaning Optics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/dos-donts-of-cleaning-optics\/#What_Not_To-Do_When_Cleaning_Optics\" >What Not To-Do When Cleaning Optics<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/dos-donts-of-cleaning-optics\/#The_Best_Way_to_Clean_Your_Optics\" >The Best Way to Clean Your Optics<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/dos-donts-of-cleaning-optics\/#Step_1_The_first_rule_of_cleaning_optics_Get_all_the_dust_off_before_you_rub\" >Step 1 The first rule of cleaning optics: Get all the dust off before you rub!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dos_and_Donts_of_Cleaning_Optics\"><\/span>Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts of Cleaning Optics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts of Cleaning <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/our-top-tips-for-glassing-terrain\/\">Optics<\/a>.If you\u2019re an avid hunter, shooter or spend a lot of time in the outdoors, your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/what-you-need-for-an-air-rifle-competition\/\">binocular<\/a> and or <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"scope\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"183\">scope<\/a> gets used to the point where cleaning them is an absolute necessity.\u00a0 Keep in mind that every time you use your <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"optics\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"423\">optics<\/a> in the field, they will get some sort of dirt, dust, precipitation, oils from your hands or other contaminates on the lenses which affects the image. It\u2019s really no different than the distorted images you see in your mirror or on your car windows when covered with dirt, dust or water stains. A binocular\/scope will not produce the desired detail and color when the lenses are dirty or scratched. The smallest scratch, caused by sand or other accumulated contaminates, can fracture light as it enters the optics, distorting or blurring the image.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">Lens coatings play a crucial role in the <a title=\"Quality Scope Rings Make a Difference\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/quality-scope-rings-make-a-difference\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">quality of the image you see through your binocular or scope<\/a> and if damaged with improper cleaning the coatings cannot be re-applied.\u00a0 And while you can\u2019t prevent your optics from ever getting dirty, keeping them clean will go a long way in extending their usefulness. \u00a0<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">It doesn\u2019t take much to clean the outside of your scope or <a title=\"Why Turkey Hunting with Binoculars Works for Me\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/why-turkey-hunting-with-binoculars-works-for-me\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">binocular<\/a> and typically, a damp cloth to wipe off the barrels, rims and focus wheels of your binocular or scope, however, the lenses are a different story.\u00a0<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Not_To-Do_When_Cleaning_Optics\"><\/span><strong>What Not To-Do When Cleaning Optics<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>#1\u00a0<\/strong>&#8211; The breathe-and-rub method is at the top of the list. A primary ingredient of dust is silica\u2014in other words, tiny rocks. Silica is harder than glass. If you rub dust across your eyepiece or <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/tag\/rifle-scope-objective-lens\/\" title=\"rifle scope objective lens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">objective lens<\/a>, you gouge microscopic scratches into the glass and the ultra-thin coatings on lenses.\u00a0 You can&#8217;t see the scratches individually, because they&#8217;re so small, but they scatter light. And so over time your optics begin to produce a cloudy image.\u00a0 Plus, even though we\u2019ve all done it, don&#8217;t use your breath to clean your lens.\u00a0 Your breath includes minute droplets of water that will spot your lens<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>#2<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211; Do not\u00a0clean them with paper towels, facial\/toilet tissue, newspaper. \u00a0All the paper products mentioned above contain wood fibers\u00a0which will scratch your coatings. Tissues and paper towels may also contain lanolin which will make a terrible mess on your lenses.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>#3\u00a0<\/strong>&#8211; Do not use Windex, Glass Plus, and other household cleaners that contain ammonia which will absolutely dissolve your coatings and never use detergent on lenses.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Best_Way_to_Clean_Your_Optics\"><\/span><strong>The Best Way to Clean Your Optics<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_The_first_rule_of_cleaning_optics_Get_all_the_dust_off_before_you_rub\"><\/span><strong>Step 1<\/strong><br \/>The first rule of cleaning optics: Get all the dust off before you rub!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">It\u2019s critical that you remove all the loose dust from the binocular or scope\u2019s lenses before you try to <a title=\"At-Home Gun Cleaning Tips\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/at-home-gun-cleaning-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">clean with a micro-fiber cloth or the LensPen chamois tip<\/a>.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">Simply use the brush end of the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/versatility-of-the-tract-bino-chest-pak\/\">TRACT<\/a> LensPen to brush off all dust and dirt that is visible to your eye. It may help to hold the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/spotting-scope-vs-binoculars\/\" title=\"Spotting Scope vs Binoculars\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1837\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">binocular or scope<\/a> upside down as you brush so the dust falls away instead of just pushing it from one side to the other.<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_693\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-693\" style=\"width: 540px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-693\" title=\"Cleaning Optics\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/DSC_0498-1024x793.jpg\" alt=\"Cleaning Optics\" width=\"540\" height=\"418\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/05\/DSC_0498-1024x793.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/05\/DSC_0498-300x232.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/05\/DSC_0498-768x594.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/05\/DSC_0498-1536x1189.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/05\/DSC_0498-2048x1585.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/05\/DSC_0498-388x300.jpg 388w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/05\/DSC_0498-150x116.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-693\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cleaning Optics<\/figcaption><\/figure><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>The LensPen chamois <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/tag\/gun-cleaning-tips\/\" title=\"gun cleaning tips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tip is impregnated with a non-liquid cleaning<\/a> compound that absorbs oily residues and contaminants safely and easily<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">We have also found it very useful especially when your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/videosview\/toric-34mm-4-25x50\/\" title=\"Introducing the TORIC 34MM 4-25X50 Extreme Long Range Rifle Scope\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1672\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">binocular or scope<\/a> is covered in dirt or dust (trust me it happens) to use a can of compressed air to blow the lenses clean.\u00a0 This is by far the most effective way to remove microscopic dust particles that our eyes just cannot see as well a clear dust in tight spaces. Be sure to only use short bursts of air to avoid damaging your optics.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Step 2<\/strong><br \/>Since <a title=\"Welcome to TRACT Optics\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/welcome-to-tract-optics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TRACT Optics<\/a> are waterproof, you can actually run them under the water facet (but don&#8217;t spray too hard) to help float away any remaining dust particles.\u00a0 If this makes you nervous you can always use a cotton swab dipped in water to help float away the remaining particles\u2026please take care not to press the cotton swab into the lens.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Step 3<\/strong><br \/>Now that the dust is gone, you can wipe the lens with lens tissue, a micro fiber lens cloth or the LensPen chamois tip.\u00a0 When using a microfiber, lens cleaning cloth or the LensPen make sure to gently clean the lens in a circular motion to remove smudges.\u00a0 Be gentle and take your time.<strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">Remember\u2026More <a title=\"TRACT Optics\u2019 2016 Year in Review\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/tract-optics-2016-year-in-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">optics have been ruined by wrong cleaning than by being dropped off a ledge or smashed by your 2 year<\/a> old!<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">Additional tips for protecting your optics from dirt and debris include: Using the <a title=\"scope lens covers\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/tag\/scope-lens-covers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lens covers<\/a> that come with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/versatility-of-the-tract-bino-chest-pak\/\">TORIC<\/a> &amp; TEKOA <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-binocular\/\">Binoculars<\/a> to\u00a0help\u00a0protect the lenses\u00a0when the binoculars aren\u2019t in use; Storing binoculars in a soft, clean case; Taking precautions not to apply sunscreen or insect spray near your binoculars; and using only cleaning tools designed for optics.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_1768\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1768\" style=\"width: 329px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1768\" title=\"Rifle Marksmanship: Supported Shooting Positions\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/David_TT.jpg\" alt=\"Rifle Marksmanship: Supported Shooting Positions\" width=\"329\" height=\"205\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/David_TT.jpg 984w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/David_TT-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/David_TT-768x478.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/David_TT-482x300.jpg 482w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/David_TT-150x93.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 329px) 100vw, 329px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1768\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cleaning Optics<\/figcaption><\/figure><p><\/p><p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do\u2019s &amp; Don\u2019ts of Cleaning Optics | TRACT design and engineer performance-grade optics without the added retail costs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":387,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2255,2259,2265],"tags":[2625,3024,3032,3033,3034,3035,3036,3037,3038,3039,3040,3044,3045,3046,3047,3048,3049,3050,3053,3054,3056,3057,3058,3060],"class_list":["post-380","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-extra-topics","category-hunting-rifle-scope","category-rifle-scope","tag-extra-topics","tag-rifle-optics","tag-rifle-scope","tag-rifle-scope-accessories","tag-rifle-scope-adjustment","tag-rifle-scope-adjustment-knobs","tag-rifle-scope-adjustments","tag-rifle-scope-attachments","tag-rifle-scope-covers","tag-rifle-scope-crosshairs","tag-rifle-scope-elevation-adjustment","tag-rifle-scope-moa","tag-rifle-scope-mount-types","tag-rifle-scope-objective-lens","tag-rifle-scope-objective-size","tag-rifle-scope-reticle","tag-rifle-scope-reticles","tag-rifle-scope-reticles-explained","tag-rifle-scope-turret-knobs","tag-rifle-scope-turrets","tag-rifle-scope-windage-adjustment","tag-rifle-scope-with-ballistic-calculator","tag-rifle-scopes","tag-rifle-scopes-for-sale"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/380","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=380"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/380\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/387"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=380"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=380"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=380"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}