Unlike other new items, the best binoculars will never become outdated. For this reason, you should take good care of them. Luckily, there are plenty of great binocular lens cleaning kits and binocular accessories to help — and with the right care, quality binoculars can last a lifetime.
So whether you love binoculars for birdwatching or astronomy, read on for our tips on how to clean and care for your binoculars' internal and external features, plus a guide to the best binocular accessories to use.
Last updated: June 2026
Binocular Care and Repair
Make use of the included neck strap and case
Straight out of the box, your binoculars will likely come with a neck strap and some sort of protective case. It's a wise idea to keep your binoculars attached to the strap at all times — and make sure you put it comfortably around your neck when viewing. Even the sturdiest of hands can slip up.
A neck strap is a quick, easy safety measure that takes little effort — but will save you from the majority of mishaps. Likewise, when your binoculars are not in use, keep them stored away in the convenient case.
Keep your lens caps close by
If your binoculars came with protective caps, front or rear, make use of these handy binocular accessories whenever you're not actively viewing. Some lens caps even come with the focal length clearly labelled on the cap, helping you grab the right lens, faster.
Don't forget your fold-down eyecups
If your binoculars feature fold-down eyecups, use them! Keep these little guards folded up when not in use to prevent damage and stop wear and tear occurring over time.
Store in a safe place
You're unlikely to leave your binoculars out on a windowsill if you are following our first few points, but it's still worth mentioning: do not store your binoculars in direct sunlight! They are best kept in a safe, cool and dry place, free from heat and humidity.
Treat them kindly
Even if they are the tough, rugged kind of binoculars, it's important not to abuse your binoculars if you want them to stay in mint condition for a long time. Avoid dropping them, bumping them, or leaving them outside — treat them well, and they'll treat you well.
Do not clean or wipe binoculars with improper items
A big part of caring for binoculars is to not attempt to clean them with improper items. Common mistakes that should be avoided are paper towels, tissues and similarly abrasive items.
Cleaning Binoculars Inside and Out
You can't beat a blower brush
Many people aren't sure how to clean binocular prisms or how to clean the sticky rubber on binoculars properly. A blower brush can get rid of dust without actually having to make contact with your lenses, and are great for reaching tricky places, such as in and around eyecups.
This is a good first step, as rubbing tiny particles of dust around your lenses and eyepieces can produce small scratches that accumulate over time and damage your view.
Make use of a microfibre cloth
The quickest and safest way to remove fingerprints and smudges from your binocular lenses is with a microfibre cloth. These are cheap binocular accessories to buy and take up very little space in your bag, so pick up a couple to help ensure the longevity and performance of your binoculars.
Change your cleaning cloths over every so often and make sure they are kept clean and free from dirt to avoid scratching the lenses while wiping.
How to use a lens cleaning pen
A lens cleaning pen can be very useful for cleaning any spots from your binocular lenses that are a bit more on the stubborn side. This handy, easy to use tool will make quick work of dust and fingerprints, and are usually safe to use on more valuable lenses.
Lens cleaning pens are great for cleaning camera lenses, binocular lenses, small aperture spotting scopes and telescopes, eyepieces, and other optical items. Some come with a retractable dust removal brush, and a special non-liquid cleaning element, designed to never dry out.
Keep calm with a lens cleaning solution
Keeping your binocular lenses spotless is crucial for high-quality viewing or photography. If you already have a level of dust and grime on your lenses that cannot be cleaned by the above methods, you can try some lens cleaning solution. A good multipurpose cleaning solution is suitable for use on cameras, lenses, computers, mobiles, and all LCD screens.
Shake off the saltwater
(Note: This is for waterproof binoculars only)
If you've been spending some time by the ocean with your suitably rugged or waterproof binoculars, it's important to properly remove traces of saltwater as it can be very damaging to all areas of your binoculars. A gentle rinse under fresh, running water is the most simple and effective way to remove saltwater. We highly recommend not attempting this if you are unsure whether your binoculars are waterproof, as this may cause damage.
Use a damp cloth on the binocular body
The best binoculars feature a body that is covered in a type of rubber armour. This is quite sturdy but it is important to occasionally clean it for longevity. A soft cloth will do the trick for this — dampen it slightly for best results!
Get a Clear View, Every Time
Getting the right guidance on choosing, using and repairing binoculars can make all the difference to your binocular viewing experience. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact us online, give us a ring at 1300 768 833 or drop by your local store.
How to Clean Binoculars: Step-by-Step Lens Cleaning Guide
Cleaning binoculars correctly is essential to maintaining image clarity and protecting your lenses from scratches. Start by removing loose dust and debris with a soft lens brush or a puff of air from a blower bulb — never blow directly with your mouth, as moisture causes damage. Next, apply a small amount of optical lens cleaning solution to a microfibre cloth or dedicated lens tissue. Gently wipe in circular motions from the centre outward. Avoid using paper towels, clothing, or household glass cleaners, as these can strip lens coatings. For the eyepiece lenses, use the same method. The best way to clean binocular lenses is always gently — never apply pressure. Repeat as needed and allow lenses to air dry before replacing caps.
What's in a Binocular Cleaning Kit?
A quality binocular cleaning kit takes the guesswork out of binocular lens cleaning and ensures you always have the right tools on hand. Most kits include a lens blower bulb to safely dislodge dust without contact, a soft-bristle lens brush for sweeping away particles, optical-grade lens cleaning solution, and lint-free microfibre cloths or lens tissues. Some kits also include a lens pen — a dual-ended tool with a brush on one side and a carbon-compound cleaning tip on the other, ideal for removing fingerprints. Investing in a dedicated binocular cleaning kit protects your lens coatings from damage caused by improvised cleaning materials. Ted's Cameras stocks a range of cleaning kits suitable for all binocular types and budgets.
Binocular Maintenance and Servicing Tips
Regular binocular maintenance extends the life of your optics and keeps them performing at their best. After each use, wipe down the body with a dry microfibre cloth to remove moisture, oils, and dirt. Store binoculars in a cool, dry place — humidity encourages mould growth on internal lens elements. Check the hinge tension periodically and avoid over-tightening or forcing the barrels. If your binoculars feel misaligned, produce double images, or have internal fogging that cannot be cleaned externally, it's time to consider professional binocular servicing. Attempting to disassemble and clean internal optics yourself risks permanent damage. Authorised service centres can re-collimate, clean internal elements, and reseal nitrogen-purged models to restore full performance.