This is exactly what to do to properly clean a red dot sight lens.
Get yourself a Vortex Lens Pen with a retractable brush on one end and a cleaning tip on the other, It's perfect for quick touch-ups in the field.
You don't need anything fancy for this.
Open emitter pistol red dot sights are the worst to clean because it's near the ejection port and it's exposed.
A dirty lens can:
- Reduce clarity and visibility with oil streak + tinted glass in low light
- Refracted red dot projection especially for open emitter optics
- Hard to see targets further away with a large MOA dot sizes
- Dirt blocks emitter screen if it's an open emitter optic
Steps to properly clean a red dot sight lens
- Remove the sight from your firearm: If possible, remove the red dot sight from your firearm. This allows for easier access and reduces the risk of getting cleaning solutions on other parts of your gun.
- Remove loose debris: Use a soft-bristled brush or compressed air to gently remove any loose dust or debris from the lens and housing. Or use a Q tip to wipe the inside of an open emitter optic
- Apply lens cleaner: Use a specialized lens cleaning solution designed for optical equipment. Avoid household glass cleaners, as they may contain harmful chemicals. Apply a small amount of cleaner to a microfiber cloth or lens tissue, never directly to the lens.
- Clean the lens: Gently wipe the lens in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Do the same for the emitter screen
- Remove residue: If any streaks or residue remain, use a fresh section of the microfiber cloth or a new lens tissue to wipe them away.
- Clean the housing: Wipe down the exterior of the sight with a slightly damp cloth to remove any dirt or fingerprints.
- Dry and inspect: Allow the sight to air dry completely before reassembling and mounting it on your firearm. Inspect the lens under good lighting to ensure it's clean and free of streaks.
Closed emitter optics are impossible to attract dirt inside the optic, which I highly recommend using if you have the mounting solutions for it.
