• Reading time:19 mins read
  • Post category:AR-15
  • Post last modified:April 6, 2024
  • Post published:December 6, 2022

The AR-15 platform is one of the most popular firearms in America. It’s also one of the most versatile, with a vast array of configurations and accessories available. As a result, proper cleaning, lubrication, and maintenance are essential to keeping your AR running smoothly. In this blog post, we’ll provide some tips on how to properly clean and maintain your AR-15. Stay safe and happy shooting 🔥🔥🔥!

Why is it important to clean rifle?❗

Rifles should be cleaned after every use to ensure proper function and accuracy. Dirty rifles can cause damage to the barrel, which can lead to inaccuracy. In addition, firing a gun with a dirty barrel can increase wear and tear on the weapon and may even cause irreparable damage.

Our Top Pick

OpticsPlanet Exclusive Real Avid AR-15 Pro Cleaning Pack

This OpticsPlanet Exclusive Real Avid AR-15 Pro Cleaning Kits is perfect for cleaning your AR-style rifle, whether you’re at home or in the field.

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If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

What are the benefits of constant gun care?

  • ✅Cleaning your AR-15 regularly will help to prevent malfunctions and keep your rifle running smoothly.
  • ✅Lubricating your AR-15 regularly with quality lubricants will help to keep all of the moving parts well-lubricated and protected from wear and tear.
  • ✅Proper maintenance of your AR-15 will help to ensure that it is in good condition and ready to go when you need it.

What is needed to clean an AR-15?

You will need an AR-15, gun cleaning kit, CLP, cleaning patches, and a Bore Snake.

Our Top Pick

Real Avid Gun Boss Pro Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

A sturdy, sleek, secure tool case loaded with high-quality brass rods and a new, innovative multifunction rod handle.

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If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

How to properly clean AR-15?📝 [Step by Step]

It’s important to clean your AR-15 regularly to maintain optimal performance. Here are some easy steps to follow:

Step 1: Get the Tools to Clean Your AR-15

To clean your AR-15, you will need a few tools:

  • ➡️Cleaning rod,
  • ➡️A bore brush,
  • ➡️Some patches,
  • ➡️Solvent,
  • ➡️Lubricant (such as Hoppe’s 9).

Our Top Pick

Hoppe’s 9 Elite Cleaning Gun Oil

Applies gun oil thinly and evenly with its cutting-edge technology, creating a micro-fine layer.

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If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Step 2: Prep the Area and Clear the Firearm

Before you start cleaning your AR-15, you will want to make sure you are in a safe area and that the firearm is cleared. This means that you will need to remove the magazine and check the chamber to make sure there is no ammunition present.

Once you have verified that the gun is safe, you can begin to prep the area. Make sure you have a sturdy surface on which to clean the gun. You will also need a container to catch any solvent or lubricant that may drip off the gun.

Now that you are ready, you can begin to clean the AR-15.

Step 3: Disassemble the rifle and remove the bolt carrier group.

Step 4: Clean the bolt carrier group with a solvent like solvents or ammonia.

Do not use strong acids or alkaline solutions, as these can damage the metal.

Step 4: Clean the bolt carrier group

Step 5: Soak the firing pin in solvent and scrub it with a wire brush until it’s clean.

Be sure to rinse it thoroughly afterward.

Step 6: Clean the barrel using a bore cleaner or other solvent specifically designed for firearms cleaning.

Be sure to scrub all of the built-up carbon residues from the barrel interior.

Step 6: Clean the barrel

Step 6: Clean the barrel

Step 7: Lubricate the bolt carrier group with a high-quality lubricant, such as AR15 lube or lithium grease.

Lubricate the bolt carrier group

Step 8: Reassemble the AR-15 and wipe down any visible surfaces with a cloth to remove any residue.

Reassemble the AR-15 according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

AR-15 assembly diagram

Step 9: Lubricate the outside of the rifle with gun oil or silicone spray to prevent corrosion and rust buildup.

Lubricate The Outside Of The Rifle

Step 10: Clean your magazine.

This is an important step that is often overlooked. To clean the magazine, simply remove the base plate and use a pick or whatever else you have handy. Remove the spring and follower. Wipe it all down and clean it up. Reassemble in the reverse of disassembly.

Clean magazine AR-15

Step 11: Maintenance

Depending on the make of your rifle, there will be a different maintenance schedule. Always check with the manufacturer to see what they recommend. As a general rule, it is good practice to inspect your rifle after every thousand rounds. Once you have used the rifle for five thousand rounds, then move to inspections every 500 rounds instead.

Our Top Pick

Hoppe’s 9 Elite Gun Cleaning kit

No. 9 bore cleaner is the ultimate solution for keeping your firearms in top condition–no matter the weapon. From revolvers to AK-47s to AR-15 rifles, thisuniversal cleaner will get the job done quickly and efficiently.

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If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

⚠️What is the most important thing to remember when cleaning guns?⚠️

  • ✅Always read the manufacturer’s instructions. Every gun is different and requires specific instructions on how to clean it properly to avoid damage.
  • ✅Additionally, it’s important to always clean guns in a well-ventilated area and to make sure all the components are dry before reassembling them.
  • ✅Another important thing to remember when cleaning guns is that different guns require different types of cleaners and lubricants. For example, a revolver should never be cleaned with the same type of cleaner used on an automatic pistol.
  • ✅Always make sure that the gun is unloaded before you begin cleaning it. This means checking both the chamber and the magazine to make sure that there is no rounds present. Remember, safety first!

Best Gun Cleaning Kits 🔥

1# Otis Elite Gun Cleaning System

Otis Elite Gun Cleaning System

View on Cabela’s View on OpticsPlanet

The Otis Elite Gun Cleaning System is an all-in-one cleaning kit for virtually all firearms and calibers. This kit contains the #750 Tactical Cleaning System and the entire line of bronze bore and chamber cleaning brushes, and 6 Memory-Flex® cleaning rods for maximum versatility and lasting performance.

The Otis Elite Gun Cleaning System also comes with an all-purpose nylon receiver brush, T-handle bar, three slotted tips, obstruction removers, small and large Patch Savers®, bore reflector/flag safety, small caliber and all-caliber 100% cotton patches, two .5 oz. tubes of Otis O85® Ultra Bore® Solvent, brass scraper tool set, optics cleaning gear, and black nylon, rust-proof case.

Pros:
  • All-in-one cleaning kit
  • Contains everything you need to clean your AR-15
  • This kit contains the #750 Tactical Cleaning System and the entire line of bronze bore and chamber cleaning brushes, and 6 Memory-Flex® cleaning rods for maximum versatility and lasting performance.
  • What’s more, this gun cleaning system features a rust-proof nylon case with a lock and keys.
Cons:
  • May be too comprehensive for some users

 

2# Hoppe’s Deluxe Gun Cleaning Kit

Hoppe's Deluxe Gun Cleaning Kit

View on Cabela’s View on Amazon

This top-of-the-line gun cleaning kit from Hoppe’s has everything you need to clean your firearms like a pro. The universal kit comes with bore solvent, lubricating oil, patches, a rifle adapter, a shotgun adapter, a pistol adapter, and a silicone cleaning cloth. Plus, there’s a 3-piece brass rod and four slotted ends for easy cleaning. The 5 phosphor bronze brushes are perfect for rifles, pistols, and shotguns. And to top it all off, the handy “Guide to Gun Care” booklet is included. Everything comes packed in a heavy-duty wooden presentation box. Keep your guns in tip-top shape with this deluxe gun cleaning kit from Hoppe’s!

Pros:
  • Everything you need to clean your firearms is included
  • The kit is versatile and perfect for any gun
  • Packed in a heavy-duty wooden presentation box
  • 5 phosphor bronze brushes are perfect for rifles, pistols, and shotguns
Cons:
  • Brushes may not be the right size for all firearms

 

3# Tipton Ultra Cleaning Kit

Tipton Ultra Cleaning Kit

View on Amazon View on OpticsPlanet View on Cabela’s

Keep your firearm in working condition with this Tipton Ultra Cleaning Kit. It comes with everything you need to clean your gun, including a 13-piece Ultra Jag set, a 13-piece Best Bore Brush set, and a 3-piece 17-4 PH stainless steel cleaning rod. Also included is a Rapid Deluxe Bore Guide set to prevent the cleaning rod from warping, as well as a nylon general-purpose brush, a bronze general-purpose brush, and an AR-15 bolt carrier and action-cleaning brush. Plus, there are 4 polymer cleaning picks included to help you get into all the nooks and crannies of your gun. All of this fits easily into the molded plastic case, which features a die-cut closed-cell foam interior for easy organization. Keep your gun clean and functioning properly with this handy Tipton Ultra Cleaning Kit.

Pros:
  • Everything you need to clean your AR-15 is included
  • Portable and easy to store
  • 13-piece Ultra Jag set
  • 13-piece Best Bore Brush set
  • 3-piece 17-4 PH stainless steel cleaning rod
  • Rapid Deluxe Bore Guide set
  • 1 nylon general-purpose brush
  • 1 bronze general-purpose brush
  • 1 AR-15 bolt carrier and action
  • Cleaning brush
  • 4 polymer cleaning picks
Cons:
  • Rod may warp if used with a lot of force
  • Brushes and jags may wear down over time

 

4# Gloryfire Gun Cleaning Kit Elite Designed

Gloryfire Gun Cleaning Kit Elite Designed

View on Amazon

As a gun owner, you know that keeping your firearms clean is important for both safety and performance. But finding the right gun cleaning kit can be a challenge. There are so many options on the market, and it can be difficult to know which one is the best for your needs.

The Gloryfire Gun Cleaning Kit Elite Designed is the perfect solution for anyone who wants the best of the best when it comes to gun cleaning kits. This top-of-the-line kit has everything you need to keep your firearms in pristine condition.

The Gloryfire Gun Cleaning Kit includes all the essential tools for a thorough cleaning, including a brass rod, bristle brushes, and cotton swabs. The high-quality materials and construction make this kit durable and long-lasting. And the compact design means it takes up less space than other gun cleaning kits on the market.

This gun cleaning kit is easy to use, even for beginners. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, so you can get started cleaning your firearms right away. And the included carrying case makes it easy to take this kit with you wherever you go.

If you’re looking for the best gun cleaning kit on the market, look no further than the Gloryfire Gun Cleaning Kit Elite Designed. This top-of-the-line kit has everything you need to keep your firearms clean and in excellent condition. Order yours today!

Pros:
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Compact design
  • Easy to use
  • Instructions are clear and easy to follow
  • Includes all the essential tools for a thorough cleaning
  • Carrying case makes it easy to take with you wherever you go
Cons:
  • May be too expensive for some

 

5# Hoppe’s 9 Premium Cleaning Kit

Hoppe's 9 Premium Cleaning Kit

View on OpticsPlanet View on Amazon

Looking for a top-of-the-line cleaning kit for your firearms? Look no further than Hoppe’s 9 Premium Cleaning Kit! This comprehensive kit includes everything you need to clean your rifles, shotguns, and pistols, from three-piece rod assemblies to utility brushes and jags. With 10 phosphor bronze brushes, 6 swabs and 9 jags included, this kit has got you covered no matter what caliber firearm you need to clean. Plus, the shotgun and pistol adaptable design make this kit perfect for any gun owner. Keep your firearms in top condition with Hoppe’s 9 Premium Cleaning Kit – the best on the market!

Pros:
  • Comprehensive kit includes everything you need to clean your rifles, shotguns, and pistols
  • 10 phosphor bronze brushes included for a variety of calibers
  • 6 swabs and 9 jags cover all your cleaning needs
  • Shotgun and pistol adaptable design makes this kit perfect for any gun owner
Cons:
  • Phosphor bronze brushes may wear down over time

 

FAQ🤔

What lubricant is needed for AR-15?
The AR-15 needs a lubricant that will protect it from wear and corrosion. A good lubricant for the AR-15 is CLP by Lucas Oil. It is available at most gun stores.
How often should I clean and oil my AR-15?
AR-15s should be cleaned and lubricated every time they’re used. Make sure to use a quality gun oil, such as CLP, which stands for Clean, Lubricate, Protect. This will help protect your AR-15 against wear and tear.
Is the AR-15 easy to maintain?
The AR-15 is easy to maintain with proper cleaning and lubrication. Cleaning your AR-15 regularly will help keep it functioning properly and prevent malfunctions. Lubricating your AR-15 will help keep it running smoothly and reduce wear and tear.
Where do you lubricate an AR-15 bolt?
The AR-15 bolt should be lubricated where the bolt and carrier meet.
Why is it important to clean rifles?
Cleaning your AR-15 is important because it helps to ensure that the rifle functions properly and that the barrel is free of fouling.

Conclusion 📌

AR-15 rifles are popular firearms for many reasons. One of the most important factors in AR-15 ownership is proper cleaning, lubrication, and maintenance. In this article, we’ve outlined the basics of AR-15 cleaning and lubrication. We hope that you found this information helpful and will take the time to properly clean and lubricate your AR-15 rifle! Thanks for reading! 🧡

And lastly, a short video on proper care of the AR-15 🙂

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