There isn’t one “right” way to maintain a gun. If your current routine works for you and your firearms are reliable, safe, and protected, then there’s no reason to overhaul it. If you ask ten shooters how often they clean their firearms, you’ll probably get ten different answers. Some clean after every range trip, others don't think about it until they have a malfunction. That said, some methods are definitely more effective than others, especially if you want to maximize performance, prevent wear, and avoid lengthy cleaning sessions down the road.
Here’s a breakdown of how often to clean based on different types of shooters and use cases:
Casual Shooters (occasional range trips)
If you only shoot a few times a year, your guns probably don’t need a lot of cleaning. A quick wipe-down after each range session to remove powder residue and a light coat of oil to prevent rust is usually enough. Think of it as basic preventative maintenance. It doesn’t take long, and it helps your firearm stay reliable between uses.
Recommended product: Our Gun Wipes are perfect here. They’re pre-lubricated and individually wrapped, making it quick and easy to wipe down your pistol or rifle after light use. This keeps your firearm protected without a full teardown.
High Round Count & Suppressor Users
Running suppressed or putting hundreds of rounds downrange in one session creates carbon buildup fast. Suppressors, in particular, trap gas and blow more fouling back into the firearm. More frequent maintenance on firearms under this heavy of use is smart. Wiping things down after each use and doing a deeper clean whenever function feels sluggish (or when carbon starts building up) will save you trouble later.
Recommended product: Our EWL30 is ideal for suppressed firearms and EWL for high round count firearms. It bonds to metal surfaces, withstands heat, and keeps fouling from sticking. For suppressors themselves, a soak in Carbon Killer helps strip out the carbon and residue that builds up fast.
Hunters & Seasonal Shooters
If you mainly shoot during hunting season, your guns spend a lot of time in storage. That makes storage prep just as important as post-hunt cleaning. Before the season, check that your firearm is rust-free and properly lubricated. After the season, clean thoroughly before putting it away long-term. Moisture, dirt, and temperature changes can cause corrosion if ignored.
Recommended product: Our Gun Lube works great for this. It’s non-toxic, penetrates metal surfaces, and protects against rust during long periods of storage. A thin coat before and after hunting season ensures your rifle is always ready to go.
Collectors & Safe Queens
Even if a firearm rarely (or never) gets fired, it still needs care. Guns in storage are vulnerable to rust, especially in humid climates. Wiping down with a quality lubricant and checking every few months is usually enough. You don’t need to disassemble and scrub, but don’t let a prized piece sit untouched for years either.
Recommended product: Gun Lube, EWL30, or EWG are ideal here. It leaves a long-lasting protective film that keeps safe queens and collectibles in top condition without needing frequent re-application.
Quick Maintenance vs. Deep Cleaning
Not every cleaning needs to be a complete teardown. In fact, for most shooters, a quick wipe and re-lube after shooting is more than enough. Breaking everything down and scrubbing carbon out of every corner is something you can probably reserve for every 6 months to a year, or simply as needed. Some guns may run thousands of rounds without issue, while others benefit from more regular attention.
At the end of the day, gun cleaning frequency comes down to use, environment, and personal preference. If your firearm runs reliably, stays rust-free, and feels smooth when you use it, your routine is working. But if you notice sluggish cycling, excessive fouling, or signs of corrosion, it’s time to adjust. A good rule of thumb? Wipe down with a good CLP like our Gun Lube, EWL, or EWL30 after every session, and plan a deeper clean about once or twice a year.
The most important thing is consistency. Find a routine that works for you, stick with it, and your firearms will stay reliable for years to come.