Tools & Cleaning • Budget
Chamber & Gas System Cleaning Kit
Specialized cleaning kit for AR chamber and gas system. Includes chamber brush and gas tube tools.
- ✓Chamber brush
- ✓Gas tube cleaner
- ✓Star chamber tool
MaintenanceCleaningBeginner
How to Clean an AR-15 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
A dirty AR-15 is an unreliable AR-15. Carbon fouling in the bolt carrier group causes sluggish cycling, light primer strikes, and failures to extract. This guide walks you through the complete cleaning process, from field strip to reassembly, with the exact supplies, technique, and schedule you need to keep your rifle running.
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Before You Read
This guide assumes familiarity with these topics:
Quick Answer: AR-15 Cleaning: The Short Version
After every range trip: Field strip, run a bore snake through the barrel, wipe and re-oil the BCG. Takes 10 minutes.
Every 500-1,000 rounds: Full cleaning with bore brush and solvent, BCG disassembly and carbon scraping, receiver wipe-down. Takes 30-45 minutes.
Every 3,000-5,000 rounds: Deep clean including trigger group, gas tube inspection, and spring/buffer check. Replace gas rings if needed.
Required Cleaning Supplies
You do not need a $100 cleaning kit. A basic set of quality supplies covers everything. Here is what you need and why.
CLP (Clean, Lubricate, Protect)
All-in-one cleaner, lubricant, and protectant for general use
Examples: Break Free CLP, Slip 2000 EWL, Lucas Gun Oil CLP
Bore solvent
Dissolves copper and carbon fouling from the barrel
Examples: Hoppe's No. 9, M-Pro 7, Bore Tech Eliminator
Bore brush and cleaning rod
Scrubs fouling from the bore rifling
Examples: Tipton carbon fiber rod, Dewey coated rod, bronze bore brush (.223/5.56)
Bore snake
Quick field cleaning of the bore without a rod
Examples: Hoppe's BoreSnake, Otis Ripcord
Cleaning patches
Absorb solvent and wipe residue from bore and surfaces
Examples: Hoppe's cotton patches, Pro-Shot patches (1.75" for .223)
Nylon brush set
Scrub carbon from BCG, upper receiver, and trigger group
Examples: AP brush, dental pick set, nylon detail brushes
Cleaning mat
Protects work surface, organizes parts, absorbs solvent
Examples: TekMat AR-15 mat, Real Avid Smart Mat
Microfiber cloth
Final wipe-down of exterior surfaces
Examples: Any lint-free microfiber cloth
Recommended Cleaning Kits and Tools
Tools & Cleaning • Budget
NcSTAR AR-15 Tool Kit
Budget-friendly AR-15 tool kit with essential armorer tools. Good starter kit for basic maintenance.
- ✓Armorer wrench
- ✓Roll pin punches
- ✓Front sight tool
Tools & Cleaning • Mid-Range
Real Avid AR-15 Armorer's Master Kit
Comprehensive kit with upgraded punches, universal wrench heads, torque tools, and storage case. Covers serious builds and fleet maintenance.
- ✓Professional-grade tools
- ✓Upgraded punches
- ✓Universal wrench heads
Tools & Cleaning • Budget
AR-15 Detent & Spring Kit
Spare detents and springs for AR-15 builds. Includes takedown, pivot, safety, and buffer retainer parts.
- ✓Takedown detents
- ✓Pivot detents
- ✓Safety detent
Step 1: Verify Unloaded and Field Strip
Safety first: Verify the rifle is completely unloaded before cleaning.
- 1. Remove the magazine
- 2. Lock the bolt to the rear
- 3. Visually inspect the chamber (look inside)
- 4. Physically inspect the chamber (finger check)
- 5. Check the magazine well is empty
Field Strip Procedure
- Push out the rear takedown pin from left to right. Pivot the upper receiver forward on the front pin.
- Push out the front pivot pin from left to right. Separate the upper and lower receivers completely.
- Pull the charging handle partially rearward, then pull the bolt carrier group out of the upper receiver.
- Remove the charging handle by pulling it fully rearward and lifting out.
Step 2: Clean the Bore
The bore is where accuracy lives. Carbon and copper fouling degrade accuracy and can cause pressure issues. Always clean from the chamber end to protect the crown.
1. Apply solvent to bore brush
- Attach a bronze bore brush to your cleaning rod.
- Apply bore solvent generously to the brush.
2. Run brush through the bore
- Insert the rod from the chamber end (rear of the upper receiver).
- Push the brush completely through the bore and out the muzzle.
- Pull back through. This is one pass.
- Make 10-15 complete passes.
Tip: Always clean from chamber to muzzle when possible. This avoids damaging the crown at the muzzle, which affects accuracy.
3. Switch to cleaning patches
- Replace the bore brush with a jag or patch holder.
- Soak a cleaning patch in solvent and push through the bore.
- Repeat with fresh patches until they come out without black or green residue.
- Green residue indicates copper fouling; continue until patches are clean.
4. Final oil pass
- Run a lightly oiled patch through the bore for protection.
- If storing the rifle, leave this oil coat in place.
- If shooting immediately, run a dry patch through to remove excess oil.
Tip: Do not fire with a heavily oiled bore. Excess oil can cause a pressure spike on the first shot.
Step 3: Clean the Bolt Carrier Group
The BCGBCG[Components]Bolt Carrier Group. The heart of the rifle, housing the bolt, firing pin, extractor, and ejector. It cycles back and forth to chamber, fire, and eject rounds. is the heart of the AR-15 and takes the most abuse. Carbon buildup on the carrier tail and bolt face is the primary cause of malfunctions. This is the most important part of cleaning.
1. Disassemble the bolt carrier group
- Push out the firing pin retaining pin (cotter pin) from the side of the carrier.
- Tilt the carrier and let the firing pin slide out the rear.
- Rotate the cam pin 90 degrees and lift it out.
- Pull the bolt forward out of the carrier.
- Remove the extractor if doing a deep clean (requires extractor pin punch).
2. Scrape carbon from the bolt carrier
- Use a nylon brush or carbon scraper tool on the carrier tail (the cylindrical section that rides in the buffer tube).
- Scrub the gas key area and the interior gas channels.
- Pay attention to the carrier rails on both sides where they contact the upper receiver.
Tip: A dedicated BCG carbon scraper tool makes this significantly easier. The carbon buildup on the carrier tail is the hardest fouling to remove.
3. Clean the bolt face and lugs
- Scrub the bolt face with solvent and a nylon brush.
- Clean between each locking lug. A dental pick works well here.
- Inspect the extractor for carbon buildup and clean as needed.
- Check the gas rings on the bolt for proper tension (they should overlap when assembled, not align gaps).
4. Clean the firing pin and cam pin
- Wipe down the firing pin with solvent. It should be smooth with no buildup.
- Clean the cam pin with a brush. Carbon collects in the cam pin channel of the carrier.
Tip: Never lubricate the firing pin. Oil on the firing pin can slow its strike and cause light primer strikes in cold weather.
5. Reassemble and lubricate the BCG
- Reassemble bolt, cam pin, firing pin, and retaining pin in reverse order.
- Apply a thin film of CLP or oil to the carrier exterior (both rail surfaces).
- Put a drop of oil on the cam pin hole.
- Apply a light coat to the bolt body where it contacts the barrel extension.
Step 4: Clean the Upper and Lower Receivers
Upper Receiver
- Wipe the interior with a solvent-soaked patch. Focus on the barrel extension area where the bolt locks.
- Clean the charging handle channels (the grooves the charging handle rides in).
- Inspect the gas tube opening. If you can see daylight through it, it is clear. Do not insert anything into the gas tube.
- Wipe down the feed ramps with solvent. These should be smooth and free of carbon to ensure reliable feeding.
Lower Receiver
- Brush the trigger group lightly with a nylon brush. Do not disassemble the trigger unless doing a deep clean.
- Wipe the interior of the magazine well. Carbon and brass shavings collect here.
- Clean the buffer tube interior with a solvent patch on a cleaning rod.
- Inspect the buffer spring for kinks or corrosion. Apply a light coat of oil.
Step 5: Lubricate and Reassemble
The AR-15 runs best wet. Under-lubrication causes more failures than over-lubrication. Focus oil on metal-to-metal contact points.
Lubrication Points
- BCG carrier rails (both sides): Thin film of oil along the full length of each rail
- Cam pin hole: One drop of oil
- Bolt body: Light coat where it contacts the barrel extension
- Charging handle latch and channels: Light oil on the latch mechanism and slide channels
- Buffer spring: Light coat of oil or grease
- Trigger and hammer pins: One drop on each pin from both sides
- Takedown pin detents: Small drop if they feel gritty
Reassembly Checklist
- 1. Insert charging handle partially into upper receiver
- 2. Slide the lubricated BCG into the upper behind the charging handle
- 3. Push both fully forward until the BCG seats
- 4. Join upper and lower receivers, push in the front pivot pin
- 5. Close the receivers together, push in the rear takedown pin
- 6. Function check: safety clicks between SAFE and FIRE, trigger resets when charging handle is pulled
AR-15 Cleaning Schedule
How often you clean depends on round count, ammunition type, and whether you shoot suppressed. Here is a practical schedule.
| Interval | Tasks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| After every range trip | Bore snake, wipe BCG, re-oil | 10 min |
| Every 500-1,000 rounds | Full bore cleaning, BCG disassembly and scrape, receiver wipe-down | 30-45 min |
| Every 3,000-5,000 rounds | Deep clean: trigger group, gas tube inspection, spring check, gas ring replacement if needed | 60-90 min |
| Suppressed or steel-case | Clean at half the intervals above. Suppressors and steel-case ammo increase carbon and fouling significantly | Varies |
Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Cleaning from the muzzle end
Always clean from the chamber end. A cleaning rod entering from the muzzle can damage the crown, which directly affects accuracy. Use a bore guide if cleaning from the rear is not possible.
Lubricating the firing pin
The firing pin should be dry. Oil slows the firing pin strike, which can cause light primer strikes, especially in cold temperatures.
Using steel tools on aluminum receivers
Steel screwdrivers and picks will scratch the anodized finish on aluminum receivers. Use nylon or brass tools for scrubbing.
Ignoring the chamber and feed ramps
A dirty chamber causes failures to go into battery. Dirty feed ramps cause failures to feed. Both are often overlooked when people focus only on the bore and BCGBCG[Components]Bolt Carrier Group. The heart of the rifle, housing the bolt, firing pin, extractor, and ejector. It cycles back and forth to chamber, fire, and eject rounds..
Soaking parts in oil
A thin film of oil is sufficient. Excess oil attracts dirt and dust, which creates an abrasive paste that accelerates wear. In cold weather, excess oil thickens and can slow the action.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What should I use to clean my AR-15?
Use a quality CLP (Clean, Lubricate, Protect) product like Break Free CLP or Slip 2000 EWL for general cleaning. For heavy carbon fouling on the bolt carrier group, use a dedicated solvent like Hoppe's No. 9 or M-Pro 7. You will also need a bore brush and cleaning rod or bore snake, nylon brushes, cleaning patches, and a microfiber cloth. Avoid using abrasive tools on finished surfaces.
▶How often should I clean my AR-15?
Clean your AR-15 after every range session, especially the bore and bolt carrier group. A light field clean after every 200-500 rounds keeps the rifle running reliably. Perform a detailed cleaning every 1,000-1,500 rounds, which includes removing the handguard, inspecting the gas system, and cleaning the trigger group. If you shoot suppressed or with steel-case ammo, clean more frequently as both increase carbon and fouling buildup.
▶Is WD-40 ok for gun cleaning?
WD-40 is not recommended for firearms. While it can displace water and loosen stuck parts in an emergency, it is not a proper gun lubricant or protectant. WD-40 evaporates quickly, attracts dust and debris, and does not provide lasting lubrication. Use purpose-built gun oils and CLPs instead. Products like Break Free CLP, Slip 2000 EWL, or Lucas Gun Oil are designed to withstand the heat and pressure of firearms cycling.
▶What is the golden rule when cleaning your firearm?
Always verify the firearm is completely unloaded before cleaning. Remove the magazine, lock the bolt to the rear, and visually and physically inspect the chamber and magazine well. This is the most critical safety step. Never skip it, and never assume the gun is unloaded without checking. Perform this check every time, even if you are certain you already unloaded it.
▶Can I over-clean my AR-15?
Technically yes, but it takes sustained improper technique to cause damage. Aggressive use of steel bore brushes can wear the rifling over thousands of cleanings. Using cleaning rods without a bore guide can damage the crown at the muzzle. In practice, the bigger risk is under-cleaning. Modern AR-15s are tolerant of fouling but perform best with regular maintenance. Use nylon or bronze brushes, clean from the chamber end when possible, and you will not have issues.
▶What parts of an AR-15 need lubrication?
Focus lubrication on the four key friction points: the bolt carrier group rails (both sides), the cam pin, the charging handle latch, and the buffer spring. Apply a thin film of oil to the BCG exterior, a drop on the cam pin hole, and a light coat on the charging handle channels. The trigger group needs a small drop on the hammer and trigger pins. Avoid soaking parts in oil as excess lubricant attracts dirt and can slow the action in cold weather.
▶Should I clean my AR-15 before shooting it for the first time?
Yes. New AR-15s ship with packing grease or heavy preservative oils that are meant for storage, not shooting. Before your first range session, field strip the rifle, wipe away the packing grease from the BCG and upper receiver, and apply proper gun oil or CLP. This ensures the action cycles smoothly and gives you a chance to inspect the rifle for any manufacturing defects before firing.
Complete Your Build
Essential accessories to round out your setup
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