How Often Should You Clean Your AR-15?

“The AR-15 is a gas-operated rifle and therefore gets dirty quicker than other types of rifles. It is recommended that you clean your AR-15 every time you shoot it, or at least every few hundred rounds.“
You will need the following supplies for cleaning the AR-15 rifle:
-Cleaning rod and brush
-Cleaning solvent
-Lubricating oil
-Rags

- Start by disassembling your AR-15. This includes removing the upper receiver, bolt carrier group, and handguard.
- Clean the inside of the upper receiver with a cleaning solvent and a rag. Be sure to get all the carbon buildup and powder residue out.
- Next, clean the bolt carrier group. Use a brush and cleaning solvent to remove all the carbon and powder residue. Then, lubricate the bolt carrier group with a light coat of oil.
- Reassemble the AR-15.
- Clean the outside of the rifle with a rag and cleaning solvent. Wipe down the barrel, receiver, handguard, and stock.
It is important to keep your AR-15 clean and well-maintained. By following these steps, you will ensure that your rifle will function properly and shoot accurately.

Why is cleaning your AR-15 Important?
Cleaning your AR-15 is important for several reasons:
- To ensure reliable operation. A dirty AR-15 is more likely to jam or malfunction than a clean one.
- To improve accuracy. A clean AR-15 will be more accurate than one that is dirty.
- To prolong the life of the rifle. A well-maintained AR-15 will last longer than one that is neglected.
- To maintain the value of the rifle. A clean AR-15 will retain its value better than one that is not well-maintained.
- To be a responsible gun owner. A clean AR-15 is a reflection of a responsible gun owner.
What happens if I don’t clean my AR-15?
If you don’t clean your AR-15, it will eventually start to malfunction. The reasons for this are twofold. First, the AR-15 is a gas-operated rifle, meaning that it relies on gas to cycle the action.
Over time, the gas port will become clogged with carbon and other debris, which can cause the rifle to malfunction.
Second, the AR-15 is a direct-impingement rifle, meaning that the hot gases from the burning powder are channeled directly into the action.
This can cause the parts of the action to become very hot, which can lead to wear and tear. If you don’t clean your rifle regularly, these problems will eventually catch up to you.

How to clean the gas tube on an AR-15
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean the gas tube on an AR-15:
- Remove the handguard. This will give you better access to the gas tube.
- Use a brush to remove any carbon buildup on the gas tube. A toothbrush or small wire brush will work well for this.
- Use a bore snake or other cleaning rod to run a patch through the gas tube. This will remove any remaining carbon or debris.
- Wipe down the gas tube with a clean cloth.
- Reattach the handguard.

How to clean ar-15 upper?
- Remove the forward assist assembly and the ejection port cover.
- Use a bore brush and cleaning rod to remove any carbon buildup from the inside of the upper receiver.
- Use a clean cloth to wipe down the outside of the upper receiver, paying special attention to the area around the gas tube.
- Use a toothbrush or other small brush to remove any carbon buildup from the bolt carrier group.
- Use a clean cloth to wipe down the charging handle.
- Use a clean cloth to wipe down the inside and outside of the handguard.
- Reassemble the upper receiver assembly.
Best way to clean ar-15 barrel?
It is important to keep your AR-15 clean and well-maintained to ensure its longevity and reliability. One of the most important parts of routine cleaning and maintenance is cleaning the barrel. A dirty barrel can cause a decrease in accuracy and increased wear and tear on the rifle.
There are a few different ways to clean a barrel, but the most effective way is to use a bore snake. A bore snake is a long, flexible rod with a brush attached to one end. The brush is used to scrub the inside of the barrel, while the rod is used to push the brush through the barrel.

Start by attaching the brush to the bore snake. Insert the bore snake into the barrel, and push it through a few times to loosen any debris. Next, remove the brush from the bore snake and attach the cleaning rod to the bore snake. Insert the bore snake into the barrel again, this time pushing the cleaning rod through to scrub the inside of the barrel.
Once you have scrubbed the inside of the barrel, remove the bore snake and run clean water through the barrel to remove any cleaner or debris. Allow the barrel to air dry, or dry it with a clean cloth.
Now that you know how to clean an AR-15 barrel, be sure to do so on a regular basis to keep your rifle in top condition.
Conclusion
It is important to clean your AR-15 regularly to ensure it is functioning properly. How often you clean it will depend on how often you use it and what type of conditions it is exposed to. At a minimum, you should disassemble and clean your AR-15 at least once a year.