Top 5 Gun Cleaning Myths Debunked by Clenzoil Experts

by Chris Hoffman on December 19, 2023

When it comes to gun maintenance, myths and misconceptions are as common as the firearms themselves. It's essential to separate fact from fiction to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your firearm. That's why we've called on our team of professionals here at Clenzoil to debunk the top five gun cleaning myths.


Myth 1: More Lubrication Means Better Protection

Debunked: While lubrication is critical for protecting moving parts from wear and corrosion, too much of it can actually attract dirt and debris, causing more harm than good. Clenzoil experts recommend a "less is more" approach in regards to the lubrication side of firearm maintenance. Clenzoil's precision products are designed to provide optimal lubrication without the need for excess application, ensuring your gun functions smoothly without becoming a magnet for grime.

The Clenzoil Field & Range Needle Oiler is an excellent choice for precision lubrication as it dispenses just the right amount of solution to ensure optimal lubrication.

Myth 2: Cleaning Your Gun After Every Use is Unnecessary

Debunked: This myth can be tricky. While it's true that excessive cleaning can cause wear, especially if done improperly, completely neglecting regular cleaning can be detrimental to the firearm's health and performance. Every time a gun is fired, residues from gunpowder, as well as potential environmental contaminants like dust and moisture, accumulate in various parts of the firearm, especially in the barrel and action mechanisms. These residues, if left unchecked, can:

  1. Cause Corrosion: Moisture and residues can lead to rust and corrosion, especially in the barrel and action of the gun. This corrosion can severely damage the firearm, leading to safety issues and a decrease in the firearm's value.
  2. Decrease Functionality: Accumulation of residue can affect the smooth operation of the gun. It can lead to malfunctions, decreased accuracy, and increased wear and tear on moving parts.
  3. Affect Safety: A poorly maintained gun can be a safety hazard. Build-up in the barrel, for example, can lead to dangerous obstructions.

"Regular cleaning with a product like Clenzoil is key to firearm longevity; it prevents corrosion and maintains functionality without the risks of over-cleaning."

Chris Hoffman - President

Myth 3: All Gun Cleaning Products Are the Same

Debunked: Just like firearms themselves, gun cleaning products vary significantly in quality and effectiveness. Clenzoil stands out for its all-in-one solutions, meticulously formulated to clean, lubricate, and protect your firearm in one go. This not only simplifies your cleaning process but also ensures your gun receives comprehensive care. CLP (Clean, Lubricate, Protect) style products like Clenzoil have gained popularity for their multifunctional capabilities, offering a stark contrast to traditional multi-chemical maintenance solutions. Let's delve into why Clenzoil's approach makes it a superior choice for gun care.

 

All-in-One Convenience: Clenzoil is a CLP-style product, meaning it is designed to clean, lubricate, and protect firearms with a single solution. This all-in-one approach is a significant time-saver and reduces the complexity involved in gun maintenance. In contrast, traditional multi-chemical solutions require separate products for cleaning, lubricating, and protecting, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming.

 

Effectiveness and Efficiency: Clenzoil's formula is meticulously crafted to perform each of its three functions effectively. It dissolves residues and fouling, lubricates moving parts to reduce wear and friction, and leaves a protective layer that shields against rust and corrosion. Traditional multi-chemical solutions might excel in one particular area but often lack the balanced efficiency that a product like Clenzoil offers.

 

Quality of Ingredients: The ingredients used in Clenzoil are of high quality, ensuring that they are gentle on the firearm's materials while being tough on residues and grime. Some multi-chemical solutions might use harsher ingredients that can degrade the firearm's finish or even harm its internal components over time.

 

Cost-Effectiveness: Using a single product like Clenzoil for multiple maintenance tasks can also be more cost-effective in the long run. Instead of purchasing separate cleaners, lubricants, and protectants, gun owners can achieve all three with one Clenzoil product.

 

Ease of Use: Finally, the ease of use associated with Clenzoil cannot be overstated. Its straightforward application process makes it suitable for both novice and experienced gun owners, ensuring that proper maintenance isn't just reserved for professionals.

Myth 4: Soap and Water Are Sufficient for Cleaning

Debunked: It's critical to understand that soap and water should never be used for firearms maintenance. Contrary to some beliefs, this common household cleaning method is entirely unsuitable for gun care. The use of water in firearm maintenance poses a significant risk of rust and corrosion, as it can seep into intricate parts and linger, causing irreversible damage. Additionally, soap is ineffective in removing gunpowder residue and lacks the necessary properties to lubricate moving parts, which are essential for a firearm's functionality. Clenzoil products, on the other hand, are expertly formulated to cater specifically to the unique needs of firearms. They provide a thorough and deep clean, ensuring that all residues are removed without the risk of rust or damage, something that soap and water could never achieve. Using Clenzoil ensures that your firearm is not only clean but also properly maintained and protected for lasting performance.

Do Not Use Soap for Gun Cleaning

Myth 5: The More Aggressive the Cleaner, the Better

Debunked: 
The common misconception that more aggressive chemicals result in a better clean for firearms is not only misleading but can be detrimental to the longevity and functionality of your guns. It's a natural assumption to make — harsher chemicals seem like they would cut through grime and residue more effectively. However, this approach can cause significant harm to firearms.


Firstly, aggressive chemicals can be excessively abrasive on the finish of a firearm. Many guns have delicate surfaces that can be easily damaged by strong solvents. This damage is not just cosmetic; it can lead to the degradation of the metal itself, potentially compromising the structural integrity of the firearm over time. The finish on a gun not only contributes to its aesthetic appeal but also serves as a protective layer against elements like moisture and corrosion. When this finish is stripped or weakened by harsh chemicals, the gun becomes more susceptible to rust and other forms of deterioration.

 

Furthermore, the internal components of a firearm are often made of various materials, including metals and polymers, which can react negatively to strong cleaning agents. These components are precision-engineered for optimal performance, and using aggressive chemicals can cause them to wear down, warp, or break down over time. This deterioration can lead to malfunctions, decreased accuracy, and ultimately, a shortened lifespan of the firearm.

 

Clenzoil's team advocates for a more balanced approach to gun care. Their products are designed to be gentle yet effective, striking the right balance between cleaning power and preservation of the firearm. Clenzoil's formulas are created with the understanding that a cleaner needs to effectively remove residues and contaminants, like gunpowder and lead deposits, without causing harm to the gun’s finish or its internal mechanisms.

 

By using Clenzoil, gun owners can ensure that their firearms are not only thoroughly cleaned but also protected. The gentle nature of these products preserves the integrity and appearance of the gun, maintaining its value and functionality. In addition, these formulas often provide a protective layer that helps to shield the firearm from future dirt accumulation and corrosion, thereby extending the life of the gun.

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