Cleaning your gun with a simple paper towel or an old cloth is like inviting unwanted trouble into your home. No respectable gun cleaning kit would be complete without a proper gun cleaning cloth. But how to find the right one? That is what we’ve decided to find out!
And today, we’ll share with you everything about a gun polishing cloth, why is it so important, and what you need to pay attention to when wanting to choose only the best gun cleaning cloth!
Top 5 Best Gun Cleaning Cloths: Comparison Table
| Product | Material | Reusable | Dimensions | Number in a Package |
| Hoppe’s No. 9 Silicone Gun And Reel Cloth | Silicone | Yes | 11 x 14 inches | 1 |
| Otis Technology Microfiber Cloth | Microfiber | Yes | 12 x 8 inches | 3 |
| Sage and Braker Mercantile Gun Cleaning Cloth | Microsuede | Yes | 12 x 12 inches | 3 |
| Pro Shot Gun Care Silicone Cleaning Cloth | Silicone | Yes | 14 x 15 inches | 1 |
| Birchwood Casey Silicone Gun and Reel Cloth | Silicone | Yes | 14.4 x 15 inches | 1 |
What is Gun Cleaning Cloth?
Much like the name suggests, a gun cleaning cloth is a special fabric, designed specifically for gun cleaning. We’re not talking about some revolutionizing technology, but it’s not your average gun cleaning rags either. These cloths are conceived for cleaning mechanical parts, so you can be sure they won’t leave any lint or bits of fuzz behind, which are susceptible to causing reliability issues in time.
How do Gun Cleaning Cloths Work?
Unlike your regular cleaning swipes, a silicone gun cloth can do a far better job in cleaning your gun, and can also serve several purposes.Â
For instance, you can use the best gun cleaning cloth to apply oil, remove water and caustic acids, as well as scrubbing carbon fouling from difficult parts, such as a bolt face.On top of this, this is the best solution for cleaning firearms, and not just from an environmental point of view.Â
The main goal of gun cleaning towels is that they provide a reliable way to clean your gun faster and more effectively. After all, nobody wants to waste countless hours only to leave behind scraps of paper and bits of lint.
Some of the best gun cleaning wipes also feature built-in protectants, so you will be able to skip this part completely. Such a cloth will also remove fingerprints and oils with ease, which makes it perfect for wiping antique firearms that need to be handled carefully and with care.
Cloth vs. Patches
Not many users out there are aware of this, but the difference between cloths and patches is not as big as one might think. Nevertheless, both will have to be extremely durable and absorbent, as well as lint-free. Neither of the two should leave any particles of dirt or dust behind them. In the end, it’s safe to say that the main difference between a gun polishing cloth and cleaning patches is the size. As you will find out from various gun cleaning cloth reviews, this is also the main pro that cloths hold over patches, however, you can always cut short pieces from the latter to create the former.
Things to Consider when Choosing the Best Gun Cloth
It’s only natural for you to think that any gun cleaning cloth available in stores should get the job done. But in reality, there are several factors and features that can make all the difference between an average-at-best product and the best gun cleaning cloth at the moment.
Materials
The first and probably the most important factor to consider is the materials from which the gun polishing cloth is made of. This will not only determine its effectiveness, but also its durability. And while making our best gun cleaning cloth reviews, we’ve determined that the main types are:
Standard Cotton Rag
Cotton is one of the two primarily used materials for gun cleaning rags, and many users out there actually prefer it to the fiber alternative. This is mainly due to the fact that cotton rags are much more absorbent than microfiber ones, and they are also a lot more efficient in terms of gun cleaning. It’s also a lot easier to cut through cotton in order to create smaller patches. On the downside, cotton rags are more of a one-time thing, and they are not particularly durable.
Microfiber Cloth
Microfiber is definitely not a cheap alternative – these products will require a bigger budget, but they will also last a lot longer than cotton-based ones. On the downside, instead of absorbing, microfiber gun cleaning towels tend to smear things all over the place.
Silicone Cloth
Now, if you’re looking for a great alternative to the main two materials available on the market, then a silicone cloth for gun cleaning is the best option there is. Usually, these are treated with double shots of silicone protectant, and they will remove dust, lint, fingerprints, excessive oil, and even debris with ease. After cleaning, they will leave a thin silicone protectant layer behind, that will help you store guns safely, without having to fear moisture and caustic skin oils.
Treatments
Most gun cleaning cloth models available on the market are treated with silicone. This is due to the corrosion-resistant properties of this material, and they generally do a pretty good job, albeit not for a very long time. These treatments will not last very long, and after they wash up, even the best silicone gun cloth will end up being a lot less absorbent. At the same time, if you intend to use a treated cloth for making smaller patches, or if you will try to soak up gun cleaning solvent, that can be quite difficult.
Disposable vs. Reusable
Naturally, the main difference between disposable and reusable gun cleaning cloths, aside from the materials they are made of, is the price. If you are looking for an inexpensive product and limited use, then you should consider going for disposable products. Even the best gun cleaning wipes come at an affordable price. However, if you are looking for a reusable top-rated gun cleaning cloth, then you should consider buying products that feature built-in protectants. These will keep your guns safe from corrosion, and at an optimal level of functionality.
Conclusion
And this pretty much wraps up our comprehensive guide on the best gun cleaning cloth 2021. Thus, consider the different types of cloths, the main materials and features, keep the price in mind and you’ll be able to choose the best gun cleaning cloth in no time!