Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Want to know the right way to clean and maintain your AR-15? In this comprehensive Brownells Tech Tip, Caleb walks through both a basic field cleaning and a detailed maintenance procedure that covers every major component of the rifle.
Starting with a simple field strip, Caleb explains how to clean the upper receiver, barrel, chamber, lower receiver, bolt carrier group, and buffer system while also demonstrating several specialty tools that make the process faster and easier. He also discusses common wear items, when to replace springs and small parts, how to inspect critical components for damage, and proper lubrication techniques to keep your AR-15 running reliably.
Whether you're cleaning your first AR-15 or performing routine preventive maintenance on a hard-use rifle, this guide covers everything you need to know to keep your rifle functioning at its best.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:15 Field Cleaning vs. Detailed Maintenance
01:01 Specialty Cleaning Tools
01:41 Safe Field Strip
02:30 Removing the Buffer and Spring
04:42 Bolt Carrier Group Disassembly
06:56 Removing the Extractor
09:33 Cleaning the Upper Receiver
16:31 Cleaning the Barrel
22:49 Cleaning the Chamber
29:04 Cleaning the Suppressor Mount
32:32 Cleaning the Lower Receiver
38:19 Cleaning the Bolt Carrier
49:11 Cleaning the Bolt
57:34 Extractor Inspection and Spring Components
01:01:02 Cleaning the Firing Pin and Small Parts
01:03:24 Removing and Cleaning the Ejector
01:08:47 Bolt Carrier Group Reassembly
01:12:30 Detailed Trigger Group Cleaning
01:22:40 Lubricating the AR-15
01:28:45 Gas Ring Inspection
01:31:02 Replacing Springs and Wear Parts
01:34:55 Final Reassembly
01:37:20 Function Check
01:39:10 Final Thoughts
Products Featured
• Brownells Breech Tool
• Brownells Bolt Carrier Scraper
• Brownells Bolt Tail Scraper
• Brownells Needle Oiler Bottles
• Brownells Torque Wrench
• Brownells Bench Block
• Starrett Punch Set
• Dewey Cleaning Rod
• KG Copper Remover
• KG Carbon Remover
• Hoppe's No. 9
• Rem Oil
• Slip 2000 Lubricant
• Geissele Super 42 Buffer Spring
• Geissele SSA-E X Lightning Bow Trigger
A clean AR-15 is a reliable AR-15, but it doesn't have to be spotless. Caleb explains where carbon actually matters, which areas deserve the most attention, and how to avoid over-cleaning while still keeping your rifle dependable. You'll also learn how to inspect common wear items, maintain suppressor mounts, and properly lubricate critical components for maximum reliability.
Have questions about AR-15 maintenance, cleaning supplies, or replacement parts? Leave a comment below or contact the Brownells Tech Line. We're always happy to help.
Want to know the right way to clean and maintain your AR-15? In this comprehensive Brownells Tech Tip, Caleb walks through both a basic field cleaning and a detailed maintenance procedure that covers every major component of the rifle.
Starting with a simple field strip, Caleb explains how to clean the upper receiver, barrel, chamber, lower receiver, bolt carrier group, and buffer system while also demonstrating several specialty tools that make the process faster and easier. He also discusses common wear items, when to replace springs and small parts, how to inspect critical components for damage, and proper lubrication techniques to keep your AR-15 running reliably.
Whether you're cleaning your first AR-15 or performing routine preventive maintenance on a hard-use rifle, this guide covers everything you need to know to keep your rifle functioning at its best.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:15 Field Cleaning vs. Detailed Maintenance
01:01 Specialty Cleaning Tools
01:41 Safe Field Strip
02:30 Removing the Buffer and Spring
04:42 Bolt Carrier Group Disassembly
06:56 Removing the Extractor
09:33 Cleaning the Upper Receiver
16:31 Cleaning the Barrel
22:49 Cleaning the Chamber
29:04 Cleaning the Suppressor Mount
32:32 Cleaning the Lower Receiver
38:19 Cleaning the Bolt Carrier
49:11 Cleaning the Bolt
57:34 Extractor Inspection and Spring Components
01:01:02 Cleaning the Firing Pin and Small Parts
01:03:24 Removing and Cleaning the Ejector
01:08:47 Bolt Carrier Group Reassembly
01:12:30 Detailed Trigger Group Cleaning
01:22:40 Lubricating the AR-15
01:28:45 Gas Ring Inspection
01:31:02 Replacing Springs and Wear Parts
01:34:55 Final Reassembly
01:37:20 Function Check
01:39:10 Final Thoughts
Products Featured
• Brownells Breech Tool
• Brownells Bolt Carrier Scraper
• Brownells Bolt Tail Scraper
• Brownells Needle Oiler Bottles
• Brownells Torque Wrench
• Brownells Bench Block
• Starrett Punch Set
• Dewey Cleaning Rod
• KG Copper Remover
• KG Carbon Remover
• Hoppe's No. 9
• Rem Oil
• Slip 2000 Lubricant
• Geissele Super 42 Buffer Spring
• Geissele SSA-E X Lightning Bow Trigger
A clean AR-15 is a reliable AR-15, but it doesn't have to be spotless. Caleb explains where carbon actually matters, which areas deserve the most attention, and how to avoid over-cleaning while still keeping your rifle dependable. You'll also learn how to inspect common wear items, maintain suppressor mounts, and properly lubricate critical components for maximum reliability.
Have questions about AR-15 maintenance, cleaning supplies, or replacement parts? Leave a comment below or contact the Brownells Tech Line. We're always happy to help.
