How to Clean Your Gun with KleenBore Mil-Spec CLP

By Shop Tactical Gear & Holsters丨Guerrilla Tactical | Published: 2026-10-29

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to use KleenBore Mil-Spec CLP to clean, lubricate, and protect your firearm in one step. This guide covers the process, common mistakes, and why this all-in-one cleaner works.

Quick answer

KleenBore Mil-Spec CLP cleans fouling, lubricates moving parts, and protects against rust in a single application. Follow the steps below to maintain your firearm safely and effectively.

Why use a CLP instead of separate products

A CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant) simplifies gun maintenance by combining three jobs into one product. KleenBore Mil-Spec CLP is formulated to remove powder residue and carbon fouling while leaving a protective film that reduces friction and resists corrosion. This is especially useful for field maintenance or when you want to save time between range sessions.

The trade-off is that a dedicated solvent may be stronger for heavy carbon deposits, and a dedicated grease may be better for high-wear areas like slide rails. For most routine cleaning and storage, a CLP is sufficient and convenient.

How to clean your firearm with KleenBore Mil-Spec CLP

1. Unload and inspect your firearm: Remove the magazine and visually and physically check the chamber to confirm the firearm is empty. Disassemble the firearm according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never skip the chamber check — a live round in the chamber is the most common safety mistake.
2. Apply KleenBore Mil-Spec CLP to the bore: Using the needle-tip bottle, apply a few drops of CLP onto a clean bore brush or a patch. Run the brush through the barrel several times to loosen carbon and copper fouling, then follow with dry patches until they come out mostly clean. Don't oversaturate — a few drops per patch is enough. Too much CLP can attract dirt and cause residue buildup.
3. Clean the bolt, slide, and other moving parts: Apply a small amount of CLP to a nylon brush or a lint-free cloth. Scrub the bolt face, extractor, slide rails, and other carbon-prone areas. Wipe away the dissolved fouling with a dry cloth. Pay extra attention to the extractor hook and firing pin channel — carbon buildup here can cause malfunctions.
4. Lubricate friction points: Apply one drop of CLP to each slide rail, the barrel hood, and any pivot points specified by the manufacturer. Spread it evenly with your finger or a patch. The CLP will reduce friction and protect against wear. Less is more — a single drop per contact point is usually enough. Excess lubricant can gum up and attract debris.
5. Protect the exterior surfaces: Wipe a thin layer of CLP onto the external metal surfaces using a clean cloth. This leaves a corrosion-resistant barrier that protects against rust and moisture during storage. Avoid getting CLP on the grip or optic lenses — it can make surfaces slippery or fog lenses.
6. Reassemble and function-check: Reassemble the firearm and perform a function check per the manual. Cycle the action to ensure smooth operation. Wipe off any excess CLP that seeps out. Always test the trigger reset and safety mechanisms — a drop of CLP in the wrong place can affect trigger pull.

Product used in this guide

KleenBore Mil-Spec CLP: This proven CLP formula cleans burnt powder residue and other fouling found in the bore, on moving parts, and the exterior. It provides Rust and Corrosion Protection, Reduces Friction, and will not break down under Extreme Pressure or Extreme Operating Temperatures. You can trust it to protect your firearm in harsh conditions and during storage, without needing to reapply after every cleaning.
KleenBore Mil-Spec CLP