Why should I use a gun cleaning mat for my AR-15?

A gun cleaning mat protects your rifle and work surface from scratches, oils, and solvents. It also keeps small parts from rolling away and provides a clean, organized workspace.

Is this AR-15 cleaning mat solvent resistant?

Yes, the AR-15 cleaning mat from Mounts Plus is made from solvent-resistant materials that can handle oils, cleaners, and other gun care chemicals.

Does the mat have a non-slip backing?

Absolutely. The mat features a non-slip rubber backing that keeps it securely in place while you work on your AR-15.

What size is the AR-15 cleaning mat?

The cleaning mat is generously sized to fit a fully assembled AR-15, with enough space for disassembled parts and tools.

How to Clean an AR-15 for Beginners

**Breakthrough BT-101 Basic Cleaning Kit** $12.95

**Breakthrough Clean Vision Series, AR-15 Cleaning Kit** $26.95

**Bullseye Box Universal Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun Cleaning Kit** $135.73

How to Clean an AR-15 for Beginners (Without Screwing It Up)

Let’s be honest—cleaning your AR-15 can feel intimidating when you’re new. There’s a lot of talk about “bolt carrier groups” and “gas rings” that sounds more like aircraft maintenance than gun care. But here’s the truth: if you can clean a grill after a Sunday BBQ, you can clean an AR-15.

You just need the right tools, a game plan, and about 30 minutes.

What You’ll Need:

Before you start tearing things apart, here’s your beginner’s AR-15 cleaning kit:

Otis AR-15 Cleaning Kit — Compact, easy-to-use, and covers everything from bore to bolt.
Pro-Shot One-Piece Cleaning Rod — Skip the flimsy multi-piece rods. A solid, one-piece rod like this makes bore cleaning smooth and precise.
Breakthrough Clean Military-Grade Solvent — This stuff cuts through carbon like a hot knife through butter.
Breakthrough Battle Born High Purity Oil — To keep your AR-15 cycling like a sewing machine. Grab it here.
A Bench Block (like the Wheeler Engineering Universal Bench Block) — Optional, but it makes life easier when you’re dealing with pins.
Lint-free microfiber cloths — Seriously, don't use paper towels.

Step 1: Clear Your Rifle — Twice.

You’d be surprised how many “accidental discharges” happen during cleaning. Drop the mag. Pull the charging handle back. Visually and physically inspect the chamber. Then check again.

Step 2: Break Down the AR-15

You don’t need to detail-strip everything. Here’s what you do:

Push out the rear takedown pin.
Pivot the upper receiver away from the lower.
Pull out the charging handle and bolt carrier group (BCG).
Done. That’s far enough for a basic cleaning.

Step 3: Clean the Barrel and Chamber

Attach a bronze bore brush from your Otis Kit to the Pro-Shot Cleaning Rod.
Apply Breakthrough Clean Solvent to the brush.
Run it through the barrel from chamber to muzzle 5-10 times.
Follow up with solvent-soaked patches until they come out relatively clean.
Finish with a dry patch to soak up the leftover solvent.

Pro Tip: Use a chamber brush to clean the star-shaped lugs in the barrel extension. That area is a carbon magnet.

Step 4: Clean the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG)

Spray Breakthrough Solvent liberally on the bolt, firing pin, and carrier.
Use a nylon brush or an old toothbrush to scrub carbon off the bolt tail and lugs.
Wipe it all down with a microfiber cloth.
Pay extra attention to the gas key—carbon loves hiding there.

Step 5: Lubricate (Don't Overdo It)

Here’s where beginners mess up. More oil is not always better.

Apply Breakthrough Battle Born High Purity Oil to the bolt’s cam pin, gas rings, and contact rails of the bolt carrier.
Rub a light coat on the charging handle.
You want it “wet,” not dripping.

Step 6: Reassemble and Function Check

Put everything back in reverse order:

Insert the BCG and charging handle back into the upper.
Pivot the receivers back together and push in the takedown pin.
Cycle the charging handle and pull the trigger (dry fire it in a safe direction). Make sure everything feels crisp and smooth.

Bonus Tools for Next Time:

If you want to level up for future cleanings:

Real Avid AR-15 Master Bench Block Kit for advanced breakdowns.
Tipton Ultra Gun Vise to hold your rifle steady while you work.
All available at MountsPlus.com.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How often should I clean my AR-15?

If you're using quality ammunition and not shooting in extreme conditions, cleaning your AR-15 after every 300-500 rounds is a good rule of thumb. For casual shooters, cleaning it after every range trip is simple insurance.

2. Do I need to fully disassemble my AR-15 to clean it?

Nope. For basic cleaning, you only need to separate the upper and lower receivers, remove the bolt carrier group (BCG), and the charging handle. Full disassembly is for advanced maintenance or troubleshooting.

3. What is the best solvent for cleaning an AR-15?

A high-quality solvent like Breakthrough Clean Military-Grade Solvent is ideal because it cuts through carbon fouling without harsh chemicals. You can find it at Mounts Plus.

4. Can I use regular household oil to lubricate my AR-15?

No. Household oils like WD-40 are not designed for firearms and can attract dust or gum up over time. Use a gun-specific lubricant like Lucas Extreme Duty Gun Oil for reliable performance.

5. What parts of the AR-15 need oiling?

Focus on:

Bolt cam pin
Gas rings
BCG contact rails
Charging handle
Lightly coat these areas. Over-lubing can cause excess fouling buildup.

6. Do I need a bore snake or cleaning rod for my AR-15?

Both work, but for a more thorough clean, a one-piece cleaning rod with a bronze bore brush is better. Bore snakes are faster but not as deep-cleaning.

7. What’s the easiest way to clean the AR-15 chamber?

Use a chamber brush designed for AR-15 star lugs, combined with solvent and a cleaning rod extension. This prevents buildup that can cause extraction issues.

8. How long does it take to clean an AR-15?

Once you get the hang of it, a basic clean should take 20-30 minutes. First-timers might take a bit longer, but it gets quicker with practice.

9. Where can I buy AR-15 cleaning kits and supplies?

Mounts Plus carries a full range of AR-15 cleaning kits, rods, solvents, and oils. You can find everything you need at MountsPlus.com.

Looking for the full cleaning setup? Check out our AR-15 Cleaning Kits and essential AR-15 Maintenance Tools to pair with your mat. Don’t forget to grab a Pro-Shot One-Piece Cleaning Rod and Breakthrough Clean Solvent for a complete cleaning solution.

Final Thoughts:

Cleaning your AR-15 is not rocket science. It’s more like brushing your teeth — it doesn’t take long, but neglect it and you’ll regret it later. With just a few tools from Mounts Plus and this guide, you’ll keep your rifle in top shape, shoot after shoot.