How to Use and Clean Bore-tips® Gun Cleaning Swabs

Bore-tips® are reusable foam bore cleaning tools designed to help apply solvent, remove fouling, dry the bore, and apply light lubrication. Their absorbent foam construction helps deliver controlled cleaning performance with less mess than traditional patches.

Firearm Safety First

Always make sure your firearm is unloaded before cleaning. Remove any detachable magazines, confirm the chamber is empty, keep ammunition away from the cleaning area, and always point the firearm in a safe direction.

Before firing, the bore should always be clear and dry. If lubricant is applied inside the barrel, dry swab the bore before firing. Always refer to your firearm owner’s manual for safe maintenance instructions.

How to Use Bore-tips®

Select the correct Bore-tip® size.
Choose the proper gauge or caliber Bore-tip® for your firearm, then attach it to a cleaning rod or pull-through system.
Apply solvent to the foam tip.
Bore-tips® are highly absorbent, so they typically require less solvent than conventional patches.
Clean from the breech when possible.
Whenever possible, clean from the breech forward. A bore guide can help keep the rod centered and aligned for straight insertion.
Apply solvent to the bore.
Run the Bore-tip® through the barrel to apply solvent. Allow the solvent to soak for several minutes to help loosen carbon, lead, and fouling.
Use a bore brush if needed.
Remove the Bore-tip®, attach the caliber-specific bore brush, saturate the brush with solvent, and run it through the barrel several times.
Push fouling out of the barrel.
Reattach the solvent Bore-tip® and push loosened debris forward. Blot the tip on a rag or paper towel each time it exits the barrel.
Dry the bore with a clean Bore-tip®.
Once little or no new fouling appears, use a clean Bore-tip® to dry the bore and capture any remaining debris.
Apply lubricant only if needed.
Use a separate Bore-tip® to apply a light coating of rust preventative or lubricant. Before firing, dry swab the bore again.

How to Clean Bore-tips® for Reuse

Bore-tips® can be cleaned and reused depending on the solvent, fouling level, and condition of the foam. Always inspect the Bore-tip® before reuse and replace it if the foam is torn, damaged, or excessively contaminated.

Mineral Spirits Method

For faster cleaning and drying, apply mineral spirits to the Bore-tip®, then squeeze and blot into an absorbent rag or paper towel until clean.

Soap & Water Method

Wash with warm water and a grease-cutting soap. Squeeze and blot out excess solvent, rinse thoroughly, and allow the Bore-tip® to dry completely.

Solvent Note

Mineral spirits work best on petroleum-based solvents. Bio-based solvents may feel gummy and may clean better with grease-cutting soap and warm water.

When to Replace a Bore-tip®

The foam is torn, cracked, or separating from the stem
The Bore-tip® no longer fits securely or consistently
The foam remains heavily contaminated after cleaning
The tip has been exposed to an incompatible chemical
You are switching to a cleaning task where cross-contamination matters

Why Use Bore-tips® Instead of Traditional Patches?

Reusable foam design for many firearm cleaning applications
Highly absorbent foam helps control solvent use
Lint-free performance compared to cotton patches
Helps push fouling forward and release debris when blotted
Made in the USA by Super Brush LLC
Superior cleaning performance compared to loose patches and cotton swabs

Shop Bore-tips® and Firearm Cleaning Swabs

Find Bore-tips® by caliber, shop Gun-tips® foam swabs, or explore firearm cleaning kits for rifles, handguns, shotguns, and AR-style platforms.

Shop Firearm Swabs Shop Bore-tips®

Need Help Choosing the Right Size?

Our team can help you select the right Bore-tip®, Gun-tip®, Bore-Whip™, Bore-Stick™, or Star Chamber swab for your firearm cleaning needs.

Email customerservice@swab-its.com or call 1-413-543-1442.