How to Clean the Outside of a Gun Safe: Polish and Protect

Protect your gun safe from wear and tear. Clean, polish, and protect using these effective tips!

Regularly cleaning your gun safe not only enhances its appearance, but you’re also preserving the valuables that you put inside. That is why ensuring that your gun safe’s exterior is clean and well-maintained is essential.

Your gun safe’s exteriors are exposed to various elements outside that could speed up rust and corrosion.

So, if you want to maintain your gun safe for years, read about these practical cleaning tips for your gun safe.

Essential Cleaning Supplies

If you want to clean your gun safe’s exteriors effectively, you’ll need to use safe products to clean it.

1. Soft Bristled Brush

They are used to remove dust and dirt from crevices and corners of your gun safe. Only use a soft-bristled brush if you don’t want to ruin the paint of your gun safe’s exterior.

2. Microfiber Cloth

This type of cloth is soft and non-abrasive to protect its finish. Using this material to wipe your gun safe’s exterior is ideal.

3. Water

An essential element during cleaning is water. It is vital as it washes off the dirt. However, using excessive water could be bad and might get into your gun safe.

Remember to dry out your gun safe’s exterior properly to avoid too much moisture.

4. Rubber Gloves

Protect your hands from exposure to harsh chemicals. Always remember that some products may cause a burning sensation in your hands.

5. Gun-Safe-Specific Cleaners

Some gun-safe manufacturers offer cleaning solutions specifically designed for their products.

This can be a great cleaning solution that can also help decelerate the corrosion of your gun safe.

6. Metal Polish

Your metal polish’s mission is to bring back the shine of the metal parts of your safe. By using it, your gun safe’s surface will look brand new.

7. Lubricating or Gun Oil

Once you’ve polished your gun safe’s exterior surface, you’ll proceed with the other parts. A lubricating oil can be poured on the metal parts of your gun safe to prevent it from rust.

8. Non-Abrasive Automotive Wax

Gently polish the exterior painted surfaces of your safe once they are clean and dry. However, always remember not to let any cleaning solution, solvents, or wax if your safe has silkscreened logos. 

Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaning Gun Safes

It is important to clean the interior of your gun safe clean, but keeping it clean on the outside is also essential. A clean gun safe also provides better protection for your firearms, reducing the risk of damage caused by moisture, dirt, or debris.

Here is the cleaning process you don’t want to miss out on. 

Step 1: Empty your gun safe

The first step to cleaning your gun safe is to remove all firearms, ammunition, and other items stored inside. Ensure you have a safe and secure location to store your firearms while you clean the gun safe.

Step 2: Remove any debris or dirt

Remove any debris or dust from the exterior of your safe by using a dry cloth or vacuum. Take out any loose items you’ve placed on your safe to prevent them from breaking or falling onto the floor while wiping them clean.

Step 3: Clean the exterior

Use a soft cloth or a sponge to clean the exterior of the gun safe with a mild cleaning solution. Pay attention to the hinges, locks, and other moving parts, which can accumulate dirt and debris over time.

Note that you must never spray directly on the surface of your gun safe.

Step 4: Dry the exterior

After cleaning, dry the exterior of the gun safe with a soft cloth or allow it to air dry. Ensure the exterior is completely dry before returning the firearms and other items to the safe.

Step 5: Lubricate the hinges and locks

After cleaning and drying the gun safe, apply a small amount of lubricant to the hinges, locks, and other moving parts to ensure smooth operation.

Use a lubricant designed for gun safes and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 6: Return items to the safe

Once the gun safe is clean and dry, return your firearms, ammunition, and other items to the safe. Ensure that everything is properly secured and that there is no excess moisture or debris inside the safe.

Note: Always follow these steps or your manufacturer’s instructions regarding proper gun-safe care. Remember always to wear gloves while doing this, as some chemicals may react differently if you have sensitive skin.

Tips for Preserving the Appearance of Your Gun Safe

I have written useful tips for helping you preserve the appearance of your gun safe. That way, it’s still marketable if you intend to upgrade to a bigger gun safe or downgrade it.

1. Apply wax or other protective coatings on your gun safe’s exteriors.

Put a layer of wax or coating specifically made for metal surfaces on your gun safe to protect it from other elements, such as scratches, stains, or other forms of minor damage.

This layer of wax also acts as a shield from different elements that speed up or trigger corrosion.

2. Cover your gun safe with a tarp.

Protect your gun safe from environmental damage if exposed to direct sunlight or moisture. This helps prevent exterior damage, such as fading, rusting, and other damage over time.

3. Polish your gun safe’s exterior regularly.

You’ll need to regularly polish your gun safe to keep its glossy appearance and prevent damage. Regularly polishing and cleaning it also ensures no dirt and dust will build up on the surface, including scratches and other damages.

4. Avoid harsh cleaning products.

Everyone wants to experiment with other products to save them from buying a gun-safe-specific cleaning solution. However, if you are using a cleaning product with harsh qualities and is only meant for the floor, then this will only make the problems bigger.

Avoid using cleaning products meant for your bathroom and floors at all costs.

5. Store your gun safe in a cool and dry place.

You must not place your gun safely in direct sunlight or a damp setting. It is highly suggested to keep it far from sources of moisture like an open window or a leaking pipe.

Conclusion

Cleaning the outside of a gun safe is an important task that should be performed regularly to maintain its appearance and protect it from damage.

The process involves several steps, including removing dirt and grime, polishing the surface, and applying a protective coating to prevent rust and corrosion.

By following these steps and using the right tools and materials, you can ensure that your gun safety looks great and lasts many years.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take necessary safety precautions when handling firearms and cleaning products.

FAQs

Sources

5 Tips to Keep Your Gun Safe Maintained. www.gunsafes.com/5-tips-to-keep-your-gun-safe-maintained.html.

Schwebs, Dominic. “4 Tips for Cleaning Your Gun Safe This Spring.” Safe and Vault Store.com, 11 July 2018, www.safeandvaultstore.com/blogs/news/4-tips-for-cleaning-your-gun-safe-this-spring.