How to clean and maintain a Paintball marker? Here are a few professional tips and tricks

The fact that your gun shoots paintballs doesn't mean you shouldn't clean it. Hey, you should be able to clean it with your eyes closed man!

This is no laughing matter. I know you got into paintball not for the cleaning part. Probably you tried to get out of the house and do something because you wanted to avoid cleaning. But a clean paintball gun means a clean mind and a professional player.

Why do you think you have jammed triggers or barrel breaks? Huh Sherlock? That's right! Because of bad maintenance. So if you want take your paintball game into the next level, you'd better follow a few cleaning procedures. They are free!

What will you need? A manual (unless you know your marker by heart) you need a squeegee, some paintball oil, paper towel, soapy water and spare parts.

- Every paintball marker has different manuals and cleaning procedures but one thing is common to all - work on your marker without the air source attached and make sure that the safety is on.

- Cleaning your tank is just as important. If air comes out of the tank's O-rings they have to be replaced. If you want to avoid replacing your O-rings every week you should lubricate them regularly.

- A marker should be inspected after each and every game and cleaned at least (!) once a month. You'll discover paintball residue and broken pieces in your marker and you really want to give it some nice cleaning.

- Put a squeegee through the barrel and wash the barrel with soap and water and give it a good dry. As long as your barrel is dry you won't encounter any further troubles.

- Thoroughly clean the inside of the marker using whatever works for you. Let it be Q-tips or your sister's toothbrush, we don't care as long as you get to all the hard to reach places.

- There are O-rings all over your marker and you want them all lubed up. A few drops will do the trick.

- Clean the hammer with a damp towel. Make sure that there is no dirt or grease on it. The grip frame also tends to get dirty with dust and paint.

- Check that batteries are looking fresh and don't ooze battery juice.

When your paintball gun looks spiffy and clean you can put it back together following the manufacturer guide.

Remember that there also ways that can help you avoid a dirty gun. Getting a gun case is one thing that can keep your marker happy. Avoid getting your marker on the ground and keep it out of mud and rain. We know that things can get tight on the field but you paid a lot of money for that marker and you want to keep it shooting as long as possible.