Gun cleaning patches are small pieces of cloth used to clean the inside of gun barrels. They are usually soaked with a solvent or hole cleaner and then pushed into the hole with a rod or hole snake. Airbrush cleaning patches remove dirt, carbon, lead, copper, and other residue that can affect airbrush performance and reliability.

There are several types of gun cleaning patches on the market, each made from a different material. Chemical fiber, cotton, knitted cotton, and flannel cotton are the most common cleaning patches. All materials have their pros and cons, depending on the shooter's preferences and needs. Here are some features and characteristics of each type of gun cleaning patch:

Synthetic patches

These patches are made from synthetic fibers. Synthetic patches are durable, lint-free, and resistant to solvents and oils. They can also absorb and hold more liquid than cotton pads, which means they can clean more efficiently. Synthetic patches are suitable for all types of firearms, and synthetic patches are easy to find and affordable. However, some synthetic patches may be too thin or rough for some guns, and they may not fit well into the chamber.

Cotton Patches

Made from natural cotton fibers, these patches are soft, stretchy, and biodegradable. The cotton sheet is gentle on the bore and conforms well to the rifling. They also provide a smooth and polished surface to the barrel. Cotton patches are suitable for most types of firearms and ammunition, especially lower-powered rifles and pistols that produce less dirt and heat. Cotton patches are also widely available and inexpensive. However, some cotton sheets may leave lint or fibers in the holes, which may cause accuracy issues or malfunctions. They may also be less absorbent and resistant to solvents and oils than synthetic patches.

Knitted cotton patches

These patches are a type of cotton patch made from knitted cotton fabric, which is thicker and denser than regular cotton fabric. Knitted cotton patches are more absorbent and durable than regular cotton patches and can remove more dirt and debris from the holes. Knitted cotton patches are suitable for medium to high-power rifles and handguns that generate moderate to high amounts of dirt and heat.