Protection for pistol mounted light?

[Slalom.45]

Just bought my first weapon mounted light. A TLR1-HL for the house G21.

I plan to shoot a good bit with the light on and have heard that the lens can get dark from power residue. My practice .45 ammo is pretty smokey and I don't want to degrade my light capability. I saw on one forum that a guy recommended putting a light coat of lip balm on the lens that could be wiped off for cleaning. Is this a good idea or is there something better?? Thanks in advance.

 

[SpeedRacer]

The carbon will come off the lense. I've cleaned some that had thousands of rounds worth of carbon build up and it took all of one minute to clean and looked like new. The lip balm/vaseline just makes it easier, but is totally unneccessary IMO.

 

[Jack]

Lip balm, grease, oil, whatever will stay on until you wipe it off.

 

[JadeRaven]

Just clean it but don't use anything abrasive.

 

[topgunz1]

I usually wipe a drop of gun oil on it before a range session and it wipes right off after. They won't stain and stay dark, though. I've had mine on my pistol for years.

 

[DAVE_M]

 

[bsoileau24]

I have also used frog lube to clean the carbon off.

 

[Slalom.45]

Sounds like if I just use an alcohol wipe on the lens after every range session I should be alright. Thanks for the suggestions.