What safety precaution should be taken when cleaning firearms?

When cleaning firearms, ensuring the firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction is a critical safety precaution. This practice helps prevent any accidental discharges, which could cause serious injury or death. Before beginning the cleaning process, the first step should always be to check the chamber, magazine, and any possible hidden rounds to confirm the firearm is completely unloaded. By pointing the firearm in a safe direction, away from yourself and others, you further reduce the risk of harm in case an unexpected discharge occurs.

While the other answers mention important practices—such as cleaning the firearm after use, using approved cleaning solvents, and wearing protective eyewear—none of these steps address the immediate and fundamental concern of firearm safety during cleaning. The priority must always be to handle the firearm with the utmost caution and respect, making sure it cannot fire while cleaning. This foundational rule of firearm safety reinforces the importance of responsible handling in all scenarios.