I clean mine about once a quarter. I also change out the carry ammo in it at the same time. Everytime I load and unload the pistol I check for bore obstructions or debris that might cause a malfunction. I also wipe it down with a gun rag. Your body and clothes cause a good amout of lent dirt and sweat to be transfered to the firearm. It is good to clean that stuff off. It can also effect your ammunition. That is why some carry ammo has red sealant around the primer. I have seen people go to the range take out their carry gun and the first shot sends a puff of lint out the barrel. I am propably more maticulious about this process than most but I like my ccw gun and want it to funtction if I need it.