Good day to you all,
I am going to clean my 10 for the first time and truthfully i have never cleaned an AR rifle. My gun knowledge is limited to my sw1911sc and thats it. Breaking the 10 down doesn't seem to be much of a task, but i am interested in finding out if the same cleaning solvent i use on my pistol is applicable to my 10. i assume it would but assuming doesn't get anyone too far. Other than a .30 cal bore brush and correct size rod, are there any other necessary or helpful tools to have when breaking down and cleaning? Are there any spots to clean that aren't easily visible? One more question, any common mistakes upon reassembly that i should watch for? I thank any of you who take the time to read all of this and provide any insight possible. I do not have any friends with AR style rifles and am looking for advice.

Best,
Logan

The M&P-10 (and any AR for that matter) cleans like any other rifle. Any normal cleaning chemical will work just fine.

To make things simple, use a 30 caliber Bore Snake. When using cleaning rods, a guide usually needs to be employed to keep the rod from rubbing and wearing the barrel at the muzzle or chamber end.

To clean out the lower, just blast it with some non-chlorinated brake cleaner or a mild solution of hot soapy water (don't use any kind of caustic soap- that's not good for aluminum) and rinse with hot water. Get the water hot enough that it evaporates quickly.

Dis-assemble the carrier and clean by wiping down with a rag using the usual cleaning solution. Wipe the parts down with oil and re-assemble then drop some oil through the carrier exhaust ports and on the shank of the bolt. Hit the inside the barrel extension with something and clean the residue out of the upper receiver area. Pull out the action spring and buffer and wipe them down and check the spring for rust. Re-assemble the rifle and perform a function check. Place a couple more drops of oil in the carrier exhaust ports, wipe down the exterior and your done

Thank you very much Mist Wolf!