Do you constantly find smudges and smears on your glasses? Dirt and grime won't do your glasses any favors, and will just make it more difficult to see clearly. Plus, properly cleaning and maintaining your eyewear will keep your frames fresh and functional for future use.
Keep reading, and we'll tell you how to properly clean your glasses to keep them free from dirt, smudges, and scratches.
At a Glance: How to Clean Glasses
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Rinse your glasses with lukewarm water.
- Clean your glasses with dish soap.
- Rinse your glasses.
- Dry your glasses with a microfiber cloth.
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How To Clean Glasses in 5 Easy Steps
Even if your eyeglass lenses are covered in smudges and smears, it's relatively easy to tidy them up. Cleaning your eyewear isn't a significant time commitment and can be done quickly and easily.
You'll just need running water, a lint-free towel, lotion-free dishwashing liquid, and hand soap.
#1. Wash and Dry Your Hands
The first step of this simple process is to ensure your hands are clean and dry. Wash your hands with hand soap and dry them with a towel. Do not apply any lotion or cream afterward.
Clean hands ensure you won't transfer any oil or grime to your lenses.
#2. Rinse Your Glasses With Lukewarm Water
Carefully hold your glasses under a gentle stream of running water. Do not use hot water, as this can damage any protective coatings or specialized treatments on your lenses. Warm water is best for dislodging any dust or grime on your glasses lenses.
#3. Clean Your Glasses With Dish Soap
Place a very small drop of gentle dish soap on each lens. The soap should contain no lotion, as this can cause streaking or grime. Carefully rub the dish soap over both sides of the lenses, paying close attention to the nose pads and temples.
#4. Rinse Your Glasses
Once more, carefully hold your glasses under a gentle stream of running water. Rinse off all the soap using warm water. Pay attention to nooks and crannies, such as the nose pads and the frame hinges.
#5. Dry Your Glasses With a Microfiber Cloth
Using a clean microfiber cloth or lint-free towel, gently dry your glasses to remove water. Unlike paper towels or bath towels, these cloths won't leave behind dust or lint. Residual dust or lint would be a major disappointment!
What to Avoid When Cleaning Glasses
It's important to know both the dos and don'ts of cleaning your eyewear. Taking care of quality lenses and designer frames will ensure that they remain sturdy, comfortable, and beautiful as the day you purchased them.
Here are a few things to strictly avoid when cleaning and maintaining your eyewear.
- Don't use your clothing to wipe your lenses. Your T-shirt isn't a suitable glasses cleaner. Clothing fabric isn't designed for this purpose and can lead to scratches or lint.
- Don't use household cleaning products. Only use dish soap or glasses cleaning solution. Other household cleaning products that contain acetone or alcohol can damage lens coatings. Do not use household glass cleaners, either.
- Don't use your saliva. First of all, ew! Saliva isn't an effective glasses cleaner. It will simply add more germs and bacteria to your lenses and cause more grime and buildup.
- Don't use fabric softener or a dryer sheet when washing your microfiber cloths. This will add residue and dust to your microfiber cloths, which will transfer to your glasses.
- Do not buff out scratches or marks. Buffing out scratches or marks on your glasses can damage the protective coating. Instead, visit your optometrist or optician, and they will use specialized tools and techniques to repair your eyewear.
Extra Tips for Glasses Cleaning
Keeping your glasses clean will help you see clearly and prevent scratches or buildup. Clean your glasses at least once a week. A quick and brief daily clean will also keep your eyewear in pristine and excellent condition.
If your glasses have tight nooks and crannies that are hard to reach, use a cotton swab to tend to these tight areas. The area around the hinges or between the lens and frame is notoriously hard to clean, but a cotton swab can help.
Be sure to use a cotton swab before following the general cleaning process, as it may leave behind lint and dust.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning and maintaining your eyewear is essential, whether you have ultra-durable sports eyewear or limited-edition Jacques Marie Mage designer frames. Always proceed carefully and use proper methodology to preserve the durability, integrity, and appearance of the frames and lenses.
Bonus: 8 Reasons Why Your Eyes Are Itchy
Photo Credit: @jacquesmariemage
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean sunglasses?
You can clean your sunglasses using the same process listed above. Be sure to avoid hot water, and be gentle but thorough when cleaning areas that come into contact with the skin, like the nose pads and temples.
How do you clean blue light glasses?
You can clean your blue light glasses the same way you'd clean regular eyeglasses. Use a small drop of dish soap to prevent damaging the protective coating.
Can you get your glasses professionally cleaned?
Yes! Your optometrist or eye doctor will have a specialized machine in their clinic that is meant to deep clean glasses. If your home cleaning sessions aren't doing the trick, try visiting your eye clinic for a professional cleaning session.
How do you clean your glasses while traveling?
If you don't have access to running water or dish soap, you can use a cleaning kit to keep your eyewear spic and span on-the-go. These cleaning kits often contain a microfiber cloth and cleaning spray that is designed for eyewear.
If you'll be traveling, don't forget to invest in a high-quality protective case to keep your eyewear safe and secure.
Keep Reading: How To Choose Eyeglasses For An Active Lifestyle
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Oculus Eyecare is Seattle’s premier optometry practice and optical boutique for those looking to see and be seen in a new way. Located in South Lake Union on Denny Way, Oculus Eyecare offers comprehensive eye care services and exams for individuals and families in Seattle. Click here to schedule an appointment or a personal styling session. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.