So, what’s the best way to clean your glasses without damaging them? In this guide, we’ll cover everything from the most effective cleaning methods to how to clean your eyeglasses and protect your eyeglasses when you’re not wearing them.
How to Clean Glasses in 5 Easy Steps
Cleaning your glasses is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to keep them sparkling:
1.Wash your hands
Before cleaning glasses, always wash your hands thoroughly and dry them with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring dirt or oil to your glasses.
2.Rinse your glasses
Rinse off any debris with warm water. While warm water is best for removing dust and debris, don't make it too hot or you risk damaging any special coatings on the lenses. This step will help prevent scratches on the lenses during the cleaning process.
3.Apply a cleaner
Use a gentle glasses cleaner or mild dish soap (if you don’t have a dedicated product). Spray it on the lenses.
All you need to keep your glasses in great condition and clean is a drop of eyeglass cleaner on each lens. Use your fingers to rub the cleaner over the sides of the lenses, then over the entire length of your glasses. Pay special attention to the areas of your glasses that come into contact with your skin most, such as the nose pads and temples. Cleaning these areas will keep your glasses friendly to your skin.
4.Rinse your glasses again
Run them under running water to remove any foam from the frames and temples. Make sure all the cleaning solution is completely rinsed from your glasses.
5.Dry the glasses
Use a Microfiber Cloth and gently wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion to avoid lint, dust, and scratches.
The Best Tips to Clean Glasses
Following the steps outlined above will help you get your glasses clean, but we’ve got a few extra tips to ensure your lenses and frames stay spotless:
If debris is stuck in the hard-to-reach corners of your frame, like where the lenses meet the frame or around the hinges, use a cotton swab to carefully clean these spots before rinsing.
For glasses with nose pads, don’t forget to give them a good wipe down. Since they’re in constant contact with your skin, they tend to collect more oils and germs than other parts of the frame. If you want to go the extra mile, you can use a disposable moist towelette with rubbing alcohol, but make sure to use it only on the nose pads, not the frame.
Always make sure all eyeglasses cleaner is rinsed off your lenses after using it. Cleaning your eyeglasses while they are dry often results in scratching and smearing debris on the lenses and frames instead of removing it.
Make sure to wash your microfiber cloths regularly. These cloths are great at trapping dust, but if not cleaned often, they’ll just spread it around.
To keep your glasses in top shape, give them a quick, light clean every day and a more thorough cleaning once a week. This routine will help keep them free from dirt and smudges.
The Worst Way to Clean Your Glasses
There are a few methods you should absolutely avoid when cleaning your glasses:
Using Tissues or Paper Towels: They can scratch the lens and often leave scratches when rubbed hard.
Wipe your lenses with part of your shirt—or any part of your clothing: Clothing fabric isn’t engineered to clean glasses lenses and can also scratch them.
Wiping Dry: Cleaning your glasses without rinsing them first can push dirt and grime into the lenses, causing scratches.
Household Cleaners: Avoid using harsh chemicals like window cleaners or bleach, as these can damage lens coatings.
If you notice scratches on your lenses, don't try to wipe or polish them off—you might just make them worse. If you're concerned about your glasses losing clarity due to damage, take them to an optician.
The Way to Keep Other Types of Glasses Clean
How to clean sunglasses?
Cleaning sunglasses is similar to regular eyeglasses. However, the thicker lenses and coatings might require extra care. Use a gentle cleaner and microfiber cloth to wipe away dirt and smudges. If your sunglasses have polarized lenses, be careful to avoid using oils or alcohol-based cleaners, as they can affect the coating.
How to clean blue light glasses?
Blue light glasses need to be cleaned just like regular eyeglasses. However, since blue light lenses often come with special coatings, it’s important to avoid abrasive cleaners that could strip these coatings away. Always stick to microfiber cloths and a gentle lens cleaner.
Other Reminders for Keeping Your Glasses Clean
Can you have your glasses professionally cleaned?
Some optometrists and opticians use specialized cleaning machines in their offices that can give your glasses a deep refresh. If your regular cleaning glasses routine at home doesn’t seem to remove all the buildup, it may be worth contacting an eye care professional to properly clean glasses for you.
How do you keep your glasses clean when you’re not wearing them?
The best way to keep your eyeglasses clean when they’re not on your face is to store them in a protective glasses case or pouch with the lenses facing upward. Just make sure the case or pouch is clean as well, so it doesn’t transfer dirt or dust back onto your lenses.
How do you clean your glasses when traveling?
When you don’t have access to a sink, carrying a portable glasses cleaner kit is the best solution. A small spray bottle of eyeglass cleaner and a microfiber cloth will let you spritz and wipe your lenses anytime you need. And if you like traveling with multiple pairs, investing in a sturdy travel case for cleaning eyeglasses on the go will help keep them both safe and spotless.
Properly cleaning eyeglasses means clearer vision to you, protects the lens coatings, and extends the lifespan of your frames. By following these simple cleaning tips and using glasses cleaner, you can keep your glasses in pristine condition for longer.
