Regular eyeglasses cleaning is imperative to keep eyewear in optimum shape and give you the clearest vision possible. Safe and proper care practices and maintenance are key to avoiding pesky scratches, dirt buildup, and other visual inconveniences.
In this guide, we will walk you through all the steps to clean and care for your eyeglasses right at home. With these simple tips, you can extend the life of the lenses and frames. Ready to enjoy crisp vision for years to come? Read on.
Table of Content
When is Time to Clean Your Glasses?
Knowing when to clean your eyeglasses contributes to clear vision and optimal eyewear performance.
Here are some noticeable signs that indicate it's time to clean your glasses:
Smudges and fingerprints
Dust and debris
Blurred vision when wearing your glasses
Oil buildup on the lenses
Discomfort or skin irritation
Lens fogging
Establishing a routine cleaning schedule is a proactive approach to ensure your glasses stay in pristine condition. Even if you don't notice any visible dirt or smudges, consider polishing your glasses at least once a day or every other day.
Remember, regular cleaning not only improves your vision but also protects the lenses and frames from potential damage by dirt or debris. Always use the proper cleaning materials and techniques to maintain the longevity and effectiveness of your glasses.
What to Clean Eyeglasses with?
Feel free to use any of the following items to get your glasses in perfect condition:
Microfiber cloth
Lens cleaning solution
Dish soap and water
Lens cleaning wipes
Lens cleaning spray
A soft, lint-free microfiber cloth is one of the best tools for cleaning eyeglasses. It helps remove smudges, dirt, and oils without scratching the lenses.
The next winner on the list is a mild lens cleaning solution. This type of product is specifically designed for eyewear to remove stubborn dirt and debris from the lenses. Ensure the solution is alcohol-free and ammonia-free before use.
Of course, we can't ignore the classic combo - dish soap and water. A drop of mild dish soap with lukewarm water is key for a gentle yet effective clean at home. Make sure to rinse the glasses thoroughly after cleaning.
Pre-moistened lens cleaning wipes are convenient for on-the-go sanitizing when you don't have access to water and soap. If you prefer a spray-on, look for a lens-cleaning spray safe for eyeglasses and follow the instructions for proper use.
The Best Way to Clean Eyeglasses at Home
While all the solutions mentioned above work amazingly well, chances are you won't always have those close by. Hence, we are going to focus on what cleans eyeglasses best at home.
Materials you'll need:
Microfiber cleaning cloth
Mild dish soap or lens cleaning solution (alcohol-free)
Warm water
A sink or basin
Glasses case or soft pouch for storage
Step 1: Wash your hands
Before handling your glasses, ensure your hands are clean. Wash them with soap and water to remove any oils, dirt, or lotions that could transfer onto your lenses.
Step 2: Rinse your glasses
Hold your glasses under a stream of lukewarm water. Gently rotate the glasses to ensure water reaches all parts of the frames and lenses.
Step 3: Apply cleaning solution
If you have a mild dish soap or lens cleaning solution, apply a small drop to each lens. Make sure the solution is free of alcohol, ammonia, or harsh chemicals.
Step 4: Clean the lenses
Using your fingertips, gently rub the lenses in a circular motion. Be careful not to apply too much pressure. Especially if your glasses have anti-reflective or anti-scratch coatings. Clean both sides of each lens thoroughly.
Step 5: Clean the frames
Don't forget to clean the frames as well. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away any dirt, buildup or oils on the frames.
Step 6: Rinse again
Once you clean the lenses and frames, rinse the eyeglasses under running water again to remove any remaining soap or cleaning solution.
Step 7: Dry your glasses
Shake off excess water. Gently dry your eyewear using a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth. Avoid using tissues, paper towels, or clothing.
Step 8: Inspect for streaks or smudges
Hold your glasses up to the light. Inspect the lenses for streaks or smudges. If you notice any, repeat the cleaning process from Step 3 onwards.
Step 9: Store your eyeglasses properly
When you're not wearing your glasses, keep them in a protective case or a soft pouch. That's the best way to prevent scratches and dirt buildu. Avoid placing them face down, as it may scratch the lenses.
RELATED: The Most Common Eye Conditions
Avoid Common Mistakes
Taking proper care of your eyeglasses is essential for ensuring clear vision and prolonging their lifespan. However, there are common mistakes many people unknowingly make when cleaning their glasses. These mistakes lead to scratches, leans damage, and reduced visual clarity.
Never use your shirttail or clothing to clean your glasses.
Avoid using harsh chemicals, vinegar, or window cleaners for cleaning eyeglasses.
Never wipe your lenses when they are dry, as this can lead to scratches.
Don't clean with extremely hot water, use lukewarm water instead.
By avoiding these errors and adopting the right eyeglasses cleaning practices, you can keep your eyewear in optimal shape and enjoy the best vision experience.
Additional Eyeglasses Cleaning Tips
From adjusting your glasses for a perfect fit to protecting them from harsh environmental conditions, here we cover practical advice to maintain the clarity you depend on daily:
Regularly adjust your glasses to prevent them from misaligning or becoming loose
Avoid leaving your glasses in hot or humid environments and extreme temperatures, as they can damage the frames and lenses
If your glasses have nose pads, clean them regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove oils and residues
By following these steps and tips, your glasses will remain in excellent condition, providing you with comfortable vision for years to come. If you encounter any persistent issues with your glasses, such as scratches or loose screws, consider visiting an optician or eyewear professional for further assistance.
Myths about Cleaning Eyeglasses
Now it's time to address and debunk popular myths that you may have heard. In other words, let's discuss what NOT to clean your glasses with!
Can you clean eyeglasses with alcohol?
If you wonder will rubbing alcohol clean eyeglasses, the answer is technically, yes. However, using alcohol wipes or rubbing alcohol to polish your glasses is NOT what we recommend. Due to its abrasive properties, applying alcohol to your eyewear lenses may lead to potential damage to the materials and coatings, essential for vision correction.
Can you clean eyeglasses with wet wipes?
You can try it, but we do not recommend it. Wet wipes usually leave awful streaks on the lenses. The streaks can be distracting and may reduce the clarity of your glasses, making it difficult to see clearly.
Is it safe to clean eyeglasses with window-cleaning products?
Despite calling them 'glasses' modern-day lenses are not made of glass. Therefore, it is unsafe and you should avoid using household cleaners such as Windex to wash your eyewear. These types of chemical window cleaners contain ammonia, which strips off lens coatings.
Is it safe to clean glasses with vinegar?
Never clean eyeglasses with vinegar! This is an abrasive product with the potential to dissolve and strip away the protective coating on your lenses and frames ahead of time.
Is it safe to clean eyeglasses with bleach?
Absolutely NOT. Bleach is probably the worst product to clean your eyeglasses with. We were actually shocked to find some people fall for the myth that this is an effective way to clean glasses. The use of this harsh product can result in premature dissolution and removal of the protective layer on your eyewear. It is also a dangerous substance to clean something you put on your face. Poor handling may result in chemical burns.
Conclusion
As long as you choose the safe options (lens cleaning solution, dish soap and water, lens wipes) for cleaning your eyeglasses, your eyewear and lenses would be sparkling, promising sharp vision at all times.