Eyeglasses are more than just a style statement—they’re essential for clarity and focus. But smudged or dirty lenses can quickly blur your vision and frustrate you. Learning how to clean your eyeglasses properly ensures crystal-clear sight and prolongs the life of your lenses and frames.
Proper form when cleaning your glasses is easier than you may assume. Simply wash your hands to start, then rinse your glasses with lukewarm water, apply soap, then rinse and dry. That said, it’s important to avoid using items like scented soap, alcohol wipes or rubbing alcohol when cleaning your glasses to preserve their longevity.
Why It’s Important to Clean Your Glasses Regularly
Cleaning your glasses isn’t just about aesthetics. Those smudges, dust particles, and oily fingerprints can build up bacteria that could cause skin irritation or eye infections. Regularly cleaning your glasses gives you sharper vision, keeps your frames looking fresh, and protects your investment for years.
The added benefit? Clean glasses reduce the risk of scratching the lenses, often when dirt particles are left unaddressed during wear.
The Best Materials to Use to Clean Your Glasses
Not all cleaning tools are created equal. Picking the right materials will ensure your lenses stay scratch-free while maintaining their coatings.
- Lotion-free dish soap: This gentle formula removes dirt and oil without leaving residue.
- Lint-free microfiber cloths: Specially made to avoid scratches, they trap dust and absorb grease like a pro.
- Pre-moistened lens wipes: Ideal for cleaning on the go, these wipes are designed for glasses and are alcohol-free to protect coatings.
- Lukewarm water: The perfect temperature to rinse away particles without warping your frames.
- Alcohol free lens cleaner: Spray onto lenses. Wipe dry with a microfibre or soft cloth.
At West Coast Optical, we provide free lens cleaner and microfibre cloths with every eyeglass purchase. We refill your lens cleaners free of charge for life.
Step-By-Step Guide to Properly Clean Your Glasses
Follow these five fool-proof steps to keep your glasses spotless and damage-free.
- Wash your hands thoroughly: Before touching your glasses, wash your hands with lotion-free soap and rinse off any residue. This ensures you don’t transfer dirt or oils onto your lenses.
- Rinse your glasses under lukewarm tap water: Hold your glasses under a gentle stream of lukewarm water. This removes dust and debris, reducing the risk of scratching your lenses when cleaning. Avoid hot water, which can damage lens coatings or warp plastic frames.
- Apply a small amount of lotion-free dish soap to each Lens: Place a drop of dish soap directly onto the lenses and gently massage it with your fingers, covering both the lenses and frames. Pay special attention to the nose pads and hinges, where grime often builds up unnoticed.
- Rinse lenses & frames thoroughly: Rinse your glasses under the same lukewarm water, ensuring all soap residue is removed. Any remaining soap could smear or smudge the lenses when dried.
- Carefully dry lenses & frames with a clean, lint-free towel: Carefully pat your glasses dry using a clean microfiber cloth or a lint-free towel (like the kind you’d use for fine china). Avoid using paper towels, napkins, or your shirt sleeve! They can scratch your lenses.
What Can Hurt Your Glasses When Cleaning
Cleaning your glasses improperly can do more harm than good. Here’s what to avoid to keep your lenses and frames looking their best.
- Paper towels or tissues may seem soft, but they’re coarse enough to scratch your lenses.
- Household glass cleaners or vinegar are great for windows, but these chemicals can strip the protective coatings on your lenses.
- Hot water or steam may warp plastic frames and compromise anti-reflective or scratch-resistant coatings.
Daily Tips to Keep Your Glasses Safe & Clean
Keeping your glasses pristine doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task. Incorporate these quick daily habits into your routine for long-lasting cleanliness and clarity.
- Store them in a protective case: When not in use, place your glasses in a hard-shell case lined with a soft fabric to prevent scratches.
- Use both hands to put them on and take them off: This avoids unnecessary strain on the frames.
- Avoid laying them lens-side down: Always place your glasses with the frames resting on a surface to avoid scratches.
- Clean regularly: Don’t wait for smudges to accumulate. A quick rinse with lukewarm water and a microfiber cloth wipe once a day can keep smudges and grime at bay.
When to Have Your Glasses Professionally Cleaned
Even with regular cleaning, your glasses can accumulate stubborn grime in hard-to-reach places, like between the hinges or under the nose pads. Having your glasses professionally cleaned once or twice a year is a great way to keep them in perfect shape.
Most opticians offer ultrasonic cleaning, which uses sound waves to break up dirt and grime, leaving your glasses squeaky clean. And often, this service is free!
West Coast Optical advocates proper cleaning techniques and daily lens care to ensure the best performance out of your eyeglasses (and to protect your investment). Contact us today to get your eyeglasses professionally cleaned or to get a lens upgrade with recommendations for lenses with enhanced durability and coatings for easier maintenance.
