How to Clean Your Glasses Without Damaging Them

If you’re one of millions of people around the world with a vision impairment, your eyeglasses are a vital part of your daily life, allowing you to see clearly and navigate the world with confidence. However, your glasses are exposed to everything you are — mud, sand, dust, rain, germs, and spills — and they can quickly become dirty and smudged, inhibiting their performance and impeding your vision.

Properly cleaning your eyeglasses is essential for not only maintaining clean vision but also extending your glasses’ lifespan, minimizing the need for replacements. Here’s a helpful guide on how to properly clean your glasses and avoid damaging them in the process.

Proper Cleaning Matters

While a quick wipe on the hem of your T-shirt is okay every once in a while when you’re in a pinch, you should strive to properly clean your glasses whenever possible. Taking the extra time to properly clean your glasses can prevent scratches and other damage, prolonging the life of both your lenses and frames. Plus, many lenses come with special coatings like blue light filters or anti-reflective properties. Improper cleaning methods can degrade these coatings, inhibiting their effectiveness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Before getting into the best methods, let’s discuss some common mistakes that can damage your glasses.

• Only use clothing or tissues to clean your glasses when there’s no other option. These materials can contain dust and fibers that may scratch the delicate lenses. 
• Don’t wipe dry lenses without first rinsing off the dust and debris. Failure to do so can result in scratches.
• Avoid using household cleaners. Many of these products contain chemicals that can damage lens coatings and frames. Additionally, avoid hot water, which can also affect coatings and warp some types of frames.

The Right Way to Wash Your Glasses

Next time you need to wash your glasses, follow this step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wash Your Hands

Before cleaning your glasses, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to remove any grease, dirt, or lotion that could transfer to your lenses.

Step 2: Rinse With Lukewarm Water

After washing your hands, rinse your glasses under a gentle stream of lukewarm water. This removes dust and debris that could scratch the lenses when they’re wiped.

Step 3: Apply a Small Drop of Dish Soap

Apply a drop of gentle dish soap to each lens. Avoid using soaps that contain abrasive chemicals or moisturizers.

Step 4: Gently Wash the Lenses

Using your fingers, gently rub both sides of the lenses and all parts of the frames, including the earpieces and nose pads. Be thorough but careful to avoid bending, scratching, or otherwise damaging any part of your glasses.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse your glasses under lukewarm water again — this time, to remove all traces of soap. Ensure no soapy residue is left, as it can cause streaking. 

Step 6: Dry With a Lint-Free Cloth

Use a clean, lint-free cloth to dry your glasses. Microfiber cloths are an ideal choice, since they are designed to remove smudges without scratching.

Step 7: Inspect and Buff

After your glasses are dry, inspect the lenses. If any streaks or smudges remain, gently buff them out with a dry microfiber cloth.

Additional Glasses Maintenance Tips

To keep your glasses in top condition, follow these additional tips:

• Use lens cleaning wipes for convenient on-the-go cleaning. Make sure the wipes are especially made for eyeglasses and do not contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals.
• Store your glasses properly when not in use. Keep them in a protective case to prevent scratches and damage. Avoid placing them face-down on any surface.
• Keep your glasses away from excessive heat sources such as hot cars.
• Microfiber cloths and eyeglass cases can accumulate dirt and oils over time, which can transfer to your glasses. Replace these items regularly.
• Consider periodically having your glasses professionally cleaned. Professionals have the tools and expertise necessary to clean your glasses thoroughly and inspect them for any issues.

Premium Eyeglasses at Wolcott Optical

If you need glasses or contact lenses, look no further than Wolcott Optical. For 75 years, we have been Salt Lake City’s premier destination for all things optical. From bifocals to prescription safety glasses to polarized sunglasses to blue light blocking glasses, we have everything you need to protect and enhance your vision. Stop by our store today to browse our comprehensive selection of vision solutions and find the perfect glasses or contacts for you!