We’ve all been there — you notice your glasses are dirty right before an important meeting, and you reach for your sleeve to clean them. Why is this cleaning practice discouraged for eyeglasses?
The number one thing to remember when cleaning your glasses is this: small particles and dust get onto the surface of your lenses, and rubbing off the dust, especially with a wrong cloth or a paper tissue, will scratch the lenses. The good news is that cleaning your lenses doesn’t have to be complicated.
With the following simple cleaning steps, best care practices, and advanced lens coatings, you can enjoy clear lenses longer.
Best way to clean your glasses in 3 simple steps:
Step 1: Wash your hands with lotion-free soap.
Step 2: Clean your lenses and frame regularly with water and a drop of mild liquid, lotion-free soap. Wash gently and rinse.
Step 3: Gently shake off water drops — dry your lenses with a soft, clean microfiber lens or lint-free cotton cloth. You don’t even have to rub; the drops will be transferred to the cloth in contact with the lens surface. Ask your optician for one.
Inspect and clean again if needed. That’s it!
Now that your glasses are squeaky clean, keep them that way with some of our favorite everyday care and maintenance tips.
10 ways to care for eyeglass lenses and frames
1. Be gentle with your lenses. Avoid using tissues, paper towels, or napkins to clean them, as any paper-based product can harm the lens surface.
2. Keep your lenses crystal clear. Make sure not to wipe them with a towel that's been treated with fabric softener, as it can leave a cloudy film.
3. Stay away from saliva. Instead of spitting on your lenses, carry a small bottle of lens cleaner with you when you're out and about.
4. Protect your glasses from heat. Never leave them on hot surfaces like ovens, radiators, or in a scorching car.
5. Handle with care. Avoid placing your glasses face-down, as this can damage the coating and lead to scratches.
6. Remember, your glasses aren't a hat. While it might seem convenient or stylish, wearing your glasses on your head can affect their alignment and how they sit in front of your eyes.
7. Be mindful of chemicals. Steer clear of household detergents and beauty products like hairspray and perfume when near your glasses. They can be harmful to your lenses and coatings.
8. Use both hands with care. When putting on or taking off your glasses, use both hands to ensure gentle handling.
9. Protect your precious specs. Keep your glasses safe in a sturdy hard case, often provided by your optician, to prevent accidental damage.
10. Consider coatings for added benefits. Talk to your optician about anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings. These coatings boost comfort and enhance performance and durability for your eyewear.
Frequently Asked Questions about cleaning glasses:
How do you clean glasses without a microfiber cloth?
If you find yourself without a specialized micro-fiber cloth from your optician's office, don't worry! Here's a simple alternative: start by washing your lenses with water and a drop of mild, lotion-free liquid soap. Afterward, gently shake off any water droplets. If you don't have a micro-fiber cloth on hand, you can use a clean, lint-free cotton cloth to dry your lenses. There's no need for vigorous rubbing; simply let the cloth make contact with the lens surface, and it will naturally absorb the water drops.
How do you clean your micro-fiber eyeglass cloth?
Maintaining a proper eyeglass cleaning cloth is essential, but replacing it frequently isn't necessary. Here are some tips for reusing your micro-fiber eyeglass cloth:
Shake it out: Periodically, remove dust and dirt by giving it a good shake.
Hand wash: For a more thorough clean, hand wash the cloth in cold water with a few drops of bleach-free mild soap (avoiding fabric softener). Soak for a few minutes, then rinse in cold water.
Machine wash: If needed, machine wash with bleach-free detergent (no fabric softener) and allow the cloth to air dry after washing.
How do you clean glasses frames?
Clean glasses frames with water and a drop of mild liquid lotion-free soap. Blot dry with a clean microfiber cloth. Remember to protect frames by keeping them in a hard case and away from heat sources.
Get superior clarity and durability with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings
Nothing beats that feeling of freshly cleaned glasses and clear vision. To help you keep your lenses clear longer, we developed HiVision Meiryo.
