If you’re like me and wear glasses daily, then you’ve surely experienced the frustration of having dirty lenses. No matter what we do, those pesky little fingerprints seem to turn into gigantic, blurry patches at the most inconvenient times, whether it’s when you are driving, reading something on your phone in the sun, or trying to finish some work late at night. To be honest, for years I had been cleaning mine with whatever was closest to me. In most cases, that ended up being the edge of my shirt. What I didn’t understand was that I was creating tiny scratches on my lenses as I continued to use that method, until sunlight began to distort things visually.
It took learning the proper techniques for cleaning glasses and sunglasses to realize how much of an impact it could make. Not only will this help maintain clear vision for an extended period of time, but it will also help prevent the degradation of expensive coatings. Plus, there is nothing needed except a few basic tools and inexpensive items to accomplish these tasks. Many of the best cleaning techniques available are incredibly easy to complete at home.
Why Properly Cleaning Your Glasses Is Important
Dirty glasses are more than just an annoyance. As mentioned earlier, the oils from your skin, dust, makeup, and fingerprints can significantly degrade the clarity of your view in a short amount of time. I discovered this the hard way when I damaged my lenses by incorrectly cleaning them.
While paper towels, dry shirts, and rough tissue may appear to be safe options for cleaning your lenses, they can cause fine scratches to develop. Sunglasses in particular require additional caution due to their sensitivity to UV protection and polarized coatings, which can deteriorate over time. House cleaners containing ammonia are another common error when cleaning glasses. Gentle cleaning helps extend the lifespan of glasses and provides clear vision.
Method 1: Clean Glasses Using Lukewarm Water & Dish Soap
As far as I’m concerned, this is still the safest and easiest technique for everyday cleaning.
First, begin by rinsing your glasses in warm water. Rinsing will remove any debris, such as dust, that may scratch the lenses during the cleaning process. However, do not use hot water as it may damage some coatings or warp certain types of plastic frames.
Once your glasses are free of dirt and debris, add a single drop of lotion-free dish soap to your hands. Gently rub both sides of the lenses along with the nose pads and frame. Do not hurry through this step. Fingerprints and oils tend to accumulate around the frames and nose piece areas more often than most people realize.
Once completed, rinse the entire area completely to ensure no soap remains. Afterward, dry your glasses using a clean microfiber cloth designed specifically for glasses. I emphasize again that you should never use paper towels or tissues to clean your lenses, as one careless wipe may ruin all the delicate cleaning efforts you have put forth.
Since I adopted this nightly habit, my lenses have remained clear for a substantially longer time and smudges are much easier to remove compared to the rapid dry wipes I used previously.
Method 2: Utilize a Lens Spray & Microfiber Cloth
When you find yourself away from home and need to quickly clean your glasses safely, combining a good lens spray with a microfiber cloth effectively removes fingerprints and light dust.
The unique advantage of microfiber cloths is that they capture oils and particles rather than dragging them across the lens surface. Compare that to using napkins or the sleeve of your shirt.
Always apply the lens cleaner directly onto the lens prior to cleaning. Dry lenses can still be scratched when dust is present on them. I keep a miniature spray bottle of lens cleaner in my backpack and another one in my vehicle because, for some reason, my glasses always become dirty at the absolute worst moments.
One other detail people typically overlook is cleaning microfiber cloths regularly. Although microfiber cloths are excellent at absorbing moisture and oil from surfaces, dirty cloths can redeposit oils back onto your lenses. I generally wash mine with mild soap once per week and allow them to air dry.
Method 3: Homemade Glass Cleaner
You don’t always need commercial products. A homemade glass cleaner can be effective if you remain gentle with the recipe.
One example I occasionally use is mixing distilled water with a small amount of rubbing alcohol and adding one drop of dish soap in a miniature spray bottle. This method is cost-effective, portable, and also suitable for cleaning sunglasses at home.
This method has its advantages while traveling because mini spray bottles can fit nearly anywhere. Just remember to avoid excessive amounts of rubbing alcohol as it can damage certain coatings over time.
Don’t attempt to use vinegar or other harsh cleansers. Although I’ve seen people recommend these online, coated lenses simply aren’t compatible with abrasive substances.
Method 4: Cleaning Outdoor Sunglasses
Cleaning outdoor sunglasses requires extra consideration due to the presence of sand and dust, which can severely damage lenses.
During a recent beach trip, I found myself scratching a favorite pair of sunglasses after wiping them dry with a towel covered in sand, without realizing the potential consequences. The scratches were immediately apparent in the bright sunlight afterward.
Now, I always rinse my sunglasses prior to handling them to remove any sand or grit that may potentially scratch my lenses. Bottled water is acceptable if you are outside. Simply rinse your sunglasses before drying them with a microfiber cloth instead of wiping vigorously.
Additionally, storing sunglasses in a hard case offers an added layer of protection against future scratches caused by tossing them loosely into bags or vehicle consoles.
If you are curious about how to safely clean sunglasses while outdoors, follow this simple rule: never wipe sand or dust directly off the lens.
Method 5: Deep Cleaning Frames & Nose Pads
While lenses receive most of the attention, frames collect considerable amounts of grime.
Frames collect oils, sweat, sunscreen, makeup, and other debris over time, which can transfer onto the nose pads. A soft-bristled toothbrush or cotton swab is ideal for removing debris from tight spaces within frames, nose pieces, and hinges.
Although this section appears insignificant, it does assist in providing comfort while wearing your glasses. Additionally, it aids in preventing debris accumulation and unpleasant odors associated with poor maintenance. I normally deep clean frames approximately once per week while washing my lenses.
Things You Must Never Use When Cleaning Glasses
Do not use:
- Paper towels
- Shirts or sleeves
- Window cleaner
- Bleach or ammonia
- Rough sponges
- Hot water
Using the above materials and methods can damage your lenses, scratch protective coatings, and permanently ruin the appearance of your glasses. Clean your glasses correctly by using soft microfiber cloths and non-harsh cleaning solutions.
Properly cleaned lenses will improve your quality of life overall. Once you learn how to clean glasses and sunglasses correctly, you’ll be able to eliminate constant smudges, glare, and blurriness in your line of vision. Simple habits such as rinsing before cleaning, wiping gently, and using microfiber cloths with non-abrasive cleaners will help prolong the cleanliness and appearance of your lenses for years to come. Additionally, placing fresh, clean lenses on your face has a strange yet satisfying effect that sharpens each new day.
