How to Clean and Disinfect Your GlassesA Complete Guide
There’s nothing more annoying than trying to watch a movie or chat with a friend only to be distracted by spots and smudges on your glasses. You may be tempted to grab the corner of your T-shirt and quickly rub the grime away, but this could scratch or damage your glasses.
Following the right steps for cleaning your glasses ensures they stand the test of time and stay scratch-free for as long as possible. If you’re not sure how to clean and disinfect your new prescription glasses or sunglasses, Visionworks can help. This guide teaches you how to clean and disinfect eyewear like a professional.
Eyewear Cleaning 101
Smudges, spots and dirt on your lenses can be annoying. While scratch-resistant coatings make lenses more resilient, improper cleaning techniques can damage them. Learn the tips in this guide, protect your eyeglasses and enjoy years of crystal-clear vision.
FRAMES FIRST
Start with your glasses’ frames. Wipe away facial oil on the temples, bridge and nose pads. This helps avoid smears when cleaning the lenses.
LENSES LOVE LIQUID
Use lens cleaner or dish soap with warm water; avoid citrus-based soaps and soap containing lotion.
DO IT DAILY
Make a habit of cleaning your glasses every day. This helps you avoid tempting but harmful quick fixes.
KEEP YOUR CLOTHES TO YOURSELF
Using your shirt, a tissue or a paper towel may seem innocent enough, but they contain dust and other particles that can scratch lenses.
DITCH THE VINEGAR, WINDOW CLEANER & TOOTHPASTE
Strong chemical cleaners, especially those containing ammonia, can damage lenses and lens coatings. Toothpaste may contain abrasive particles that can scratch your lenses.
DON'T GIVE A SPIT
Using your breath or spit as a quick fix is tempting, but it's not effective as lens cleaner—and certainly not hygienic.
What You Need to Clean Your Glasses
The first step to keeping your lenses crystal clear is knowing what to use to clean your glasses. Here are a few essential items:
- A high-quality microfiber cleaning cloth is a must-have. Its fine fibers effectively lift and remove smudges without scratching lenses.
- A mild lens cleaning solution, preferably alcohol-free, or a mixture of water and a drop of dish soap can aid in tackling stubborn residue.
- Lens wipes can come in handy, especially while on the go.
- Keep glasses in an eyeglasses case to shield your glasses from dust and scratches when not in use, maintaining lens clarity and longevity.
Regular maintenance with these basic items ensures that your eyewear remains both functional and aesthetically pleasing, allowing you to see the world through clear and crisp lenses.
What You Should Avoid When Cleaning Glasses
- Abrasive materials like paper towels or tissues: These may cause microscopic scratches.
- Acetone: Acetone is far too harsh for your glasses and should never be used for cleaning.
- Spitting on glasses: Saliva spreads bacteria onto your lenses and can make smudges worse.
- Rubbing alcohol: Abrasive solutions can harm your lenses, so don’t use them.
- Ammonia, bleach and acid: Many cleaners contain ammonia, bleach or high level of acid, all of which can damage your glasses.
Should You Buy a Glasses Cleaning Kit?
To maintain the clarity and longevity of your eyewear, investing in a glasses cleaning kit is wise. These kits typically include a microfiber cleaning cloth, cleaning solution and sometimes additional accessories like a carrying pouch or a screwdriver for adjustments. The cleaning solution is mild and designed to go easy on lens coatings.
While such kits are user-friendly, understanding how to properly use them helps prevent unintentional damage.
How to Clean Your Glasses Step by Step
Cleaning and disinfecting eyeglasses are simple procedures—you only need the right supplies and know-how. Once you’re in the habit of following these steps, you’ll be able to keep your glasses clean in any situation. Here’s how to clean your glasses without scratching or smudging them.
- Gather Supplies
- Wash Your Hands
- Rinse Glasses with Water
- Wipe Glasses with a Microfiber Cloth
- Spray Glasses with Cleaner
- Dry Glasses
Basic glasses cleaning requires only a microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution made for eyeglasses. To keep your lenses from getting tiny scratches and keep your glasses in the best condition, choose a spray designed for polycarbonate lenses and lens coatings.
Once you have your supplies ready, wash your hands before you touch your glasses. To make sure you don’t transfer any bacteria to your glasses, lather up your hands well, rinse them thoroughly, and dry them completely.
Rinse your glasses in tap water. This important step removes dust particles and other debris that may have built up on your glasses. If you don’t rinse them before cleaning, tiny particles might scratch your lenses as you clean—so be sure not to skip this step!
Once you’ve given your glasses a good run under the water, dry them gently with a microfiber cloth. Avoid other types of towels because they might smudge or scratch the lenses. If you notice any smudges when drying your glasses, don’t worry. You’re not quite done cleaning yet.
Now you can get your glasses sparkling clean by using a cleaning solution. Spray the cleaner directly onto the lenses or place a small drop of dish soap on each side of the lens. Rub in circles with your fingertips or the microfiber cloth. After a few seconds of rubbing, rinse the glasses under water one more time so that all the cleaning solution comes off the lenses.
The key to cleaning your glasses without leaving streaks is to avoid using the microfiber cloth during the final drying process. Instead, it’s best to dry them by gently shaking off the water and letting them air-dry.
How Often Should You Clean Your Glasses?
To maintain optimal clarity and vision, clean your glasses daily using a gentle microfiber cloth and lens cleaner. Regular cleaning helps remove smudges, fingerprints and dirt, ensuring a clear and comfortable viewing experience.
Put this Knowledge to Use on Your Next Pair of Glasses
Following these glasses cleaning tips helps keep your vision clear and prevent your lenses from getting scratched or damaged. Also check out our tips on how to safely store your glasses to keep them in good shape while you’re not wearing them, how to clean your contacts and how to remove scratches from your glasses.
Visionworks offers affordable, high-quality glasses for men, women and children—all with our 100-Day guarantee. Shop for your next pair of glasses or schedule an appointment with a licensed optometrist at your local Visionworks today!
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Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Claims regarding blue light efficiency are supported by manufacturer-provided test results.
