It’s essential to clean your glasses correctly to prevent scratches and keep them looking great. Always follow these tips for cleaning both your lenses and frames.
- Wash your hands with liquid soap and dry them with a lint-free towel.
- Rinse your glasses under a gentle stream of lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can damage the lens coating.
- Apply a small drop of liquid soap to each lens.
- Rub both sides of the lenses and the frame for a few seconds, including the nose pads and the ends behind your ears. A soft toothbrush can help clean nose pads and hinges.
- Rinse your glasses thoroughly with water.
- Gently shake the glasses to remove the water.
- Carefully dry the lenses and frame with a clean, lint-free towel (not laundered with fabric softener or a dryer sheet, which can leave a residue).
- Remove any remaining streaks or smudges with a clean microfiber cloth. Make sure you clean the microfiber cloths frequently with liquid soap and hot water.
Do not clean your glasses with the following, which can damage and scratch the lenses:
- Clothing
- Saliva
- Household glass or surface cleaners
- Paper towels, napkins, tissues or toilet paper
Other Suggestions
Spray eyeglass cleaners can be used if you lack easy access to water. You can also try individually packaged, pre-moistened disposable lens cleaning wipes. Each can be purchased at optical shops and drugstores. If your lenses have an anti-reflective coating, make sure the cleaner you choose is approved for anti-reflective lenses.
If your lenses are in good shape, but the nose pads or frames are filthy, consider having them cleaned professionally by your eye care professional or an optical shop.
What To Do About Scratches
Scratches can impact your vision as well as the resistance of the lenses. Consider buying lenses with a scratch-resistant coating or new lenses if you have significant scratches.
Finally, always store your glasses in a clean case and never place them face down. And never leave your glasses in a hot place because heat can cause the lenses to warp or peel.