If you have ever worn glasses you understand how annoying it can be when you can’t see through them.
Maybe you are like most of us pulling on the bottom of your T-shirt as a way to clean those glasses. When you are in a pinch it can help but it is not the most efficient way.
T-shirt material isn’t meant for the lenses and can actually cause harm.
Below I am going to share the best way to clean eyeglasses and sunglasses.
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For proper care for your glasses always consults with your eyeglasses professional. These general guidelines and may not be suitable for your specific reasons.
Cleaning eyeglasses to avoid scratches and damage
It’s important to clean your glasses without damaging the special coatings.
1. Dish Soap and Water
This is the most popular way that many people clean their glasses. Using dish soap removes grease and dirt while washing it away safely.
It is recommended to use Dawn dish soap because of it’s chemical makeup. A non-toxic version I would recommend Seventh Generation Dishsoap.
Both options work well.
There are two ways to clean your glasses with dish soap.
How to clean your glasses using dish soap
Tools
- Dish Soap
- Water - preferably distilled water
- Microfiber drying cloth
- Compressed air can
- Hair Blow dryer
Instructions
- Fill your bowl with warm water and a squirt of dish soap into the bowl.
- Using your finger rub dish soap between fingers and glasses to clean the surface
- While submerged in water sway glasses gently back and forth to remove all excess dirt.
- Remove glasses and dry them. Using either a microfiber cloth, compressed air can, or hairdryer.
The second way to clean your glasses using dish soap.
- Place a drop of dish soap on both sides of each lens
- Gentle rub the soap between your fingers while running underwater
- Be sure to rinse all residue away.
- Dry with a microfiber cloth, hairdryer, or compressed air can
Notes
* Warnings!
Don't use hot water! It could damage your lenses.
Don't use compressed air too close because it can freeze on the lense
Don't use heat setting on blow dryer only cool/no heat
When in doubt always consult with your eyeglass professional!!
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2. Dry Microfiber Cloth
The simplest and most effective way to clean your glasses on the go is to carry and use a microfiber cloth. These are small pieces of cloths especially made to clean glasses.
You can buy all the different kinds. From basic ones on amazon to decorative ones like these below on Etsy. They have all kinds of designs.
Your glasses may have come with a cloth. Sometimes optometrists will provide them for free.
How to use a dry microfiber cloth to clean your glasses
Materials
- Microdry fiber cloth
Instructions
- Using a microfiber cloth is simple. Remove it from its packaging and while holding the glasses in one hand fold the cloth over your glasses. Covering both sides of the lenses begin to rub in a circular motion to wipe them clean.
- Be sure to place the cloth back in its packing/pouch to avoid dust, dirt, and lint from attaching to it. This will make the cloth ineffective.
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3. Eyeglass spray cleaner
In need of a deeper cleaning on the go. You may want to consider eyeglass spray cleaner.
Avoid all traditional glass cleaners you would use to clean your windows. These are not made to clean your glasses.
Using an eyeglass spray cleaner is effective while on the go. It will be sure to remove all dirt, grease, and particles. Most of the spray cleaners come in a convenient on the go travel case or pouch.
4. Carbon Eyeglass Cleaner
A carbon eyeglass cleaner is a perfect on the go and easy to pack option for cleaning your glasses. The link I provided above is a product that uses NASA technology.
It comes in a handy self-contained case complete with brush. With many colors to choose from.
5. Visit your Optical Store for deep cleaning service
There are vision centers that offer cleaning services. If you feel proper cleaning is needed. Start with where you bought your glasses or a vision center near you.
The service for cleaning your eyeglasses may cost a small fee.
RELATED: Unbreakable sunglasses for kids
6. Lens Tissue
If you have ever tried to clean a pair of glasses or sunglasses with tissue you will know the after-effects. Tiny particles of lint left all over.
Lens tissue is a perfect alternative for cleaning your lenses. Gentle enough to clean your glasses without leaving any leftover residue.
7. Professional Ultrasonic Cleaner
If you are looking for that professional cleaning. Then you might consider purchasing an ultrasonic cleaner. This machine uses vibrations to clean your glasses while using just tap water. Bonus is that it can clean jewelry, rings, coins, and other things.
8. Pre-Moistened Lens Cleaning Wipes
An easy grab and clean option are pre-moistened wipes. These individually wrapped wipes clean your glasses and dry quickly.
In conclusion, stay away from abrasive cleaning solutions. You want to choose the proper cleaning solution for your eyeglasses. If you improperly clean them it will damage them.
Some cleaners to avoid
Acetone
Alcohol
Hard water with minerals or particles
Vinegar
Regular glass cleaners
Essential oils
Paper towels
Newspaper
Harsh materials/towels
When handling your glasses try to use pick-up tools to help you. That way you avoid fingerprints and grease. Store your eyeglasses in a case to avoid dirt when not in use.
If you are cleaning your glasses due to foggy. You might want to consider anti-fog wipes.
As mentioned above when in doubt ask your vision center.
Stephen Ryan
Sunday 27th of June 2021
I bought Koala eyeglass cleaner because using just a cleaning cloth on my glasses seems to only smudge them and make them worse. I suggest you wash and dry your glasses first with lukewarm water. After that, apply the cleaning agent you have on its lenses and gently rub it in circles on both sides. Plus, do not forget to wipe all the fluid off your eyewear for streak-free clarity.
Lisa Van Groningen
Friday 2nd of July 2021
Thanks for the additional tips! Love this!