How to Clean Your Glasses the Right Way?

Wearing glasses is a daily routine for millions of people, whether it’s for reading, driving or working on a screen. Yet, many don’t know the proper way to clean them. Dirty or incorrectly cleaned spectacles can strain your eyes, blur your vision, and even damage your lenses and frames over time. That’s why it’s important to learn how to clean your spectacles properly

• 5 steps to clean your glasses the right way
• What not to do when cleaning your glasses?
• Tips to maintain your frames
• Why is cleaning your glasses the right way important?
• Frequently Asked Questions

5 steps to clean your glasses the right way

Keeping your glasses clean is easy. Here are the steps you should follow to clean your frames.

Step 1: Wash & dry your hands

Before you touch your frames, you need to make sure your hands are clean. Wash your hands properly using soap and warm water to remove any dirt, oil and lotion. Dry your hands thoroughly using a lint-free towel. This prevents you from transferring any dirt on to your frames.

Step 2: Rinse your specs with lukewarm water

Hold your specs gently by the frames and rinse them using lukewarm water. This helps you in removing dust and debris that can scratch your lenses during cleaning. Do not use hot water, as it can damage any specialised lens coating.

Step 3: Apply a drop of lens cleaner to each side

Apply small drops of lens-safe cleaning solution to each lens. Do not use any household cleaners as they can damage the protective lens coatings.

Pro Tip: A glasses-specific cleaning solution is a good alternative

Step 4: Gently rub the lenses

Gently rub the lens cleaner onto both sides of the lenses with a cloth to remove smudges or fingerprints. While rubbing, pay special attention to nose pads, temple tips and the area where the lenses meet the frame. This helps you get rid of any stubborn smudges from your frames too.

Step 5: Dry with a microfibre cloth

Dry your frames and lenses completely using a clean, lint-free microfibre cloth. Do not use paper towels, tissues or clothes as they may cause micro-scratches on your lenses or frames.

What not to do when cleaning your glasses?

Cleaning your spectacles effectively is important, but there are certain habits that can harm your specs. So, being aware of all these mistakes is a good idea to protect your spectacles. Here are a few things you should be mindful of:

• Don’t use paper towels, napkins or tissues as materials may feel soft, but they can scratch lenses. Even tiny scratches can make it hard for you to see clearly.
• Don’t use household cleaners like window cleaner, washing-up liquid, vinegar or bleach. These cleaners can damage the specialised lens coatings. . They contain harsh chemicals that can easily damage the lenses of your frames.
• Don’t wipe your frames when they’re already dry. Always rinse them first to remove dust and grit. Wiping them in a dry state can cause tiny scratches that can build up over time.
• Don’t use hot water, as it can warp plastic frames or damage special coatings on your lenses. Stick to lukewarm water for the safest cleaning of your specs.
• Cleaning is not just about the lenses but frames also need cleaning. The nose pads and earpieces of the specs can collect dirt and oil. Hence, it’s important to clean all parts of your spectacles.

Overall, by avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll keep your spectacles looking great and help them last longer.

Tips to maintain your frames

Beyond knowing how to clean specs, there are simple habits you can adopt to keep your eyewear in the best shape:

1. Store your frames in a case

When you’re not wearing your specs, you should always store them in a hard-shell case. This way, you can protect them from dust, accidental drops and scratches.

2. Take the glasses off with both hands

Removing your specs with one hand can bend the frames over time. You should use both hands to keep the arms straight and maintain the fit of your spectacles.

3. Avoid placing glasses face down

Always set your specs down with the lenses facing up. Placing them lens-down on any surface can cause scratches on the lenses.

4. Regularly check screws and nose pads

Spectacles can loosen with daily wear. Every few weeks, check the screws and nose pads. If they’re loose, tighten them gently with a small screwdriver or visit your optician for an adjustment

5. Keep your specs away from extreme heat

Don’t leave your spectacles in hot places, such as a car dashboard on a sunny day. Keeping them in hot places can cause frames to warp and damage lens coatings.

Why is cleaning your glasses the right way important?

You might wonder why all these steps and precautions are necessary. Here are some important reasons why learning how to clean spectacles properly matters:

1. Clear vision and comfort

The main purpose of cleaning glasses lenses is to ensure you see clearly. Smudges, dust, and oil can blur your vision and cause you to squint or strain your eyes. Over time, this can lead to headaches and fatigue. By adopting a proper cleaning routine, you can rest assured of clear vision and comfort.

2. Saves you money

Prescription frames can be expensive depending on the frame and lens options. By cleaning your frames the right way, you are prolonging their life and saving yourself the cost and hassle of frequent replacements.

3. Protects your eye health

Dirty lenses can collect germs and bacteria, especially around the nose pads and earpieces. Regularly cleaning your spectacles can help you reduce the risk of skin irritation and eye infections.

4. Maintaining lens coatings

Nowadays, lenses often come with special coatings. It can be anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, blue light filtering or UV protection. Using the wrong cleaning method can strip these coatings, making your spectacles less effective and reducing their lifespan.

With the steps mentioned above, you can keep your frames sparkling clear, improve your comfort, and extend the life of your eyewear. Remember, the best way to clean spectacle is to be gentle and consistent and use the right materials. Whether you’re new to wearing specs or you’ve been a long-term wearer, these habits will make a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean eyeglasses?

Rinse your specs with lukewarm water, make sure to use a lens-safe cleaner and dry with a microfibre cloth.

Is it fine to wash your glasses with water?

Yes, lukewarm water is safe and can help you remove dust before cleaning. Do not use hot water to clean your spectacles.

Can you wash your glasses using shampoo?

No, you cannot use shampoo to clean or wash your spectacles as they contain chemicals that will damage your lens coatings.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.