Want to know the best way to clean your glasses?

Your glasses do a lot; from helping you to see the world more clearly to conveying your personal style. To keep them looking their best and ensure you get the most from your glasses, it’s important to know the proper way to clean and take care of them.

In this guide, you’ll find the best way to clean your glasses to maintain their optimal function and keep them looking great!

What you’ll need:

1. Water
2. Neutral hand soap
3. Lens cleaning spray
4. Microfibre cloth or lens cloth
5. Compressed air blower (optional)

How to clean your glasses

Wash Your Hands:

Before touching your glasses, wash your hands thoroughly with neutral soap and water to prevent oils and dirt from transferring from your fingers to the glasses.

 

Use a Lens Cleaning Solution or Neutral Hand Soap:

Apply a lens cleaner or mild hand soap onto both sides of the lenses. You can purchase specialised lens cleaning spray from all Opticare Optician branches, and the bottle can be refilled in-store for just £1!

If you choose to use a neutral hand soap, make sure to rinse your glasses with lukewarm water before applying the soap to the lenses. Hold your glasses under the stream of lukewarm water to remove any debris – avoid using hot water, as it can damage the lenses.

Avoid using dish soap or household cleaners, as they often contain harsh chemicals that can damage the coating on your lenses.

 

Use Your Fingers or a Cloth to Clean Your Glasses:

If you’re using a neutral hand soap to clean your glasses, use your fingers to gently rub the soap onto the lenses and frames. If using a lens cleaner, spray the product directly onto the lenses and wipe gently with a microfibre cloth. Pay extra attention to the edges and nose pads where oils and dirt often accumulate. Be careful not to use too much pressure during this step as you could risk scratching the lenses.

 

Rinse Soap Residue Off Glasses:

If you use soap to clean your glasses, rinse them again under lukewarm water to ensure no residue is left behind. Then hold your glasses upside down and gently shake to get rid of any excess water. If you use a lens spray, you won’t need to rinse your glasses.

 

Air Dry Your Glasses or Use a Microfibre Cloth:

You can either let your glasses air dry or use a clean microfibre cloth to gently pat them dry. Microfibre cloths are designed to be gentle on lenses and effective in removing any remaining water spots or streaks. Avoid using a towel, tissues or clothing at this stage, as these materials may introduce fibres or tiny scratches.

 

Inspect Your Glasses and Repeat Cleaning if Necessary:

Examine your glasses for any remaining smudges or spots and repeat the cleaning process if needed. A lens-cleaning wipe or spray may be a more effective for stubborn areas.

 

Optional: Use a Compressed Air Blower

If your glasses have intricate frames or hard-to-reach areas, try a compressed air blower to remove dust and debris.

 

Store Your Glasses Properly:

When not using your glasses, store them in a protective case to prevent scratches, build up of dust and exposure to the environment. Avoid placing them face down on any surface, as this is one of the most common causes of scratched lenses.

 

What to Avoid When Cleaning Glasses

• Hot water, which can damage lenses.
• Dish soap and household cleaners, as some contain chemicals that are too harsh for lens coatings.
• Excessive pressure that could damage or scratch lenses.
• Towels, tissues or clothing that could introduce fibres or small scratches to the lenses.

Everyday Habits to Protect Your Glasses

Cleaning is only part of the picture — how you handle your glasses day to day makes just as much difference to how long they last.

Remove Them with Both Hands

When taking off or putting on your glasses, always use both hands. Using just one hand and pulling them off in one direction can cause the screws to loosen over time, stretch the frames, and cause your glasses to sit crooked on your face.

 

Don’t Wear Them on Top of Your Head

This is a quick way to cause the arms of your glasses to stretch so they no longer fit your face correctly. Either place them face up on a surface or return them to their protective case.

 

Don’t Let Others Wear Them

It’s tempting to let a friend try on your glasses, but this is another quick way of causing your glasses to stretch and become loose on your face, since they’re fitted to you.

 

Get Them Adjusted Properly

If you find that your glasses are digging into your face or are uncomfortable in any way, return to your optician to have them adjusted. If the arms feel loose, the screws may just need tightening — don’t suffer with poorly fitting glasses.

 

Protect Them from Heat and Chemicals

Extreme heat can warp frames and damage lens coatings, so avoid leaving your glasses in a hot car, near radiators or in direct sunlight for long periods. Household cleaning products, hairspray and perfume can also harm your lenses, so try to keep your glasses away from these chemicals.

 

Enjoy your clean glasses and clear vision

A little care goes a long way in preserving the quality and performance of your glasses. Following this simple cleaning routine, building good everyday habits, and using the right tools will enhance your vision and extend the longevity of your eyewear, keeping your eyes and wallet happy!

To find an Opticare Opticians near you, click the link below.

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