The Right Way to Clean Glasses Without Scratches or Smudges

Eyeglass cleaning is one of those activities people believe is very simple, but because of this, they often make mistakes. For instance, people will use anything around them to clean their eyeglasses, from tissues to the edges of their shirts or even a paper towel, oblivious to the fact that these materials have been known to damage the lenses. The result is the creation of microscopic scratches on the lenses that become apparent over time. As explained by various resources such as All About Vision and Healthline, before cleaning the lenses, they should first be cleaned with lukewarm water to wash away any dirt or tiny particles on them. Not doing so leads to the dirt being rubbed all over the lenses as they are wiped. It may even harm the protective coatings on the lenses, which are more fragile than imagined.

The way you clean matters more than how often

It is a common misconception that frequent cleaning equates to proper maintenance, although how one cleans is infinitely more important than how frequently one does so. A tiny amount of mild dish soap, preferably without any lotion content, is suggested due to its effectiveness in breaking down oils from skin and everyday use, yet leaving no residue behind on the lens. Not all soaps are equal, and those with moisturizing additives can produce an invisible layer of film, thus attracting dust particles. Research conducted by LensDirect and Healthline highlights the importance of thoroughly rinsing the lenses after applying soap, as well as drying them with a clean microfiber cloth, which is specifically developed to prevent any abrasion to the surface. In contrast, household items such as glass cleaner spray, white vinegar, or ammonia-based solutions are incredibly harmful to the coating of eyeglasses, deteriorating their condition significantly more quickly than anticipated.

You might be overlooking some details that make a noticeable difference

Sometimes forgotten is the fact that lenses make up just half the problem. The frames, as well as nose pads, absorb oil, sweat, and grime through daily use. Without cleaning, the glasses can turn out uncomfortable or irritate the skin. A soft brush or a cotton swab, along with gentle soap, helps remove dirt from the hard-to-reach spots, including the frame edges. Storing the glasses is another important step that gets underestimated. Placing glasses face down on a surface or not storing them properly without their case increases the possibility of scratching higher despite thorough cleaning. There are alternative methods for home-made glasses cleaning, such as using distilled water and isopropyl alcohol. They, however, require extra attention as high concentrations may damage the coating. Overall, taking care of the glasses requires not a great effort but diligence in performing small actions.