The Best Guide on How to Clean Eye Glasses Effectively

If you wear glasses, you know the frustration of looking through smudged or dirty lenses. Those annoying fingerprints, dust particles, and oily residues don’t just affect how well you see. They can lead to eye strain, headaches, and even skin irritation. Plus, did you know that unwashed glasses can become a breeding ground for bacteria? A 2018 study confirmed that potentially harmful bacteria, including those that cause staph infections, can thrive on eyeglasses, especially on nose pads and ear clips. Read on to learn How to Clean Eye Glasses.

Proper eyeglass cleaning isn’t just about clear vision. It’s about protecting your health and extending the life of your valuable eyewear investment. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to clean eyeglasses properly, from daily maintenance to addressing special situations.

Why Proper Eyeglass Cleaning Matters

Your eyeglasses are probably one of your most-used possessions. They sit on your face for hours every day, exposed to oils from your skin, environmental dust, makeup, hairspray, and countless other substances. Beyond the obvious visual impairment caused by smudges and dirt, neglecting proper eyeglass care can have several consequences:

• Reduced clarity and visual distortion: Even minor smudges can scatter light and distort your vision, making it harder to focus and potentially causing eye strain.
• Bacterial growth: Glasses that touch your face regularly can harbor bacteria that may lead to skin irritation or infections.
• Premature wear and damage: Improper cleaning techniques can scratch lenses, damage special coatings, and wear down frame materials faster.
• Financial impact: Replacing damaged glasses before their time is an unnecessary expense that proper cleaning can help avoid.

For most people who wear glasses, a quick daily cleaning and a more thorough weekly cleaning are ideal for maintaining optimal vision and hygiene.

Essential Supplies for Proper Eyeglass Cleaning

Before diving into cleaning techniques, let’s make sure you have the right tools for the job. Using improper materials is a common cause of lens damage, so take note of what you should and shouldn’t use:

Recommended Cleaning Supplies:

• Microfiber cleaning cloths: These specially designed cloths trap dust and oils without scratching. They’re the gold standard for lens care.
• Lotion-free dishwashing liquid: A mild, lotion-free soap is perfect for removing oils and dirt without leaving residue.
• Eyeglass cleaning spray: Formulated specifically for lenses, these sprays are safe for most lens coatings (check that they’re approved for any anti-reflective coating).
• Lint-free towels: For drying frames and lenses without leaving particles behind.
• Running water: Preferably lukewarm or cool.
• Eyeglass case: For proper storage when not wearing your glasses.

What to Avoid:

• Paper products: Paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper can scratch your lenses.
• Clothing: Your shirt or sleeve might feel soft, but the fabric can contain dust particles that scratch lenses.
• Household cleaners: Glass cleaners, surface cleaners, and products containing ammonia or acetone can damage lens coatings.
• Hot water: Excessive heat can damage some lens coatings.
• Saliva: Though tempting in a pinch, your saliva isn’t effective for cleaning and can transfer bacteria to your glasses.

Step-by-Step Daily Cleaning Process

Here’s how to clean your glasses properly for daily maintenance:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with lotion-free soap and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel.
2. Rinse your glasses under lukewarm water. This gentle stream of water helps remove dust or particles that could scratch your lenses during cleaning. If you live in an area with hard water, consider using distilled water instead to prevent mineral deposits.
3. Apply a small drop of lotion-free dishwashing liquid to each lens. Remember that these soaps are concentrated—you only need a tiny amount! Some people prefer to put the drop on their fingertips first rather than directly on the lens.
4. Gently rub both sides of the lenses and all parts of the frame with your fingertips. Pay special attention to the area where the edge of the lenses meets the frame, as debris and oils often accumulate here. Don’t forget the nose pads and temples that come in contact with your skin.
5. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap. Any remaining soap will cause smearing when you dry the lenses.
6. Gently shake your glasses to remove excess water.
7. Carefully dry the lenses and frame with a clean, lint-free towel or microfiber cloth. Avoid towels that have been washed with fabric softener or used with dryer sheets, as these substances can leave a film on your lenses.
8. Inspect your glasses by holding them up to the light. If any smudges remain, use a clean microfiber cloth to gently remove them.

For quick touch-ups throughout the day, keep a microfiber cloth or disposable lens cleaning wipes handy. Just make sure to blow off any dust or debris before wiping to avoid scratches.

Deep Cleaning Your Eyeglasses: A Weekly Routine

Once a week, give your glasses a more thorough cleaning with these additional steps:

1. Clean the nose pads thoroughly: These are often the grimiest parts of your glasses as they’re in constant contact with your skin. Use a cotton swab lightly moistened with water to clean around and between the nose pads. For plastic frames with integrated nose pads, make sure to clean the crevices where oils can accumulate.
2. Address the hinges and small parts: Use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to gently clean around screws and hinges where debris can get trapped. Be gentle to avoid loosening any components.
3. Clean the temples: The parts that rest over your ears can accumulate oils and even dead skin cells. Give them extra attention during your weekly cleaning.
4. Sanitize the nose pads and ear pieces: After cleaning, you can use a moist towelette with rubbing alcohol specifically on these areas (not on the lenses or coated parts of the frame). This helps reduce bacterial buildup in areas that touch your skin.
5. Check for loose screws or parts: While cleaning, it’s a good opportunity to ensure everything is tight and functioning correctly.

Special Considerations for Different Lens Materials and Coatings

Not all glasses are created equal, and yours might require special care depending on the materials and coatings:

Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating

Many modern lenses feature anti-reflective (AR) coatings to reduce glare and enhance vision, especially in low-light conditions. Because this coating is delicate, it’s important to use only cleaning solutions approved for AR coatings, avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, and handle your glasses with extra care during cleaning.

Polycarbonate and High-Index Lenses

Thinner, lighter lenses are more susceptible to scratches, so it’s important to rinse away any particles before wiping, use only recommended cleaning solutions, and consider choosing lenses with scratch-resistant coatings when purchasing.

Photochromic Lenses

Lenses that darken in sunlight require the same care as regular lenses but tend to show smudges more visibly when darkened. To maintain clarity, clean them regularly and avoid exposing them to extreme heat, which can impact their performance.

Blue Light Blocking Lenses

Clean these just like regular glasses, using microfiber cloths and approved cleaning solutions. Be sure to rinse off any dust or debris beforehand to prevent scratching, and gently wipe the surface to maintain clarity and coating integrity.

Proper Eyeglass Storage

How you store your glasses when you’re not wearing them is just as important as how you clean them:

• Use a hard case: When not wearing your glasses, store them in a sturdy case to protect them from dust and potential damage.
• Place the lens side up: If you don’t have a case, place your glasses upside down with the temples open on a clean, stable surface, ensuring the lenses don’t touch the surface.
• Never place glasses lens-down: This can scratch or smudge the lenses, undoing all your careful cleaning.
• Keep them away from heat: Don’t leave glasses on a dashboard, near a heater, or in other high-temperature locations, as heat can warp frames and damage coatings.
• Avoid bathroom storage: The humidity and cosmetic products in bathrooms can create a film on lenses and potentially damage coatings over time.

Hard Water Considerations

If you live in an area with hard water, you may notice a white film or spots on your lenses after cleaning. Hard water contains minerals that can leave deposits on your glasses. To prevent this, use distilled water for rinsing, add a drop of white vinegar to the rinse water (avoid on coated lenses), and dry lenses thoroughly right after rinsing. A home water softener can also help if the issue is ongoing.

When to Seek Professional Cleaning

Sometimes, your glasses need more care than you can provide at home. If there’s stubborn buildup, yellowed nose pads, signs of coating damage like peeling or rainbow effects, or if the frames need adjustment, it’s time for professional help. If you own an ultrasonic cleaning device, use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions for a deeper clean. Many eyeglass retailers offer complimentary cleaning services, especially if you purchased your glasses from them, so consider getting a professional cleaning every 6 to 12 months.

Troubleshooting Common Cleaning Issues

Persistent Smudges

If smudges won’t come off with normal cleaning, make sure you’re using enough water when rinsing, try a different cleaning solution that’s approved for your lens type, and check to see if the mark is actually a scratch, as scratches can’t be cleaned away.

Scratched Lenses

Unfortunately, once lenses are scratched, they can’t be repaired. Products that claim to “fix” scratches usually just fill them temporarily with a waxy substance. For scratches that affect vision, replacement is often the best solution. Prevention is key: always rinse lenses before wiping, use only approved cleaning cloths and solutions, and consider scratch-resistant coatings when purchasing new glasses.

Yellow Nose Pads

Over time, clear nose pads can be yellow due to skin oils, cosmetics, and environmental factors. To keep them clean, regularly wipe the pads with rubbing alcohol and, if discoloration persists, ask your optician about replacing them.

Conclusion: How to Clean Eye Glasses

Taking proper care of your eyeglasses isn’t just about keeping your lenses smudge-free—it’s a simple but powerful way to protect your eye health and get the most out of your eyewear investment. By using the right cleaning supplies, rinsing before wiping, cleaning regularly but gently, and storing your glasses properly, you’ll preserve their condition and enjoy consistently clear vision every day.

For expert guidance, professional eyeglass care, comprehensive eye exams, and a curated selection of quality frames and lenses, trust the team at Speksy. We’re here to help you see clearly, feel confident, and keep your eyewear performing its best, today and in the years to come. Contact us today to get started.

FAQs: How to Clean Eye Glasses

What is the best way to clean eyeglasses?

The best way to clean glasses is to rinse them under warm water to dislodge any debris trapped on the lenses. Apply a drop of mild soap, preferably lotion-free dishwashing liquid, then gently clean the lens surface and glass frames using your fingertips. Rinse thoroughly with cold water, keeping the lenses facing downward, and dry with a clean microfiber cloth or lint-free towel to maintain clarity.

How can I clean my eyelenses at home?

To properly clean your eyeglasses at home, rinse them under lukewarm water, apply a small amount of dish soap, and gently rub all surfaces. After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a microfiber cloth. For convenience, you can also use a dedicated glasses cleaner that’s safe for your eyeglass lenses.

How to clean eyeglasses that are cloudy?

If your glasses look cloudy, first check whether it’s due to coating damage or mineral deposits. For general cloudiness, clean with mild soap and warm water, rinse well, and dry with a microfiber cloth. If cloudiness persists and you’re in a hard water area, try rinsing with distilled water instead to keep your lenses crystal clear.

Can I use alcohol to clean my eyeglasses?

You should not use alcohol to clean anti-reflective lenses, as it can degrade the coating over time. However, alcohol may be used carefully on parts like nose pads or earpieces, as long as it doesn’t come into contact with the lens itself.