The Correct Way to Clean Your Glasses Lenses

If you want a streak-free finish and long-lasting lenses, follow this simple step-by-step method.

Step-by-step: How to clean your glasses lenses

1. Wash your hands first Use lotion-free soap and dry your hands with a lint-free towel. This prevents transferring oils onto your lenses.

2. Rinse your glasses under lukewarm water Hold your glasses under a gentle stream of water to remove dust and debris from the lens surface. This step is crucial, rubbing dry particles across lenses can cause scratches.

3. Apply a drop of lotion-free dish soap Use a small amount on each lens.

4. Gently rub the lenses and frames Use clean fingertips to gently rub both sides of each lens, including around the frames.

5. Rinse thoroughly Make sure all soap is removed. Avoid hot water, as it can damage lens coatings.

6. Gently shake off excess water This reduces the need for heavy wiping.

7. Dry with a clean microfiber cloth Use gentle circular motions for a streak-free finish. Hold the lenses up to the light to check for any remaining smudges.

What You Should Never Use on Your Glasses

Many everyday items can damage your lenses without you even realising it. Avoid these common mistakes when you clean glasses:

• Paper towels or tissues: These contain wood fibres that scratch your lenses.
• Your T-shirt or clothing: Fabric traps dust and grit, which can damage the lens surface.
• Household cleaners: Harsh chemicals can strip special coatings, including anti-reflective coatings.
• Hot water: It can warp frames and degrade lens coatings over time.
• Fabric softener or dryer sheets on cloths: These leave residue that causes smearing.
• Rubbing alcohol directly on lenses: This can damage coatings (only safe for cleaning nose pads).
• Breathing on your lenses and wiping: This spreads oils instead of properly cleaning.

If your lenses are already scratched, unfortunately, they can’t be repaired at home. It’s best to visit Vision Works for advice on replacement lenses or upgrades.

Don’t Forget the Frames and Nose Pads

Cleaning your lenses is only part of proper eyewear care. Your glasses frames and nose pads collect oils and bacteria throughout the day.

How to clean your frames

• Use lukewarm water and mild soap
• Gently wipe with a soft cloth
• Hold your glasses by the frame to avoid bending

How to clean nose pads

• Use a cotton swab or soft toothbrush
• Clean with warm soapy water
• Focus on areas in contact with your skin

Extra tips

• Use a soft toothbrush to clean hinges and edges
• Never place your glasses face down, this scratches the lenses
• Always remove dust before wiping

A full clean keeps both your lenses and frames in good shape.

How to Clean Sunglasses Properly

Sunglasses need just as much care as prescription glasses, especially those with polarised or UV-protective lens coatings.

Follow the same cleaning method:

• Rinse with lukewarm water
• Use a drop of lotion-free soap
• Dry with a clean microfiber cloth

Sunglasses-specific tips

• Always rinse first to remove sand or grit (especially after the beach)
• Avoid leaving sunglasses in a hot car, heat damages frames and lenses
• Store them in a hard case when not in use
• Use an alcohol-free lens cleaner for quick cleaning

If you wear prescription sunglasses, proper care is even more important, as damaged coatings can affect both clarity and UV protection. The World Health Organization highlights that prolonged UV exposure can damage the eyes, so keeping your sunglasses in top condition is about more than just appearance.