The best way to clean your eyeglasses is to start by rinsing them under water. Next, use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the lenses, and then apply a suitable cleaning solution or a drop of dish soap. If you used soap, make sure to rinse the lenses thoroughly.
Dirty lenses can be a real hassle, causing vision problems like eye strain and headaches. Additionally, glasses that aren’t cleaned regularly can become breeding grounds for bacteria, which is a concern for your health.
Dr. Jonathan Wolfe, an optometrist, advises incorporating a quick clean of your glasses into your daily routine. He suggests a light daily cleaning of the lenses and a more thorough weekly cleaning of the frames.
Research has shown that harmful bacteria, including those that cause staph infections, can thrive on glasses, particularly around the nose pads and earpieces.
Read on to learn how to clean your glasses properly and maintain their hygiene.
How to Clean Glasses Lenses
Keeping your glasses clean is essential for clear vision and preventing scratches. Here’s a simple and effective routine for cleaning your lenses:
Supplies:
Microfiber Cloth: The safest tool for cleaning without scratches.
Cleaning Solution: Use a spray designed for glasses or lotion-free dish soap.
Instructions:
- Wash Your Hands: Start with clean hands to avoid transferring dirt or oils to your glasses.
- Rinse with Warm Water: Run your glasses under warm water to remove dust and debris. If you have hard water, use distilled water instead.
- Wipe with Microfiber Cloth: Gently wipe your lenses to remove surface moisture.
- Apply Cleaning Solution: Spray both sides of your lenses with a glasses cleaner, or use a drop of dish soap to gently rub the lenses. Rinse off the soap if used.
- Dry Properly: Shake off excess water or use canned air to avoid streaks.
This quick process should take under 20 seconds and will leave your lenses clear and scratch-free!
How to Clean Glasses Frames
Cleaning your glasses frames is just as important as cleaning the lenses. Frames can collect sweat, oils, and dirt, especially in areas like the nose pads and hinges. Here’s how to keep them clean:
Instructions:
- Rinse with Warm Water: Start by running your frames under warm water to remove surface debris and oils.
- Apply Mild Soap: Use your fingertips to gently apply a mild, lotion-free dish soap to the frames, paying special attention to areas that touch your skin, like the nose pads and earpieces.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the frames well under warm water to remove all soap residue.
- Clean Nose Pads and Earpieces: Use a moist towelette with rubbing alcohol to clean the nose pads and earpieces thoroughly. This step is crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing skin issues.
By regularly cleaning your frames, you’ll keep them hygienic and ensure they stay comfortable against your skin.
What Can Hurt Your Glasses
When cleaning your eyeglasses, certain common mistakes can damage them and reduce their clarity over time. Here are key things to avoid:
Avoid These Materials
Using paper towels, tissues, or the fabric of your shirt to clean your glasses may seem convenient, but it can actually damage your lenses. Dr. Wolfe advises sticking to soft lens cloths, like the ones that come with your glasses.
“Commonly, people use tissues or paper towels for cleaning, but these are too rough and can create tiny scratches on your lenses,” Dr. Wolfe explains. “Over time, these scratches can make your lenses less clear.”
Avoid Using Acetone Products
It’s important not to use nail polish remover or other products containing acetone on your glasses. Acetone can damage both your lenses and plastic frames if left on them. “Acetone, commonly found in nail polish remover, can seriously harm lenses and frames,” warns Dr. Wolfe.
Avoid Using Saliva to Clean Lenses
Using your saliva to clean smudges off your glasses might seem like a quick fix, but it’s not effective. Saliva introduces germs from your mouth onto the lenses, which can lead to more germs and potentially worsen the smudge. Instead, stick to proper cleaning solutions and tools to ensure your lenses stay clear and hygienic.
When to have your glasses professionally cleaned
Eye doctors and eyeglass stores offer professional cleaning services for your glasses. Many stores will even clean them for free if you bring them back to where you bought them.
If your glasses have a stubborn oily film around the nose pads or ear areas that won’t come off with regular cleaning, or if you’re getting skin irritation or breakouts where your glasses rest, it might be time for a professional cleaning.
It’s a good idea to ask for a cleaning whenever you have your glasses adjusted or during your yearly eye check-up. If you need help finding an eye specialist nearby, the National Eye Institute provides helpful resources to get you started.
The Best Way to Store Glasses
Tossing your glasses into a bag or leaving them unprotected on a nightstand is a quick way to get scratches or smudges. Properly storing your eyeglasses is just as important as cleaning them to keep them in good condition.
When you’re out and about, always keep your glasses in a hinged, hard-shell case. You can find these cases at most drugstores or the optical store where you purchased your glasses.
If a hard-shell case isn’t available, a soft, pocket-style case can work, as long as you securely place your glasses in a zippered pocket in your bag or suitcase.
At night, it’s best to store your glasses in a case. If that’s not possible, place them on a clean, stable surface with the lenses facing up. Open the arms of the glasses and rest them upside down to avoid damage.
Key Point
Incorporating regular cleaning of your eyeglasses into your daily routine is essential. It not only enhances your vision but also helps prevent eye infections and skin issues like blackheads and acne.