Cleaning & Protecting Your Glasses

In this post, our Markham optometrists offer additional tips on protecting your glasses including how to clean glasses’ lens. We also discuss what NOT to use when cleaning your glasses.

We wear our glasses a lot so it is understandable how dirty they can sometimes get. See our post entitled, Tips on How to Clean Prescription Glasses for a more detailed discussion on how to clean glasses properly.

How to Clean Glasses Lens – What Not to Do

Try not to clean glasses with anything but mild dish soap, lukewarm water, and a microfiber lens cleaning cloth.
Although it may be tempting to quickly clean a smudged lens with the corner of your shirt, a tissue, or a paper towel, don’t do it. This can lead to further smudges, streaks, and even scratches. To prevent damage to the lenses, always clean your glasses with mild dish soap and lukewarm water. It’s best to dry them with a microfiber lens cloth.

Avoid using any household cleaning products.
Do not use any cleaning products other than mild dish soap for cleaning eyeglasses (do not use Windex, bleach, or vinegar). These harsh cleaning products can prematurely dissolve and strip down the protective coating on your eyewear frames. (Note: Spit/saliva also has enzymes that eat away at the protective coating.)

Do not use a scratch removal product.
If you notice a scratch on your eyeglass lens, avoid using scratch removal products. These are typically just waxy substances that can smear your prescription lenses and damage the anti-reflective coating.

Do not use hot running water to clean your glasses.
Use only lukewarm water. Avoid running your glasses under hot water as this can affect the longevity of any protective coatings on your eyeglass lenses.

Avoid perfumes and cosmetics.
Protecting your eyeglasses from overspray when applying cosmetics like hairsprays, perfumes, and powders is also important.

Protecting Your Glasses

Protect the glass lenses.
To avoid damaging the glass lenses, never put your glasses down on a table or counter with the lens side down.

Thoroughly clean the eyeglass frames.
Using mild dish soap and lukewarm water, be sure to carefully clean the bridge and nosepiece of the eyewear frames, as this is where a lot of your skin’s oils can build up. Healthline also has a great article with additional tips on How to Clean Glasses.

Safely store your eyeglasses – use a case when they are not on your face.
Always store your eyeglasses in a protective eyeglass case when not you are not using them. This helps to prevent unnecessary lens scratches and/or damage to the eyewear frames.

Click here for tips on How to Pick Eyewear Frames.

About Unionville Optometry

Our first priority is to protect your vision. Using state-of-the-art vision technology, Unionville Optometry has been serving the people of Markham Ontario for over three decades.

From professional eye exams and laser vision consulting to designer eyewear frames and prescription sunglasses, we offer a full range of eye care services.

Please call us at 905-477-4488 or send us an email if you still have questions about protecting your glasses and how to clean glasses lens.