With great eyewear comes great responsibility — the responsibility to keep them clean and well-maintained. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for cleaning your prescription glasses, ensuring they stay sparkling and functional for years to come.

The Six Steps to clean Glasses

Step 1: Rinse With Lukewarm Water Begin by rinsing your glasses under lukewarm water. This helps to remove any surface dirt and dust, making the cleaning process smoother.

Step 2: Apply Mild Soap Using a gentle hand soap or dish detergent, apply a small amount to both sides of your lenses. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage lens coatings.

Step 3: Clean Gently With the soap applied, use your fingertips to gently rub both sides of the lenses and the frame. Pay particular attention to areas that come into contact with your skin, as they tend to accumulate oils and dirt.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly Once you’ve cleaned your glasses, rinse them thoroughly under lukewarm water to remove any soap residue. Make sure all traces of soap are gone to prevent smudges later on.

Step 5: Shake Off Excess Water Give your glasses a gentle shake to remove excess water. Avoid using towels or tissues at this stage to prevent lint or scratches.

Step 6: Dry With a Microfiber Cloth Finally, use a clean, microfiber cloth to gently dry your glasses. Microfiber is ideal for this purpose as it’s soft and lint-free, ensuring a streak-free finish.

Cleaning Glasses On-the-Go

Step 1: Wipe Lenses When you’re out and about, keeping your glasses clean can be a challenge. To quickly freshen them up, use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe both sides of the lenses.

Step 2: Clean Frame Next, focus on cleaning the frame, paying special attention to areas that meet your skin. Be sure to remove any oils or residue that may have accumulated.

Step 3: Address Nose Pads Finally, clean the nose pads thoroughly to ensure they remain free from dirt and oil buildup. This step is crucial for maintaining a comfortable fit and clear vision.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Glasses

1. Avoid Harsh Materials Steer clear of abrasive materials such as paper towels or clothing when cleaning your glasses. These can scratch the lenses and damage the frame.
2. Say No to Chemical Cleaners Avoid using household cleaners like Windex or bleach on your glasses, as they can strip away lens coatings and damage the frame.
3. Skip the Hot Water While lukewarm water is ideal for cleaning glasses, avoid using hot water, as it can warp or damage certain frame materials.

Protecting Your Glasses When Not in Use

1. Use a Protective Case When you’re not wearing your glasses, store them in a sturdy protective case to prevent scratches, bends, or other damage.
2. Consider a Glasses Stand If you have multiple pairs of glasses, investing in a glasses stand can help keep them organized and easily accessible.
3. Use a Glasses Strap For added security when you’re on the move, consider using a glasses strap to keep your glasses securely around your neck.

FAQs About Cleaning Glasses

Q: Can I use hand soap to clean my glasses? A: Yes, mild hand soap is safe and effective for cleaning glasses. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

Q: How often should I clean my glasses? A: Ideally, you should clean your glasses daily to prevent the buildup of dirt, oil, and debris.

Q: Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my glasses? A: Rubbing alcohol is not recommended for cleaning glasses, as it can damage lens coatings and certain frame materials.

Q: What’s the best way to dry my glasses? A: Use a clean, microfiber cloth to gently dry your glasses, ensuring a streak-free finish without risking scratches.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to keep your glasses clean, clear, and comfortable, no matter where life takes you. Happy cleaning!