Glass surfaces and items demand extra care and protection. The same applies to eyeglasses or spectacles, which get scratched and smudged regularly. Therefore, it is necessary to repair glass scratches and thoroughly clean your eyeglasses to maintain crystal-clear vision for optimal eye health and a prolonged lifespan of your glasses. Knowing how to clean eyeglasses properly involves a few simple steps and using the right materials. In this article, you will learn how to clean your eyeglasses using the right materials and their best alternatives.
Gather Supplies To Clean Eye glasses
Gathering the materials beforehand is necessary for a smooth experience before starting the process of cleaning your glasses.
Gentle Dish Soap
Choose a dish soap that isn’t scented or has moisturizers added to clean eye glasses.
Microfiber Cloth
A lint-free, clean microfiber cloth is a vital element in cleaning eye glasses lens.
Lukewarm Water
Ensure you have lukewarm (not hot) running water from the tap.
Step 1
Wash Your Hands Before You Clean Eye Glasses
Always wash your hands well before handling your glasses. Make sure to remove any dirt, grease, or debris by washing with soap and water. This stops dirt from getting onto your lens covers while being cleaned.
Step 2
Rinse Your Glasses
Place your spectacles under a soft stream of warm water. This aids in clearing out debris and dust that can harm your lenses. Make sure you give your glasses a thorough rinse to clean eye glasses and remove any debris.
Step 3
Apply Dishwashing Liquid
Clean eye glasses by applying a small drop of lotion-free dishwashing liquid to each lens. To protect the lens coatings, avoid using soaps that contain harsh chemicals or lotions. Using your fingertips, gently massage the nose pads, lenses, and the entire frame.
Step 4
Rinse Your Glasses Again
Remove any remaining dishwashing liquid residue by giving the glasses a good rinse in lukewarm water. Ensure no soap residue is left, which can cause streaks or smudges.
Step 5
Dry Your Glasses
Use a clean microfiber cloth to dry your glasses. Avoid using paper towels, fabric softener-treated cloths, or tissues, as they can scratch the lenses or leave lint behind. Microfiber cloths are made especially to clean delicate surfaces without scratching them.
Look for smudges on your glasses. If any are visible, remove them with a microfiber cloth and an eyeglass cleaner spray and clean your eye glasses.
Extra Cleaning Advice for Eyeglasses
Extreme Temperatures
Avoid leaving your glasses in hot or direct sunshine, as these conditions can deform the frames.
Harmful Substances
Never clean your eyeglasses with household cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or glass cleaners. These substances can break down the lens coatings and damage the frame.
Use Proper Cleaning Cloths
Purchase a premium cleaning cloth made especially to clean eye glasses and spectacles. A clean microfiber cloth is ideal for this purpose. Do not use cloths treated with fabric softener to avoid leaving a residue on the lenses.
Regular Maintenance
Check your lenses and frame regularly for wear signs such as loose screws. With a little eyeglass repair kit, tighten any loose screws. If you’re unsure about any repairs, consult an eye care professional.
Nose Pads and Frames
Keep the frames and nose pads clean. Gently scrub the nose pads with a soft toothbrush dipped in a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water. This helps eliminate dirt and oils that build up over time.
Store Properly
When not in use, always keep your glasses in a case. This protects them from dust, scratches, and accidental damage. Make sure your case is spotless to prevent smears on your glasses.
Consult an Eye Doctor
An eye care professional can provide tailored advice on how to clean eye glasses and ensure they provide the best possible vision correction.
Use Approved Eyeglass Cleaners
When in doubt, use glasses cleaners recommended by your eye care specialist. These products are formulated to clean without damaging the lenses.
Can I use alcohol to clean my glasses?
Using alcohol to clean your glasses is generally not recommended, especially if your lenses have special coatings.
- Many types of eyeglass lenses are coated with special materials, such as UV protection, anti-reflective, or scratch-resistant coatings. Alcohol can degrade these coatings over time, causing them to peel or become less effective.
- Plastic frames, in particular, are susceptible to damage from alcohol. It can result in brittleness, discoloration, or damage to the frame.
Conclusion
By following these steps and tips, you can thoroughly clean your eyeglasses and ensure that they remain in the best condition. This will give you crystal-clear vision and prolong the life of your eyewear. Proper maintenance and cleaning are simple but crucial aspects of caring for your eyeglasses, so make them a regular part of your routine.