You rely on your glasses every single day, but smudges and grime build up faster than you think. If you’ve ever wiped your lenses on your shirt or used a tissue, you’re not alone. The problem? Most people don’t realise they’re cleaning their glasses the wrong way.
Learning how to clean your glasses lenses properly can protect them from scratches and preserve lens coatings, while keeping your vision crystal clear. This guide will show you exactly how to clean glasses safely, whether you wear prescription glasses or sunglasses.
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.
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Habits That Keep Your Glasses Clean for Longer
Good habits can make a big difference in keeping your glasses clean and extending their lifespan.
Simple daily habits
- Store your glasses in a hard case when not in use
- Never place glasses face down
- Clean your glasses regularly, ideally once a day
- Wash your microfiber cloth frequently with mild soap (no fabric softener)
- Keep your glasses away from extreme heat
- Handle your glasses by the frame, not the lenses
It’s also a good idea to visit Vision Works every few months for a professional clean and a proper frame adjustment. While you’re there, it’s worth having your prescription checked too.
Keep Your Vision Clear with Vision Works
Caring for your glasses doesn’t take much time, but it makes a big difference. Clean lenses mean clearer vision and longer-lasting eyewear.
If you need the right cleaning products, new lenses, or expert advice, visit Vision Works. You can also explore our prescription glasses and sunglasses ranges, or book an eye test at a store near you in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, or Gqeberha.
Take care of your glasses, and they’ll take care of your vision.
