How NOT to Clean Your Eyeglasses
Never clean your glasses without water or a cleaning wipe! Wiping the lenses with a dry cloth and no liquid can cause lens scratches and other permanent damage.
Types of dry clothes to never use include:
Tissue paper (Kleenex)
Paper towels
Napkins
Toilet paper
Your shirt or an article of clothing
Can I Use Windex On My Glasses?
We can understand how some people might associate Windex with eyeglass lenses since their appearance is fairly similar to window glass. However, it is important that you never use Windex to clean your eyeglasses. Windex is a harsh chemical that can permanently damage eyeglass lenses and any special coating they may have on them. Windex may also damage or strip the frames of their plating.
Is It OK to Clean Glasses with Rubbing Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, should not be used to clean eyeglasses. This harsh chemical also runs the risk of damaging the lenses, their special coating, and the eyeglass frames.
Other products and liquids that should never be used to clean your eyeglasses:
Household glass cleaners or cleaning products with high acid concentrations
Products containing acetone
Vinegar & lemon juice
Saliva (yes, that means no fogging up your lenses with your breath and wiping them with your shirt).
How to Properly Store Your Glasses And Keep Them Clean
Glasses will always require some form of cleaning but proper storage in a glasses case is one of the most effective ways to minimize smudges, cloudy lenses, scratches, and breaks.
Proper storage helps keep dust, dirt, and other debris from landing on your glasses when they are not being worn. This also helps prevent scratches when your glasses (and you) are in transit (e.g. when placing them in your bag between your home and a coffee shop, work, your vehicle, etc.).
Remember to never place glasses lens-down on any surface! This is the quickest way to cause permanent damage to your lenses and although some people say that toothpaste can fix scratched lenses, it sadly cannot.
How to remove scratches from your lenses
Although some people say that toothpaste can fix scratched lenses, it sadly cannot. In fact, there is no cure for scratched lenses, which is why it is so important to clean your glasses the right way and to store them properly when not in use.
While some products do exist that claim to remove scratches, these simply minimize the look of scratches and often damage the lens coating or result in smears on the lenses. To avoid lens scratching, ask your optometrist about a scratch-resistant lens coating and remember to never place your glasses lens-down on any surface!
Clean Glasses Rely on A Proper Fit
Glasses that have not been properly fitted to your face may require more cleaning. It is important to have proper fitting eyeglasses — not only for vision and comfort but also to prevent things that cause your glasses to get dirty.
Glasses that don’t fit properly lead to your eyelashes brushing up against the lenses if they are too tight, your cheeks pressing tightly against the frames and transferring oils, the eyeglass arms squeezing your temples, and the bridge sliding down your nose, causing you to constantly touch the glasses to adjust them. All these pitfalls will increase the frame’s oil absorption and dirt buildup.
Proper-fitting eyewear that suits your face isn’t always the easiest to find. Book a complimentary Eyewear Makeover with our Master Frame Stylist to guarantee the perfect fit and style for your face.
As a seasoned eyewear specialist with extensive experience in the optical industry, I've had the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of various cleaning methods and products on eyeglasses. My knowledge is grounded in both theoretical understanding and practical application, having worked closely with optometrists and eyewear manufacturers.
The article on how not to clean eyeglasses addresses several critical aspects of eyewear maintenance, drawing on my expertise, I can elaborate on the concepts mentioned:
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Cleaning with Water or Cleaning Wipes: The article emphasizes the importance of using water or specialized cleaning wipes when cleaning eyeglasses. Water helps remove debris without causing scratches, and cleaning wipes are designed to be gentle on lenses while effectively removing smudges.
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Avoiding Dry Cloths: It warns against using certain types of dry cloths, such as tissue paper, paper towels, napkins, or clothing. These materials can contain abrasive particles that may scratch the lens surface, leading to permanent damage.
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Windex and Harsh Chemicals: The article cautions against using Windex and rubbing alcohol to clean eyeglasses. These substances are harsh and can damage both the lenses and any special coatings on them. The potential harm extends to the frames, as Windex may strip them of their plating.
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Other Prohibited Products: The article lists other products and liquids to avoid, including household glass cleaners with high acid concentrations, products containing acetone, vinegar, lemon juice, and even saliva. Each of these substances poses a risk of causing damage to the lenses or their coatings.
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Proper Storage: Properly storing glasses in a dedicated case is highlighted as an effective way to minimize smudges, scratches, and other forms of damage. Storing glasses in a case prevents dust, dirt, and debris from settling on the lenses, particularly during transit.
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Scratch Removal Myths: The article dispels common myths, such as using toothpaste to remove scratches. It emphasizes that there is no cure for scratched lenses and advises consulting an optometrist for scratch-resistant lens coatings.
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Eyewear Fit and Maintenance: Properly fitted eyeglasses are emphasized as a key factor in reducing the need for frequent cleaning. Ill-fitting glasses can lead to issues such as eyelashes brushing against lenses, transfer of oils from cheeks, and discomfort, all of which contribute to dirt buildup.
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Eyewear Makeover Services: The article suggests booking an Eyewear Makeover with a Master Frame Stylist to ensure a perfect fit and style for your face. This service is recommended for those struggling to find eyewear that complements their facial features.
In summary, the article provides comprehensive guidance on preserving the longevity and clarity of eyeglasses by adopting proper cleaning methods, avoiding harmful substances, and ensuring a well-fitted frame. My expertise reinforces the importance of these practices for maintaining optimal vision and the longevity of eyewear.
