Looking through dirty glasses is super annoying. Whether you wear regular glasses or sunglasses, keeping them clean isn't just about making them look nice – it's about seeing clearly and taking care of your eyewear. While many of us just grab our shirt or a tissue to wipe our lenses, there's actually a better way to clean glasses that will keep them looking great and prevent scratches.
According to Dr. Andrea Thau of the American Optometric Association, "Using materials like tissues, paper towels, or clothing to clean your lenses can actually cause tiny scratches that build up over time and damage the lens coating."
This simple statement helps us understand why it's so important to clean our glasses the right way, even though we might be tempted to take shortcuts. With good cleaning habits, your glasses will stay clear and last much longer.
Clear Vision Starts Here

When it comes to maintaining crystal-clear vision, keeping your glasses clean isn't just a matter of comfort – it's essential for protecting your investment and your eyesight.
We'll show you how to properly clean your lenses using a microfiber cloth, mild soap, and water.
With the right cleaning solution and glasses cleaner, plus storage in a hard case, we'll help preserve your eyewear's clarity and longevity.
Let's look at the essential dos and don'ts of keeping our glasses crystal clear and well-maintained.
We'll guide you through the most effective cleaning methods, from proper techniques using lukewarm water and mild soap to common mistakes you'll want to avoid.
Our goal is to help you maintain perfect visibility while extending the life of your eyewear through proven cleaning practices that protect both lenses and frames.
Things to Do When Cleaning Glasses
Keeping your glasses clean is essential for ideal vision and maintaining the longevity of your eyewear. Proper cleaning involves a systematic approach that protects your lenses from damage while ensuring crystal-clear visibility. Following the correct cleaning steps helps prevent scratches, removes oils and debris effectively, and maintains the overall quality of both frames and lenses.
- Hand washing – Use lotion-free soap to clean hands thoroughly before handling glasses
- Initial rinse – Run lukewarm water over lenses to remove loose particles
- Soap application – Apply a small drop of mild dishwashing liquid to each lens
- Gentle cleaning – Use fingertips to carefully clean lenses without applying pressure
- Thorough rinse – Remove all soap residue with clean lukewarm water
- Proper drying – Use a clean microfiber cloth to dry lenses and frames completely
- Frame maintenance – Clean frames and nose pads with mild soap solution
- Cloth care – Regularly wash microfiber cloth to maintain its cleaning effectiveness
Things to Avoid When Cleaning Glasses
Maintaining clean eyeglasses is essential for ideal vision and lens longevity, but using improper cleaning methods can cause permanent damage to both lenses and frames.
While it may be tempting to use readily available materials or quick solutions, certain cleaning practices can lead to scratches, deterioration of protective coatings, or even warped frames that compromise the effectiveness of your eyewear.
- Clothing or fabric materials – Can harbor abrasive particles and oils that scratch lenses
- Alcohol-based products – Breaks down protective coatings and can cloud lenses
- Saliva – Contains bacteria and leaves smudgy residue that can damage lens surfaces
- Paper products – Creates micro-scratches due to wood fibers and rough texture
- Hot water – Can warp frames and cause lens coatings to peel or crack
- Dry wiping – Drags particles across the lens surface, causing scratches
- Household glass cleaners – Contains harsh chemicals that damage specialty lens coatings
- Harsh scrubbing – Applies excessive pressure that can loosen frames or scratch lenses
Steps
Properly cleaning your glasses is essential for maintaining clear vision and extending the life of your lenses.
While it may seem straightforward, following the correct cleaning procedure helps prevent scratches, streaks, and damage to special lens coatings.
Using the right materials and techniques guarantees your glasses stay crystal clear while protecting your investment in your eyewear.
Step 1: Wash hands thoroughly with lotion-free soap
Step 2: Rinse glasses under lukewarm water to remove loose debris
Step 3: Place a drop of mild dishwashing liquid on each lens
Step 4: Gently clean lenses using fingers or microfiber cloth
Step 5: Rinse glasses thoroughly with lukewarm water
Step 6: Dry glasses carefully with a clean microfiber cloth
Final Thoughts
When you make clean glasses part of your daily routine, you'll enjoy clearer vision while protecting your investment in quality eyewear.
Remember to use a microfiber cloth for cleaning your lenses, avoid using harsh materials, and keep your frames looking pristine with thorough cleaning.
Whether you're using lens wipes or following guidance from your eye care professional, proper maintenance guarantees lasting clarity.

Taking proper care of your glasses is a simple but essential habit that preserves their clarity and extends their lifespan.
By following these basic cleaning steps – using clean hands, lukewarm water, gentle soap, and a microfiber cloth – you'll maintain peak vision and protect your investment.
Regular cleaning paired with proper storage in a hard case will prevent scratches and damage that can interfere with your sight.
Store your glasses safely and clean them regularly to maintain clear vision and protect them from damage.
Make cleaning your glasses part of your daily routine, and you'll enjoy crystal-clear vision for years to come.
Start implementing these care practices today – your eyes will thank you.