How to Clean Your Eyeglasses: A Complete Guide
Just like anything you wear daily, your glasses will inevitably get dirty. And anyone who wears eyeglasses knows that dirty eyewear is a huge no-no — smudges make it harder to see through them, and built-up debris makes them more prone to scratches. However, don’t worry; our team at George Optical is here to guide you through the process of keeping your glasses clean.
Continue reading and follow these tips to learn how to keep your eyewear in top condition.
Why Cleaning Your Eyeglasses Properly Matters
Taking proper care of your eyeglasses is not just important for clear vision, but also for extending the life of your eyewear.
The Impact of Dirty Lenses on Health and Vision
When your lenses get smudged and cloudy, they tend to scatter light. This causes glare and makes it harder to see through them, especially in bright light. Dirty lenses require your eyes to work harder, causing them to squint, which leads to eye strain and headaches.
Aside from eye strain, bacteria and germs can also build up in dirty lenses and put you at risk for possible eye infection or skin irritation around the eyes and nose.
Preventing Scratches and Extending Eyewear Life
Dirt and debris can easily accumulate in your glasses. When you rub your glasses while these dirt particles are lodged on your lenses, they can act like sandpaper and cause scratches. This is why it’s essential to keep your eyewear clean regularly.
How to Clean Your Eyeglasses Properly
Cleaning your eyeglasses is simple and typically takes only a few minutes and two tools: a microfiber towel and lens cleaner spray.
- Wash your hands. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel.
- Rinse your eyeglasses under a gentle stream of running water. This helps remove loose dust, dirt, and other debris that could scratch or damage your lenses while cleaning. Use lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water as this can damage the coating of your lenses.
- Spray a small amount of lens cleaner onto both of your lenses. Wipe it down in a circular motion using your microfiber cloth. Make sure the microfiber cloth you’re using is lint-free and debris-free.
- Inspect your eyeglasses again. Hold your frames up to the light and see if any streaks or smudges on the lenses remain. If yes, clean them with a microfiber cloth or a lint-free towel again. Repeat this step until the lenses are completely clear before you put them on again.
If you’re traveling and want something even more convenient, you can use pre-moistened lens wipes. These pre-packed wipes are streak-free and can keep your lenses clean anywhere you go.
Cleaning on the Go: Don'ts
Now that you know the right way to clean your eyeglasses, it’s time to focus on what you should never use to maintain your eyewear. Follow these essential tips to keep your favorite pair spotless and in perfect working condition every day.
- Don’t use your shirt tails to wipe your lenses clean. Don’t use any part of your clothing to wipe your eyeglasses; every piece of clothing comes in different kinds of fabric, and these fabrics are not engineered to wipe your lenses. This practice can scratch your lenses.
- Don’t use other cleaning products to clean your eyeglasses. Avoid using alcohol, hand sanitizers, or household glass cleaners to clean your eyewear. This can damage the specialized coating in your lenses.
- Avoid using paper towels, tissues, or toilet paper to clean your glasses. While these may feel soft on your skin, their texture can be abrasive to your eyeglasses. These can scratch your lenses or leave lint behind when rubbed vigorously.
- Don’t “buff” away scratches. Noticed scratches on your lenses? Don’t even attempt to “buff” these away with toothpaste or any other method. It can only make the scratches worse.
Tips for Maintaining Your Eyeglasses
Aside from regular cleaning, other factors come into play when it comes to prolonging the lifespan of your eyewear.
How to store your eyeglasses properly
Storing your eyeglasses properly is just as important as cleaning them correctly when it comes to caring for your eyewear. For example, throwing your glasses into your bag without any case or placing them on a table, especially with the lenses down, can lead to scratches.
When your glasses are not in use, store them correctly inside a hardshell case or a glasses pouch, with the lenses facing up. Always make sure that the glasses or pouch where you’re storing them is clean, too.
If you don’t have an eyeglasses case within reach, place your eyewear upside down with the temples open on a clean and flat surface, like a nightstand, where they won’t get knocked over.
When to visit your optical shop for professional cleaning
If your eyeglasses have an oily buildup that can’t be removed no matter how you clean them, or have green spots around the nose pads, you might want to bring them to an optical clinic for professional cleaning.
At George Optical, we provide complimentary professional eyeglasses cleaning for both new and existing customers. Our process utilizes a combination of ultrasonic cleaners and specialized cleaning solutions to remove dirt and grime from all the intricate parts of your frames. We also ensure that your lenses remain smudge-free while preserving their special coatings.
At George Optical, we provide complimentary professional eyeglasses cleaning for all customers, whether or not they are our existing clients. We want to provide genuine care to all customers, particularly on how to take care of their eyeglasses to provide maximum function and protection to their eyes. Our process includes the use of a specialized cleaning device called ultrasonic cleaners and a mild cleaning solution to remove dirt and grime from all the intricate parts of your frames. This process will also preserve the special coatings of the lenses to ensure your eyeglasses will still function at their best.
Book Your Next Eye Exam with George Optical
Just as keeping your eyeglasses clean ensures clear vision, regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining optimal vision and overall eye health. Don't wait until issues arise—proactive care can prevent serious problems down the line.
At George Optical, we offer comprehensive eye exams conducted by experienced optometrists using state-of-the-art equipment. We'll assess your vision, check for any potential eye conditions, and ensure your prescription is up-to-date.
Ready to prioritize your eye health? Book your appointment online today!
References:
https://www.warbyparker.com/learn/how-to-clean-glasses
https://www.allaboutvision.com/eyewear/maintenance/how-to-clean-glasses/