Your prescription glasses help you see the world clearly so why let smudges, dust, and mystery streaks turn your vision into a blurry mess after paying thousands of shillings for your glasses?
Cleaning your glasses always seems simple enough, yet one wrong move and you might end up either scratching your lenses or smudging them making your eyeglasses even dirtier and your vison struglling than when you first gor the prescription.
And no, the back of your t-shirt isn’t a full-proof cleaning method! Here are five expert-approved (and common-sense) ways to clean your glasses properly, so as to help you see life in 4K again and save you those runs to the optical shop to have them buffed.
Ditch the Shirt Wipe—Use Microfiber Instead
We’ve all been guilty of this: pulling up the edge of our t-shirt, giving the lenses a quick wipe, and calling it a day. But unless your shirt is made of clouds and angel whispers, chances are it’s got tiny particles that could scratch your lenses.
Instead, use a microfiber cloth—it’s soft, designed for delicate surfaces, and won’t leave lint behind. Bonus tip: Keep one in your bag, car, or pocket for emergency cleaning sessions. This is perfect for dust related stains.
Water and Dish Soap Are Your Best Friends
Want a pro-level clean? Head to the sink! Run your glasses under lukewarm water (hot water can damage lens coatings), then add a tiny drop of dish soap. Use your fingers to gently rub both sides of the lenses and frame. Rinse thoroughly, shake off excess water, and dry with a microfiber cloth. Voilà—crystal-clear vision achieved!
This is perfect for oil-based stains. However, try as much as possible to avoid touching your lenses with greasy hands while eating and just in general.
Avoid Paper Towels and Tissues Like the Plague
Paper towels and tissues may seem harmless, but they’re secretly villains in disguise. They contain rough fibers that can leave behind scratches and lint. If you don’t have a microfiber cloth, opt for a soft cotton fabric instead. Your lenses will thank you later.
Say No to Harsh Chemicals
Window cleaner, vinegar, ammonia—these might work wonders on your mirrors, but they’re a nightmare for your glasses. Harsh chemicals can strip away protective coatings and leave your lenses worse than before. Stick to gentle lens-cleaning sprays or the classic soap-and-water method.
Store Them Properly
Your glasses won’t need regular cleaning if they are stored perfectly which translates to not at the bottom of your bag or your car’s dashboard. Storing your glasses improperly leads to smudges, scratches, and potential damage. Keep them in a protective case when you’re not wearing them, and always place them lens-side up on surfaces.
The Don’ts of Cleaning Glasses
To keep your glasses in top shape, avoid these common mistakes:
Don’t use your breath to fog up your lenses—it doesn’t effectively clean and often makes smudges worse.
Don’t use alcohol-based cleaners unless specified as safe for lenses, as they can strip coatings.
Don’t wipe dry lenses without rinsing first, as debris can cause micro-scratches.
Don’t leave your glasses in extreme heat, like inside a car on a sunny day, as this can damage coatings.
A little TLC can extend the life of your lenses and keep your vision crisp and clear. So next time you’re about to use your sleeve to clean your specs—just don’t. Your future self will thank you!
by HANNIE PETRA
