Why Is It Important to Clean Your Glasses?

What Happens When You Don’t Clean Your Glasses?

Neglecting to clean your glasses can cause more than just blurred vision. Here’s what can happen over time:

• Smudges and Streaks
  Fingerprints, makeup, and dust can create streaks and smudges that blur your vision. This can be frustrating, especially when you have to constantly wipe your lenses.
• Dirt and Dust Accumulation
  Tiny dust particles can settle on your lenses and frames, obstructing your view—especially when driving, reading, or working on a screen. Unclean glasses force your eyes to work harder, leading to eyestrain.
• Health Concerns
  Your eyeglass frames—especially the nose pads and temples—collect oils, sweat, and bacteria throughout the day. If not cleaned properly, this can lead to skin irritation or even eye infections.
• Scratches and Damage
  If dirt particles remain on your lenses, wiping them down without proper cleaning can scratch the surface. Over time, scratches reduce visibility, impact your prescription, and may force you to replace your glasses sooner than expected.

How to Clean Your Eyeglasses

Knowing how to clean glasses properly is essential for maintaining their clarity and durability. While it might be tempting to wipe your lenses with your shirt or a tissue, doing so can scratch the lenses and damage coatings.

There are many wrong ways to clean glasses, but following the correct steps can extend their lifespan and keep your vision clear.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your glasses safely and effectively:

• 1. Rinse with Lukewarm Water
  Before cleaning, rinse your glasses under lukewarm water to remove dust, dirt, and debris. This helps prevent scratches when you start wiping the lenses. Avoid hot water, as it can damage lens coatings or even warp the frame.
• 2. Use Dish Soap for Cleaning Lenses
  For a deeper clean, cleaning glasses with dish soap is one of the best methods. Use a lotion-free dishwashing detergent, as lotions can leave a residue on the lenses.
  • Apply a small drop of dish soap to each lens
  • Gently rub with your fingers, covering the lenses, nose pads, temples, and frame edges
  • Avoid harsh soaps or abrasive cleaners that could damage the lens coating
• 3. Rinse Thoroughly
  Once you’ve scrubbed the glasses, rinse them under lukewarm water again to remove all soap residue. Leftover soap can cause streaking, so ensure they are completely clean. If any grease or dirt remains, repeat the rinsing process.
• 4. Dry Your Glasses with a Microfiber Cloth
  To prevent scratches, avoid using tissues, paper towels, or clothing to dry your lenses. Instead, use a microfibre cloth designed for cleaning eyeglasses.
  • Gently pat your glasses dry instead of rubbing
  • Ensure no moisture remains, as water spots can leave smudges
• 5. Air Dry When Possible
  If you have time, let your glasses air dry after rinsing. This helps prevent streaks or smudges from forming when wiping them down. Air drying is especially useful after washing glasses with dish soap and water.

You can also watch this video that explains all the steps mentioned above.

How to Clean Eyeglass Frames

Just like your lenses, your eyeglass frames collect oils, dirt, and bacteria over time. Cleaning them regularly prevents discomfort, improves fit, and extends the life of your glasses.

• 1. Wash with Mild Soap and Water
  For a deep clean, use a small amount of mild dish soap or body wash mixed with lukewarm water.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals or alcohol-based cleaners, as they can damage frame materialsà
  • Gently scrub the frames using your fingers or a soft cloth, paying close attention to where the frame meets the lenses
• 2. Use a Cotton Swab for Hard-to-Reach Areas
  Hinges, nose pads, and small crevices tend to trap grime and oil. Use a cotton swab dipped in mild soapy water to clean these areas. For stubborn dirt, a small amount of isopropyl alcohol can help disinfect and break down grease buildup.
• 3. Dry with a Soft Towel
  After cleaning, pat the frames dry with a soft cotton towel. Be gentle to avoid bending or loosening the fit of your glasses.

How to Clean Your Nose Pads

Many eyeglasses have plastic nose pads that rest on the bridge of your nose. Just like the lenses and frames, nose pads also collect bacteria, oils, and dirt from daily wear. Even if you clean your lenses and frames, neglecting the nose pads can lead to skin irritation and discomfort.

Follow these steps to keep your nose pads clean and fresh:

• 1. Light Cleaning
  For everyday cleaning, use a soft microfibre cloth to gently wipe off any oils, sweat, or dirt.
  • For a deeper clean, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and carefully clean the pads
  • Allow the alcohol to air dry before wearing your glasses again
• 2. Deep Cleaning
  If your nose pads have built-up grime, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary.
  • Use a soft toothbrush with a small amount of mild dish soap
  • Dip the brush in lukewarm water and gently scrub the pads
  • Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any soap residue
• 3. Disinfect Regularly
  For hygiene purposes, it’s a good idea to disinfect your nose pads regularly—especially if you wear your glasses all day.
  • Use rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and prevent skin irritation
  • Make sure to clean around the edges where bacteria tend to build up.

How to Keep Glasses Clean for Longer

Even if you clean your glasses regularly, there are other steps you can take to keep them clean for longer. Here are some simple tips to help prevent dirt, smudges, and buildup:

• Use an eyeglass case: When you’re not wearing your glasses, store them in a protective case to prevent dust and scratches.
• Avoid touching the lenses: Try to avoid touching your lenses with your fingers, as the oils from your skin can create smudges and attract dust.
• Use lens wipes for quick cleaning: Between deep cleanings, use pre-moistened lens wipes to remove smudges and dust without scratching the lenses.

Keep Your Glasses in Top Condition

Proper care and regular cleaning will extend the life of your eyewear and keep your vision crystal clear. Whether you’re wondering how to clean eyeglass frames or how to deep clean glasses, following these simple steps will make a world of difference.

Taking the time to clean your glasses properly can help:

• ✔ Reduce eye strain
• ✔ Improve vision clarity
• ✔ Prevent damage & scratches

If you’re due for a new pair of glasses or need a professional cleaning, don’t hesitate to schedule an eye exam with us today!