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Essential Tips for Keeping Your Sunglasses Clean and Pristine

Home ⟾ Eyeglasses  ⟾  Essential Tips for Keeping Your Sunglasses Clean and Pristine
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May 28, 2024
Eyeglasses

Keep Your Sunglasses Sparkling: A Guide to Proper Eyewear Hygiene


Maintaining hygiene is essential for personal care, and it extends to your eyewear as well. Ensuring that your glasses and sunglasses are clean is crucial for several reasons:

  • Smudges on your lenses can obstruct your vision
  • Makeup and sunscreen can transfer onto the lenses and frames, creating a mess
  • Bacteria and dirt can move from your frames to your face
  • Regular cleaning can help prolong the lifespan of your glasses

How to Clean Sunglasses in 5 Steps

Cleaning sunglasses is straightforward and can be done at home or on the go. Follow these steps for optimal results:

  • Wash Your Hands: Clean hands prevent the transfer of dirt or oil to your sunglasses.
  • Rinse with Lukewarm Water: Gently rinse your sunglasses under lukewarm water to remove debris. Avoid hot water as it can damage lens coatings.
  • Apply Lotion-Free Soap: Use a small drop of non-abrasive, lotion-free soap (like dish soap) on each lens. Gently rub both sides of the lenses and the frames. Avoid soaps with lotion to prevent residue.
  • Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse off all the soap with lukewarm water to prevent smudges as the sunglasses dry.
  • Dry with a Lint-Free Cloth: Use a microfiber or lint-free cloth to dry the lenses. Avoid using hand towels or paper towels, which can scratch the lenses and leave particles.


Tip: Use a cotton swab to clean hard-to-reach areas like the hinges and where the lenses meet the frames.

After cleaning, either wear your sunglasses or store them in a protective case.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Sunglasses

When you’re out and about, you can use a cleaning solution specifically designed for eyeglasses or sunglasses. Travel-size cleaning sprays and lens wipes are available in drugstores and grocery stores. Always dry your sunglasses with a lint-free cloth for the best results.

Cleaning Sunglasses Without Access to a Sink

While cleaning your sunglasses, there are certain practices to avoid to prevent damage:

  • Don't Use Breath or Saliva: This is unhygienic and can cause more smearing.
  • Avoid Drying with Fabric that Can Scratch: Do not use your shirt, a towel, or napkin, as these can leave lint or scratches.
  • Skip Dryer Sheets and Fabric Softeners: These can leave residues that damage the lenses.
  • Don't Use Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using vinegar, hand sanitizer, window cleaners, or other harsh detergents not designed for eyewear. They can be abrasive and cause scratches.

Managing Scratches and Damage

Regularly inspect your lenses for scratches. If you notice any, do not attempt to buff them out as this can cause further damage. Instead, take your prescription sunglasses to an optician for assessment. In some cases, replacing scratched lenses may be necessary.

If it's time for new sunglasses or an upgrade, there are plenty of stylish and high-quality options available to choose from. Keeping your sunglasses clean and in good condition ensures clear vision and prolongs their usability.

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