How to Clean and Take Care of Your Eyeglasses

Owning a pair of unique, independent eyewear is a personal statement and an investment in style and craftsmanship. These one-of-a-kind pieces deserve proper care and attention to maintain their pristine condition. Here’s how to clean and take care of your eyewear to ensure it remains in perfect condition for years to come.

How to clean your eyeglasses:

Start with a Gentle Rinse

Before wiping your glasses, always begin by rinsing them under a stream of warm, not hot, water. This helps remove dust, dirt, and debris that could scratch your lenses during cleaning. Hot water, however, can be detrimental to certain materials, especially lens coatings, so it’s important to stick to lukewarm water. For frames made of delicate materials like buffalo horn or wood it’s best to avoid getting the frames wet.

Use a Microfiber Cloth or Optical Wipes

When cleaning your lenses, opt for a microfiber cloth. These are specifically designed to lift away smudges and dirt without scratching the surface. Unlike regular cloths or paper towels that can leave lint or cause micro-scratches, microfiber ensures your lenses stay crystal clear. If you need an on-the-go option, optical cleaning wipes are another safe choice. These pre-moistened wipes are formulated to clean glasses gently without damaging coatings. For the best results, remember to clean your microfiber cloth regularly with mild soap and water, and let it air-dry. This keeps the cloth free of debris that could otherwise scratch your lenses.

Choose the Right Cleaning Products

It’s important to avoid using household cleaners or other products that aren’t specifically made for eyewear. Harsh chemicals found in common cleaning products can strip away lens coatings or damage the frame materials. Instead, always use lens cleaning solutions specifically designed for glasses. Many independent eyewear retailers offer cleaning kits that are specially formulated for the unique materials used in their frames. If you’re eco-conscious, biodegradable lens cleaners are available and just as effective, while being safer for the environment.

Be Gentle When Wiping Your Lenses

When wiping your lenses, it’s important not to apply too much pressure. Aggressive scrubbing can lead to scratches or damage anti-reflective coatings, which are often applied to high-quality, independent eyewear. Instead, gently wipe the lenses in a circular motion. This method ensures that the lenses are cleaned evenly without the risk of scratching or damaging them.

Avoid Breath or Saliva for Quick Cleaning

While it might seem convenient to use your breath or saliva in a pinch, this can introduce oils and particles that could damage the lens coatings. It’s best to stick to proper cleaning methods and avoid these shortcuts, which can reduce the lifespan of your eyewear.

How to care for your eyeglasses:

Store Your Glasses in a Hard Case

Proper storage is essential to protecting your eyewear when you’re not wearing them. Always store your glasses in a hard case. This prevents the lenses from getting scratched and the frames from being bent or damaged. If you’re storing your glasses in a bag with other items, a hard case is particularly important to mitigate potential damage. If you collect glasses or have multiple frames, consider investing in a display case with compartments lined with soft fabric to store your glasses safely and elegantly when they are not in use.

Regular Professional Maintenance

To keep your glasses in top shape, consider taking them back to the store where you purchased them for periodic maintenance. Independent eyewear retailers often offer free eyewear maintinance services, such as tightening screws, adjusting the fit, and professionally cleaning the frames. This ensures your glasses continue to fit comfortably and function properly, while also preserving the integrity of the materials.

Protect Your Glasses from Extreme Temperatures

Long term exposure to extreme heat or cold can be detrimental to eyewear, especially frames made from materials like acetate, wood, or horn. High temperatures can cause warping, while cold temperatures may make the frames brittle and more prone to breaking. Avoid leaving your glasses in a hot car or exposing them to freezing conditions for extended periods. If your frames do warp due to heat, it’s best to have a professional restore them to their original shape rather than attempting to fix them yourself.

Avoid Sleeping with Your Glasses On

It’s easy to accidentally fall asleep with your glasses on, but doing so can bend the frame or cause screws to loosen over time. Even slight pressure while sleeping can warp the frame or cause lens scratches. Always remove your glasses and store them safely in their case before going to sleep.

Be Mindful of Hair Products and Lotions

If you regularly use hair sprays, gels, or lotions, be cautious when handling your glasses. These products can leave residue on both the lenses and the frames, making them difficult to clean and potentially degrading the frame materials or lens coatings over time. It’s best to apply these products before putting on your glasses and clean your lenses thoroughly if they come into contact with any sprays or lotions.

About The Author:

Will Benjamin is an advocate for independent eyewear and one of the driving forces behind Project Spex. With a passion for unique, collectible, and limited-edition eyewear, Will aims to inspire people to build their own collections through Project Spex, while supporting the success of independent opticals.