How to Clean Glasses: Step-by-Step Tips

Getting smudges and stains on your glasses can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to clean them without scratching or damaging the lenses.

Here’s a quick guide on how to clean your glasses to ensure they stay in good condition.

Close-up of hands cleaning a pair of eyeglasses with a gray microfiber cloth. The scene is indoors, with a blurred background.

How to Clean Your Glasses

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your glasses without damaging the lenses.

Wash and dry your hands. Before cleaning your eyewear, ensure that your hands are clean. Remove anything that could affect your lenses.
Rinse your eyewear. Rinse them under a stream of lukewarm water to wash any dust and other debris that can scratch your lenses. Don’t use hot water.
Use dishwashing liquid. Apply a small amount of lotion-free soap or dishwashing liquid to each lens of your glasses.
Clean the lenses. Gently clean both sides of the lenses, the nose pads, and the ends of the temples that sit behind your ears.
Rinse the lenses. Wash both sides of the frame and the lenses thoroughly. Be sure to wash away all traces of soap as well. Otherwise, the glasses will be smeared when you dry them.
Shake the glasses. Gently shaking the eyeglasses can remove most of the water from the lenses. After doing this, check the glasses to ensure they’re clean.
Dry the lenses. Thoroughly dry the eyeglasses lenses with a fresh, lint-free cleaning cloth or towel. Don’t use anything laundered with fabric softener or dryer sheet, as these can smear or smudge the lenses.
Inspect the lenses. Inspect the lenses of the eyeglasses. If there are still some streaks, smudges, or grime, remove them with a clean microfiber lens cloth.

These tips will also help you keep your safety glasses, sunglasses, and sports eyewear in excellent condition.

Cleaning Supplies You Need for Cleaning Glasses

Microfiber cloths work well for cleaning glasses because they can effectively collect oils, preventing smearing. However, you’ll need to clean them regularly since they can gather grime and debris.

Hand-wash the towel using lotion-free dishwashing liquid and clean water. Then, let the cloth air dry.

You should also clean your glasses with a safe dishwashing liquid or a mild soap. If your lenses have an anti-reflective coating, ensure the eyeglass cleaner you use is suitable for AR lenses.

What Not to Use When Cleaning Glasses

There are plenty of materials you shouldn’t use when cleaning your eyeglasses. These include:

Paper towels. Paper towels, tissues, or toilet paper can scratch or smudge your lenses. They can also leave lint on the lenses.
Hot water. Hot water can damage some lens coatings, leading to warping or bubbling.
Acetone products. Acetone can damage lenses and plastic frames, especially if left on the surface for too long.
Saliva. Saliva can cover your lenses with germs and bacteria. Saliva can also make a smudge on eyeglasses look worse.
Clothing. Don’t use your clothing, such as your shirttail, to clean your eyeglasses. Many materials in clothing can scratch your lenses.
Household cleaners. Don’t use household glass or surface cleaning solutions to clean your eyewear. These formulas contain ingredients that can damage lenses and coatings.

Why Do Your Glasses Get Dirty So Fast?

Your glasses can get dirty from everyday activities. Skin oils, dust, makeup residue, and tiny particles can accumulate on them.

You might instinctively clean smudges with your shirt corner, but cleaning your glasses like this will scratch the lens surface over time.

How to Store Eyeglasses Properly

When not in use, always keep your glasses in a protective case to protect the lenses from scratches and dirt. Make sure the case is clean and dry before putting away your glasses.

Never leave your glasses on your head or your car's dashboard, as this can damage them. Finally, never leave your glasses in direct sunlight, as this can cause the lenses to warp or discolor.

Is Professional Eyeglasses Cleaning Necessary?

It's not always necessary to have your eyeglasses professionally cleaned. This is especially true if your eyeglasses only have minor smudges.

However, if you’re unsure how to clean your eyeglasses properly, it’s best to take them to a professional. Opticians have the right tools and cleaning solutions to clean your glasses safely.

They can also check for any damage or scratches on the lenses.

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