9 Reasons not to clean your glasses with alcohol + Key tips

Taking proper care of glasses is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of ensuring their functionality. Improper use of products such as alcohol can cause more harm than good. Although cleaning glasses with alcohol seems like a quick and accessible option, this method is detrimental to special coatings and frames, affecting their lifespan.

At Bassol Optics, we'll explore in depth why you shouldn't use alcohol and provide you with alternative tips for cleaning eyeglass lenses safely.

1. Alcohol wears away special coatings

2. Damage to the frames

Eyeglass frames are not only decorative elements, but also serve the vital function of holding the lenses in place. Cleaning glasses with alcohol can adversely affect materials such as acetate or specially treated metals. Over time, the frames dry out, become brittle or lose their original color.

Tip: To avoid this type of damage, use a microfiber cloth to remove everyday dirt and specific products for eyewear. Keeping your frames in good condition is essential to take care of your glasses in the long term.

What happens if I clean my lenses with alcohol?

It is common to think that alcohol is an effective method for removing grease or stubborn stains. However, in the long term, constant use causes:

• Wear and tear of coatings.
• Opacity in the lenses.
• Fragility of the frames.
• Possibility of invisible scratches that accumulate over time.

Therefore, the recommendation is to avoid this method whenever possible and opt for safer alternatives to clean glasses lenses.

3. Alcohol does not remove scratches

A popular myth holds that cleaning glasses with alcohol can "disguise" scratches on glasses. In reality, this is false. While rubbing with alcohol may appear to soften the surface, the scratch is still present and may even worsen.

If you're concerned about removing scratches from your glasses, there are better options, such as specific polishing pastes for plastic lenses or taking your glasses to a professional optician.

Can lenses be cleaned with alcohol gel?

Alcohol gels are not a suitable option for cleaning eyeglasses. In addition to alcohol, these gels contain other components that can leave a sticky residue on the lenses. Rubbing the lenses with gel can cause micro-scratches and, in the long run, damage the frames. If you want to clean your glasses without scratching them, use safer methods, such as wet wipes designed for lenses.

4. Risk of permanent clouding

Constantly cleaning glasses with alcohol can cause irreversible clouding of the lenses, making vision difficult and reducing clarity. This happens because the coatings degrade with each cleaning, affecting light transmission through the lenses.

How to take care of your glasses to prolong their useful life?

Proper eyewear maintenance not only ensures longevity, but also optimal visual performance. Here are some essential tips on how to care for your glasses:

• Store your glasses in a hard case when not in use.
• Clean your glasses regularly with the recommended methods to avoid dirt buildup.
• Avoid leaving them on surfaces exposed to the sun to protect the frames and lenses.
• Make periodic adjustments at the optician's if you notice that the frame has become loose or misaligned.

5. Alcohol can affect the impact resistance of the lenses.

Another important risk of cleaning glasses with alcohol is that it can decrease the impact resistance of the lenses, especially in plastic lenses such as polycarbonate. This material is known for its durability and impact resistance, making it a popular choice for sports or safety eyewear.

However, repeated use of alcohol can weaken its molecular structure, making it more vulnerable to shattering or chipping upon impact.

Example: If your goggles are designed to withstand falls or blows, such as those used in outdoor activities, continued use of alcohol for cleaning may diminish their ability to protect your eyes from possible injury in the event of an accident.

6. Possible allergic reactions

Cleaning glasses with alcohol may leave residues that come into contact with the skin, causing irritation or allergies in sensitive people. This is especially relevant for those who wear glasses all day.

Best to avoid alcohol

Although it may seem convenient to clean glasses with alcohol, the long-term consequences do not justify its use. There are safer and more effective alternatives that guarantee the cleanliness and good condition of your glasses without the risk of damage. The key to clean glasses lenses without problems is to use specific products and follow the care recommendations.

7. Risk of nasal pillows drying out

Glasses that include silicone or gel nose pads are more comfortable and help the glasses stay securely in place. However, cleaning glasses with alcohol can cause these pads to become stiff, lose their flexibility and, in some cases, crack. Not only does this affect comfort, but it can also cause the glasses to slip more easily, causing discomfort to the wearer.

If you also have problems with those annoying marks left by the cushions, read our guide to 10 tips to remove and avoid eyeglasses marks on the nose..

8. Damage to hinges and moving parts

Alcohol also affects the hinges and small screws that hold the moving parts of the glasses together. Although at first it might seem that cleaning glasses with alcohol helps keep the hinges clean, over time continued contact can cause corrosion or loss of lubrication in the metal components.

Recommendation: Instead of using alcohol to clean the hinges, it is more advisable to go to an optician to have the moving parts checked and adjusted with specific tools. If you notice that the hinges are hard or make noise when opening and closing, you can apply a drop of hinge oil or special lubricant, which will not affect the frame or lenses.

9. Stubborn residue and stains

Alcohol, although a powerful cleaner, can leave residue that adheres to the glass surface if not properly rinsed off. In dusty or damp environments, these residues combine with other particles, causing stubborn stains that are difficult to remove.

In addition, repeated contact with alcohol can cause glasses to lose their ability to repel dirt, forcing more frequent cleaning and creating a vicious cycle of wear and tear.

Tips: To avoid stains and residues, always use a clean, dry microfiber cloth after cleaning glasses. Be sure not to use paper towels or napkins, as these can leave lint or cause surface scratches. A specific cleaning spray for eyeglasses is an investment that guarantees a thorough cleaning without residue, preserving both lenses and frames.

Safe alternatives for cleaning glasses

Here are several options for cleaning your glasses without using alcohol:

• Warm water and neutral soap.

This is the simplest and most effective option for cleaning eyeglass lenses without damaging them.
Step by step:

1. Rinse the glasses with warm water to remove dust particles.
2. Apply a drop of neutral soap and rub gently with your fingers.
3. Rinse well and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

• Specialized cleaning solutions

Look for specific products for cleaning glasses that do not contain alcohol or abrasive substances. These cleaners protect coatings and ensure thorough cleaning without risk.

• Lens wipes

Special lens wipes are an excellent choice for quick cleaning. These are designed to remove grease and dirt without compromising the lenses and coatings.

How to disinfect glasses without alcohol?

Disinfecting eyewear is important, especially in situations involving contact with people or potentially contaminated surfaces. Here are some safe options:

• Specific antibacterial solutions for eyewear.
• Alcohol-free disinfectant wipes.
• Frequent cleaning with soap and water.

These methods guarantee effective disinfection without damaging the materials.

Take care of your glasses with the right products

If you have doubts about how to clean glasses lenses without damaging them, or you need help to remove scratches from glasses and keep your frames in optimal conditions, go to Bassol Optics.

Our team of experts is ready to advise you on the best care and products for your glasses. Don't hesitate to visit our physical stores. And, if you are thinking of renewing your deteriorated glasses, don't forget to explore our catalog of prescription glasses y sunglasses. There are thousands of frames you'll love.