You've been cleaning your glasses all your life and didn't know it! Cleaning your glasses often will ensure they stay in good condition, with the right technique, it's very simple to do.
In this article we'll show you the best ways to clean your glasses without scratching them. We also compile information on the best products you can use.
The 3 best ways to clean your glasses without scratching them
Home remedies and home-made tricks to clean your glasses don't work. Listen to the experts and use one of these three proven methods:
With special microfibers and spray
Microfiber is a product specially designed to protect the surface of the glass. Do not replace it with a napkin or a simple damp cloth. The correct way to use this product is as follows:
- Apply the spray inside and out. Make sure that it is special for glasses, so you will avoid damaging the surface of the glass and weakening the previous treatment.
- Once the surface of the glass is impregnated, clean with the microfiber, making small soft circles.
- Make sure your fingers do not touch the lens to avoid staining them with the natural grease of your hands.
With water and neutral soap
This method is a classic. Don't be fooled by its simplicity, you can do it at any time, but that doesn't make it any less effective. Just make sure you do it the right way:
- Wash your hands with plenty of soap and water, this will remove the grease from your fingers.
- Run your glasses under running water to remove dust and avoid scratching the glass. Use lukewarm water, high temperatures can damage the paste or the metal of the glasses.
- Take soap between your fingers and apply it on both lenses, inside and outside. Also rub the temples, nose pads and the area between the lens and the frame.
- Shake your glasses a little to remove excess water.
- Dry the lenses with a chamois from the inside out, this way you will remove the dirt without leaving a mark.
That's all, in a minute your glasses will be ready. If after this procedure the glasses are still stained, you can rub them gently with a dry chamois or a clean kitchen towel.
Uses pre-moistened eyeglass wipes
With the pre-moistened wipes you can clean your glasses in no time. It's the perfect method for when you're out and about or don't have time to do it the ways we discussed above. It's very simple:
- Make sure the wipes are non-abrasive and verify that they can be used on glass, plastic or polycarbonate, depending on the material of your glasses.
- Wipe in a circular motion from the inside out. It removes dust, fingerprints and dirt without leaving any residue on the surface.
How to hold the glasses for cleaning?
Have you ever had the problem of not knowing how to hold your glasses to clean them without damaging them? The frame is usually delicate and that's why you have to hold them in the right way. The ideal is to hold them in your hand, never support them, because pressure can damage them.
You should hold them by the rim or by the part of the frame that you are going to clean. That is to say, if you are cleaning the right lens you should hold them by the right edge. If you are cleaning the left lens you should hold them on the left side. If you do it the other way around and the frame of your lens is delicate you can break the bridge.
If the glasses have air frames (or are rimless glasses), you can break or chip the glass. It seems like a simple thing to do, but it is essential if you want to keep your glasses in good condition for a long time.
Products that should not be used to clean glasses
You already know the best methods for cleaning eyeglass lenses. Now you should know which products can be counterproductive and ruin the finish of the lenses. Here are the products that you should never use under any circumstances:
Chemical products
Glass cleaners, dishwashers, grease removers, ammonia, disinfectants, alcohol and acetone are the worst enemies of your glasses. These products contain very strong components that damage the coating of the glass and the frame.
Non-cotton fabrics
It is common to see a person using their t-shirt to clean their glasses, remember that just because many people do it doesn't mean it is the right thing to do. Cleaning glasses lenses with non-cotton cloths is terrible for the coating.
It is inevitable that the glasses will accumulate dust particles on the surface of the glass, rubbing the surface of the lens will scratch it lightly. Performing this action frequently will deteriorate your glasses quickly and alter the quality of your vision.
Napkins or toilet paper
Never use these products to clean your glasses, you may smudge, scratch or insert lint in the groove between the lens and the frame. Do not try to polish the lenses with these products, if they are scratched, it will only make the situation worse.
Fogging
Have you ever held your glasses up to your lips to moisten the lenses with your breath, then wipe them clean? After reading this article, you'll never do it again.
Using mist to clean glasses is a serious mistake, breath does not perform the same function as water or special products to clean glasses. In addition, it is unhygienic: the mouth is home to more than 700 species of microbes, which go straight to the glass causing wear and tear.
Top 15 tips to take care of your glasses
If you want to extend the life of your glasses, you must take care of them. Holding them and cleaning them the right way is the first step. We've compiled 15 top tips from experts to help you keep them looking as good as new for as long as possible:
- Always use a case to protect them from falls or pressure inside your wallet, ideally rigid and the right size.
- Use microfiber cleaning cloths, besides being used to remove dirt, they can also be used to wrap them and keep them in the case.
- Avoid placing them in places with high temperatures. Heat can damage anti-reflective coatings, lenses or acetate frames.
- Hold your glasses correctly. If you leave fingerprints on your glasses, residue can damage them. Always hold your glasses by the frame to avoid dirtying them.
- Protect your glasses from makeup. If you wear make-up, observe where the nose pads of your glasses come into contact with the bridge of your nose. Clean your glasses by rubbing the makeup off frequently, otherwise they will smudge.
- Do not adjust your glasses on your own. It is normal that after a few months of use your glasses get out of adjustment. The best specialized centers in Spain offer the service and have the right tools to adjust every part of the frame of your glasses.
- Fold your glasses. When you take off your glasses, remember to fold them, otherwise they may break or bend.
- Avoid wearing them during physical activities, as they are likely to end up on the floor. If it is impossible to stop wearing them, then use laces. If sports are your thing, then we recommend you to know the best sports glasses on the market.
- Use both hands to take off or put on your glasses. When you take them off with one hand, the temple on the opposite side generates extra tension. Over time, the frame can become deformed or break. This tip is especially for those who wear three-piece or perforated glasses.
- Protect your glasses while cooking. When preparing greasy foods at high temperatures, it is natural for some splatter to get on your glasses. If it is necessary to wear goggles, then wear protective cooking goggles or place a lid over the pan.
- Never place your glasses upside down, you can scratch the lenses.
- Do not place them on your head, you can dislodge the frame and run the risk of them falling off. Remove them completely from your face and you will avoid problems by storing them properly in their case.
- Take off your glasses before going to bed. When you sleep you toss and turn and move around, so you obviously run the risk of breaking or misadjusting them. If you are one of those who sleep immobile, they can still be easily stained by the oils on your face or pillow.
- Do not touch the lenses of your glasses to position them. If your glasses slip off your nose, don't push them back by pushing on the lenses. Do it from the frame. Remember that your hands can transfer oils and grease.
- Do not lend your glasses. The size is right for you, if someone else wears them they may become misaligned. Also, they probably won't treat them as carefully as you do, so they may smudge or break them.
Why is it important to clean glasses?
Cleaning your glasses is the most important step to keep them in good condition. But that's not all, here are the fundamental reasons why you should keep them clean:
Eye health.
When your glasses are greasy or stained, it blurs your vision and makes it harder to see. Causing headaches and eyestrain.
Infection prevention
Eyeglasses are real nests of microorganisms such as viruses, fungi, bacteria and parasites. Keeping glasses clean prevents discomfort, eye irritation and reduced visual quality.
Hygiene
Spectacles are frequently touched, either to put them on, take them off or adjust them on the nose. They can also receive droplets that some people expel through their mouths when breathing or talking. These situations cause the glasses to pick up microbes and become dirty.
Cleaning them properly with soap and water in the faucet, as we explained at the beginning of the article, is ideal. This way you can prevent diseases and infections.
Aesthetics
Choosing the right glasses is also a matter of aesthetics, there is no point in having brand name glasses that fit perfectly if they look dirty. Remember that presence is important, so it is essential that they look clean.
Conclusion
Eyes are extremely delicate and susceptible to disease. For this reason we must pay special attention to our glasses. Taking care of them is taking care of your eyes.
Sunglasses not only make you look good but also help you preserve the health of your eyes if you take care of them properly. That's why they should always be kept clean and cared for, for aesthetics, hygiene and, most importantly, for health.
If you have come this far, you will love to know our latest fashion eyewear collections along with the best brands and models.
