Keeping your eyeglasses clean is crucial for maintaining clear vision and prolonging the life of your lenses. Here’s a comprehensive guide to cleaning your eyeglasses effectively, ensuring they stay in perfect condition.
Start with Clean Hands
Before you begin cleaning your eyeglasses, it’s essential to wash your hands thoroughly. Clean hands prevent the transfer of dirt and oils from your fingers to the lenses and frames.
Choosing the Right Cleaner
Selecting an appropriate cleaner is vital to avoid damaging the coatings on your lenses. Many cleaners contain alcohol, which can degrade lens coatings such as UV protection, anti-scratch, and blue light filters. Alcohol-based products can also cause clear frames to yellow over time. Instead, opt for blue Dawn dish soap, a recommendation from eye care professionals.
Rinse & Apply Soap
Begin the cleaning process by rinsing your glasses under warm water. This step removes dust and initial buildup from the lenses and frames, preparing them for a more thorough cleaning.
After rinsing, apply a small drop of Dawn dish soap to each lens. A little soap goes a long way. Using your thumb and index finger, gently scrub the lenses in small circular motions. Pay extra attention to any areas where you can feel smudges or grime.
While it might be tempting to use a sponge or scrubber, especially if you’re cleaning your glasses in the kitchen or bathroom, it’s best to avoid these tools. Even scratch-resistant scrubbers can damage the delicate coatings on your lenses. Stick to using your fingers for scrubbing.
Don’t forget to clean the frames, particularly the nose pads and the areas where the glasses sit on your ears. These spots can accumulate oils and dirt, so give them a good scrub with the soap.
Once you’ve cleaned both the lenses and frames, rinse your glasses thoroughly under warm water to remove all soap and any remaining dirt. Ensuring no soap residue is left behind will help prevent streaks and smudges.
Drying Your Glasses
For drying, use a smooth, eyeglass-specific microfiber cloth. These cloths are designed to be soft, non-scratch, and lint-free, making them ideal for cleaning lenses. They also do a great job of buffing out any remaining streaks or smudges. Avoid using paper towels, tissues, or your shirt, as these can scratch the lenses and leave lint behind.
Regular Cleaning Routine
Make a habit of cleaning your glasses daily. Think of it like washing your face—if you clean your face but put on dirty glasses, you’re reintroducing dirt and bacteria, which can lead to skin issues like acne. Keeping your glasses clean not only improves your vision but also supports better skin health.
By following these steps, you can ensure your glasses remain in excellent condition, providing you with clear vision and comfort. Remember to use the right cleaning products and tools, and clean your glasses regularly for the best results.