How To Clean Sunglasses

Are your filthy sunglasses making a spectacle out of you? Dirty sunglasses are obnoxious, not only to you but also to those around you. It's difficult to focus on a conversation when smears, dust, and scratches are all the eye contact you're getting. Do yourself and everyone else a favor - read on to find out how to clean sunglasses. These simple methods are so easy and effective, they can be used to clean your glasses that aren't sunshades too.

Wash and Wear

Laundry detergent is one of the most popular cleaning solutions when it comes to cleaning sunglasses and regular glasses too. When done right, it is safe to do because it won't scratch your lenses or leave a film. All you need is a little dish soap, warm water, a soft cloth, and your sunglasses or glasses, of course.

Step 1

Before you get started, make sure your lenses are absent of dust and dirt by swiping them with a lint free soft cloth.

Step 2

Turn on the water fawcet so warm tap water is running freely. Use a generous amount of stream. Hold your pair of glasses under the water for a minute or two until it is completely wet. Be sure the water is wetting the lens and the frame as well.

Step 3

Squirt a dab of mild dish soap on each lens and make sure to also get a little soap on the nose pads and frames. Gently rub with your fingers or a soft cloth. If there are any pesky spots that aren't coming clean, use the bristles of a soft new toothbrush with a little soap on it to loosen the dirt. Avoid scrubbing too hard though.

Step 4

Rinse the glasses by holding them under a steady stream of warm tap water. Be sure you're getting all the soapy residue off of your eyeglasses along with the dirt, debris, and grime.

Step 5

Thoroughly dry your sunglasses or glasses. The ideal way to do so is to use a soft lint retarding microfiber material rather than a paper towel as a paper towel may scratch your lens if it is too rough. Check your eyeglass to be sure your lenses are free of smears and dirt. Also check the nose pads and glasses frame to be certain they are clean too.

A "Softener" Way

If you're looking for a super simple, method to clean your lenses, here's a "softener" formulation. All you need is your sunglasses (or reading glasses) fabric softener, tap water, and a microfiber cloth. Here's how to do it:

Step 1

Rinse the surface dirt and dust off your sunglasses by placing them under a stream of tap water. Make sure the water is not too hot or too cold.

Step 2

Distribute a small amount of liquid laundry soap over the lenses of the sunglasses as well as the nose piece and frame area. Lather the softener soap with your fingers or a soft, lint free microfiber towel. Using a circular motion, loosen up the dirt, smudges, and debris on the entire surface of your glasses. Don't be shy to thoroughly wash good but do take care not to scratch or damage the lenses, frames, or nose piece.

Step 3

Rinse the soap off by holding the sunglasses under warm water. Again, make sure you are using water that's not too hot or too cold so it doesn't damage any anti-reflective coating on your sunglasses, regardless of if they are old or new. Gently dry your pair of sunglasses with a soft micro fiber cloth or a lint free towel. Don't use a paper towel because paper products, like paper towels can scratch lenses.

Step 4

Examine your sunglasses to ensure you've gotten all the smears and smudges off and that the lenses look crystal clear. If not, it's time to keep at it and to repeat the process of eyeglass cleaning.

Another Clean Solution

You may want to stick with a tried and true solution for cleaning your sunglasses that's practically foolproof. All you need for this hassle-free cleaning method is lens cleaner, a microfiber product, and your sunglasses.

Step 1

Read the directions that accompany your store bought lens cleaner. It's important to follow the instructions for the product you are using. You don't want to damage your lenses or any other part of your sunglasses.

Step 2

Apply the solution. Use the instructions for the exact amount that you should use. Do be sure to distribute it on the lenses of your sunglasses along with the frames and nose piece. You can even clean your glasses case if you've got one. When cleaning your lenses, use a micro fiber fabric that is free of lint. Avoid using paper towels or any abrasive material as it may scratch the lens or even the frame of your glasses.

Step 3

Make sure to dry the solution off the lenses, frames, and nose pads. To do so, use a dry cloth that is clear of lint and debris. It is better to use a special eyeglass towel rather than a traditional one to ensure scratches to the lenses are prevented. Never use paper products to dry your lenses. You can shop for a special towel wherever you purchase your new sunglasses or glasses or at any eyeglass or sunglass supply store. After you've done the things above, it's time to examine your sunglasses, lenses and all. Be sure they are sparkling clean, with no smears, smudges, and debris. If not, keep cleaning.

A Note About Buying Lenses

When you go to an online site to purchase sunglasses or glasses, you'll want to get the best lenses available. In order to make sure you do, you'll want to make sure you're shopping at a great site for your sight. Look for stores that have all rights reserved. All rights reserved means the product or site has exclusive ownership to property or content which is a good thing.

You'll also want to look for lenses and eye wear that comes with free shipping. Free shipping is a gesture on the part of the shop to accommodate their customers with affordable prices on lenses and products because shipping fees can certainly be expensive.

Lenses are all created equally. Whether you are shopping for sunglasses, glasses, or just lenses, quality matters.

Through the Looking Glass

What is the best way to clean sunglasses? Any of the methods above are ideal ways. There is no one best method. There are however, ways you should NOT clean them.

Many people ask, "Can you clean sunglasses with Windex?" No. Windex can harm protective coatings on shades and prescription glasses. Windex and other household cleaners are likely to contain ammonia, alcohol, and other ingredients that are potentially hazardous to eyewear.

So, what is the best way to clean polarized sunglasses? What is a fool-proof method for cleaning that won't hurt protective coatings? Any of the three methods listed above are perfectly good examples of cleaning your sunglasses while taking care of them at the same time.

Seeing the Situation Clearly

When you wear sunglasses or glasses, the object is to protect your eyes and to be able to see more clearly. You also want people to be able to see through your eyewear to see you too. With the helpful hints above, you'll be able to find some excellent, clear cut solutions.