How to Clean Your Glasses Without Scratching Them
Your glasses do more than sharpen your vision, they’re part of your everyday style and comfort. But if you're cleaning them with your shirt or a tissue, you might be doing more harm than good.
Scratched lenses not only blur your view, they also damage important coatings like anti-glare or UV protection.
At SpecSMART Eye Clinic, located in Ikoyi and Ikeja, Lagos, we often see clients struggling with scratched lenses, usually caused by improper cleaning.
So what’s the right way to care for your glasses?
Here’s a smart, safe way to clean them:
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Wash and dry your hands
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Rinse glasses with lukewarm water (never hot!)
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Apply a gentle lens cleaner or mild dish soap
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Rinse thoroughly again
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Dry with a clean microfiber cloth
Avoid paper towels, harsh chemicals, and wiping dry lenses. These small mistakes can lead to big problems.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Eyeglass Lenses Safely
Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Hands
Start with clean hands. Use soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a lint-free towel. Dirty fingers can transfer oil and grime directly onto your lenses.
Step 2: Rinse Glasses with Lukewarm Water
Hold your glasses under a soft stream of lukewarm water. This helps remove dust and particles that could scratch your lenses during cleaning.
Avoid hot water—it can damage lens coatings or warp frames.
Step 3: Apply a Gentle Cleaning Solution
Use a drop of mild, lotion-free dish soap or a lens-safe cleaner like the ones we offer at SpecSMART Eye Clinic. Gently rub both sides of the lenses and around the nose pads and frame edges using your fingertips.
Step 4: Rinse Again
Carefully rinse all soap or cleaner off your glasses with lukewarm water. Any leftover product can leave streaks or attract more dirt.
Step 5: Dry with a Microfiber Cloth
Shake off excess water and gently dry your lenses with a clean microfiber cloth. These are designed to clean without scratching.
Avoid paper towels, tissues, or your clothing, they can leave scratches or lint.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Glasses
Even with the best intentions, using the wrong materials or methods can damage your eyewear. Here’s what you should not do:
1. Don’t Use Paper Towels, Tissues, or Clothing
These materials are too rough and can cause tiny scratches that build up over time.
2. Don’t Use Harsh Household Cleaners
Products like window cleaners, vinegar, or bleach can break down the protective coatings on your lenses.
3. Don’t Clean Your Lenses When Dry
Always rinse off dust and debris before wiping. Cleaning dry lenses increases the risk of scratching.
4. Don’t Use Hot Water
Excessive heat can warp your frames and damage anti-reflective or UV coatings.
5. Don’t Reuse a Dirty Cloth
Wash your microfiber clothes regularly. A dusty cloth can do more harm than good.
Extra Lens Care Tips from SpecSMART Eye Clinic
1. Use a Protective Case
When not in use, store your glasses in a hard-shell case to avoid accidental damage.
2. Handle with Both Hands
Using both hands helps maintain frame alignment and prevents loosening.
3. Avoid Placing Glasses Lens-Side Down
Always rest them with the lenses facing up to avoid scratching.
4. Clean Regularly
Don’t wait until your lenses are cloudy. Consistent cleaning extends their lifespan.
5. Get Professional Cleanings
At SpecSMART Eye Clinic, we offer complimentary ultrasonic cleaning that removes dirt from every nook and cranny, especially those you can’t reach with regular cleaning.
What If Your Lenses Have Coatings?
If your lenses have anti-glare, UV-blocking, or blue-light filtering coatings, gentle cleaning is even more important. Use only approved lens cleaners and avoid abrasive materials. These coatings enhance your vision and eye comfort but are sensitive to improper cleaning.
What You’ll Need for Safe Cleaning
A quick checklist:
Clean microfiber cloth
Lens-safe spray cleaner
Lukewarm water
Lotion-free dish soap (optional)
You can pick up a complete lens care kit at our Ikoyi or Ikeja locations, customized for your lens type.
Visit SpecSMART Eye Clinic – We’re Here to Help
We do more than sell glasses, we help you care for them so they last. Visit us for:
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Frame fitting & adjustments
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In-clinic lens cleaning
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Coating consultations
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Comprehensive eye exams
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Lens care products tailored to you
Whether you're in Ikoyi or Ikeja, walk into any of our clinics for free cleaning advice and support.
Conclusion
Keeping your eyeglasses clean doesn’t take much effort but it makes a huge difference in clarity, comfort, and durability
At SpecSMART Eye Clinic, we help you see better and look smarter every single day.
Book a visit or walk in today. Your eyes (and your lenses) will thank you.
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