Most people who wear glasses are all too familiar with the annoyance of oil and dirt buildup on their trusty pair. Although glasses have been around for centuries, inventors have yet to create a smudge-proof pair. If your idea of cleaning your glasses is using the end of your shirt and whatever liquid you have around, you’ve got it wrong. Dirty lenses are easy-to-fix nuisances, but there is certainly a right way and a wrong way to wipe off your glasses. Learning how to clean your glasses can keep your lenses crystal clear and in the best shape possible.
How to Clean Your Glasses
It’s much easier to keep the germs out of your eyes with glasses than it is with a pair of contacts. However, you might not think to clean your entire frames, which can be crawling with bacteria and germs. Just like brushing your teeth or combing your hair, it’s important to incorporate cleaning your glasses into your morning routine. Use these steps to keep the smudges and germs at bay:
- Wash your hands: We do almost everything with our hands. Putting on makeup, applying lotion, typing on keyboards, and even eating can get your hands dirty. If you clean your glasses with dirty hands, you will wind up with a dirty cloth and smeared lenses. Make sure to dry your hands to remove any oil or soap residue that might still be lingering on your hands.
- Run the lenses under warm water: A gentle stream of warm water can help remove debris that could potentially scratch your lenses when you wipe them off. Just make sure the water isn’t too hot so you don’t damage any coating on your glasses. You might notice that the smudges are still there, but we will take care of those in just a moment.
- Apply your cleaning solution: It is important to use a cleaning solution that will cut away grease and oil without damaging your lenses. Although you might be tempted to reach for a window cleaning solution or vinegar, don’t do it. While these products make your windows and mirrors look beautiful, they can destroy reflective coatings on glasses. Although not every pair of glasses has a reflective coating, it is best not to risk it. Instead, use a dish soap that doesn’t contain any lotion, and apply a very small drop to each side of the lenses and nosepiece.
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth: Now it time to wipe away those smudges. Using a microfiber cloth, gently clean your lenses, nosepiece, and even the frames of your glasses.
- Dry your glasses: Gently shake off any extra water on your glasses and wipe them with a dry microfiber cloth. Your glasses should be sparkling clean.
Cleaning on the Go
When you’re in a hurry, avoid cleaning your glasses without getting them wet first. Even the softest cloth and light pressure can create scratches on your lenses. Keeping a good cleaning solution handy is key. You probably don’t want to carry around a bottle of dish soap everywhere you go, but luckily you can use a lens cleaning solution. We recommend keeping a bottle near your nightstand, in your car, or in your desk drawer for easy access. You can even purchase a travel-size bottle.
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Learning how to clean your glasses the right way will extend their life. When you invest in a pair of glasses you love, you will be more motivated to keep them in the best shape possible. If you live near southwest Missouri, the team at Heffington’s would love to help you find your next pair of glasses. We carry dozens of frame lines including Ray-Ban and Kate Spade. To learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with us online, send an e-mail to [email protected], or give us a call at 417-869-3937 (Optiland location) or 417-882-3937 (House of Vision location).