What Not to Do When Cleaning Your Glasses

After investing time and money into picking out the perfect pair of glasses, you undoubtedly want to protect your investment to the best of your abilities. Failing to properly clean your glasses can lead to a buildup of oil and dirt that obscures your view and possibly even scratches or damages your glasses. Although we’ve all made mistakes, it’s important to be aware of the do’s and don’ts of cleaning eyeglasses. Read on as the team at Access Eye explains what not to do when cleaning your glasses.

Wipe Them Down with a Tissue, Paper Towel or Napkin

It’s very important not to wipe your glasses down with any type of paper product, including tissues, paper towels or napkins. Regardless of how soft these materials may feel, they can easily scratch the lenses on your glasses. Use a lens cloth instead.

Use Your Shirt to Clean Them

It’s tempting to use your shirt to quickly wipe off your lenses on the go. However, you might not realize that what you are wearing accumulates dirt and dust, which can be transferred to your glasses and scratch them.

Use a Household Glass Cleaner

The chemicals in window or surface cleaner can wear down the protective coating on your glasses; not to mention, they are harmful to your eyes. Instead, use lukewarm water and a drop of dish soap, special glasses cleaning solution or a pre-moistened cloth.

Wet Your Glasses with Saliva

Saliva is neither effective nor hygienic.

Leave them in the Bathroom or Kitchen

Avoid leaving your glasses near areas where they could get sprayed or splattered. Beauty and hair products contain chemicals that can damage the lens coatings. Always store your glasses in a hard case to protect them from exposure to dust and debris. If you don’t have a case, keep them with the lenses facing up (not down).

Try to Fix Nose Pads or Other Components of the Frame

If the nose pads have yellowed or other components of the frame are difficult to clean, don’t try to fix them on your own. Visit an experienced optician instead of trying DIY fixes.