How To Clean Your Eyeglasses At Home

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May 31, 2020

Did you know that about 50% of all Americans wear corrective glasses? With eyeglasses being so popular, you might assume people would know how to take care of their optical lenses properly, right? Wrong! When surveyed, most eyeglasses wearers respond that they clean their lenses by exhaling onto them and wiping the fog off with their shirt.

Unfortunately, this all-too-common practice can actually damage your eyeglasses. Our experts at Washington Eye Doctors, with optical stores in Washington, D.C., , , , , District of Columbia, share the following tips on the best way to clean your glasses.

Eyesight is precious. So are your eyeglasses.

Everyone appreciates the value of clear vision and the importance of doing everything possible to keep your vision safe and healthy. If you think of your eyeglasses as an investment towards your sharp vision, you'll treat them with the care they deserve.

In addition to purchasing frames for your prescription eyeglasses, you may have chosen to coat the lenses with anti-glare, UV protection, and anti-scratch features. While these coatings are generally durable, they aren't 100% damage-proof. Cleaning your lenses improperly can cause minor scratches.

What's the worst way to clean eyeglasses?

The following cleaning solutions or methods rank as the absolute worst ways to treat your eyeglasses, because they can strip the lenses of their coatings and leave fine marks that can create a visual haze.

Window/glass cleaner
Ammonia
Bleach
Vinegar or lemon juice
Toothpaste
Tissues or napkins
Paper towels
Exhaling onto the lenses
Your shirt

What are the best ways to clean eyeglasses?

Keeping your lenses clean and clear is an essential part of optimizing your vision! The best cleansers to use include water, rubbing alcohol, dishwashing liquid, microfiber cloth, and special optical wipes.

Once you're armed with the right substances, follow these guidelines:

Run your glasses under lukewarm water (NOT hot water).
Using a small drop of dish soap on your fingertips, rub both sides of the lenses and nose pads gently.
Rinse the eyeglasses with warm water and dry gently with a clean microfiber cloth. Because microfiber doesn't leave lint behind, your lenses should be sparkling clean.
Keep individually-wrapped optical wipes handy so you can clean your eyeglasses throughout the day, as needed. Alternatively, spritz glasses cleaner or even rubbing alcohol from a spray bottle onto the lenses and wipe with a microfiber cloth.

We offer a full line of optical products

Need to stock up on wipes or a spray bottle of solution made especially for cleaning your glasses? Stop by our vision care centers in Washington, D.C., , , , , District of Columbia, to make sure you have all the quality eyewear products and accessories you need!

At Washington Eye Doctors, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 202-335-5032 or book an appointment online to see one of our Washington, D.C. eye doctors.

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