How to Clean Sunglasses

5 Simple Tricks to Keep Your Sunglasses Spick-and-Span

If you're like most people, then you probably have a pair of sunglasses that are not only hanging around your neck, but they're also in the bag with your keys and wallet. Do you know what that means? They're getting dirty!

What Do You Need to Clean Sunglasses?

If you have a pair of eyeglasses, you likely clean them regularly. It's even possible that they taught you how to clean your glasses. However, as we get older, our eyes can easily become less sensitive to dirt and grime.

So, if you want to keep your glasses in good condition, be it your prescription glasses or your favorite sunglasses, you'll need to know what products are best for cleaning them.

The basic things you'll need are soft lint-free cloth, some sort of cleaning liquid, and warm water.

If you're using a glass cleaner that has a spray bottle, you'll want to use a cloth to wipe down your glasses after spraying them with the cleaner. This will remove any excess residue from the cleaner.

You'll also want to make sure that your glasses are dry before putting them away. If they're wet, they'll fog up over time and become harder to see through as they become more and more humidified by your sweat or other liquids in your environment.

Wash the Frames

If you own a pair of sunglasses that have metal parts, such as hinges or rivets, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean those areas. Moisten the arms and frame in this solution for about 10 minutes and then rinse them off with warm water until they are completely clean. Use fresh water to rinse them again if needed.

Use a soft brush to gently scrub off any dirt or grime from the frame, arms, and nose pad. This may take a few rinses.

You can also use an anti-bacterial cleanser for those that have metal frames. Or fill a spray bottle with warm water and some mild soap solution.

You may need to repeat this step if there's still some dirt left behind after rinsing away excess moisture from the cloth first.

Clean the Lenses Gently

Cleaning lenses is a simple task. Most sunglasses are made of plastic, so you can use soap and water to clean them.

If you have a pair of sunglasses that you don't wear too often, you may want to clean them. This is especially true if you have a pair of expensive sunglasses that can't be replaced easily.

Step 1: Remove the lenses from the frame, if possible. You should remove them before cleaning because they're more fragile than other parts of the frame.

Step 2: Fill a bowl with warm water and add some soap. Dip the lenses in this solution.

Step 3: Rub the lenses gently with your thumb or forefinger or even with a soft cloth until they're free of any dirt. This will make it easier for you to see through them after you've rinsed them out in clean water.

Step 4: Rinse off all the soap and water from your lenses by submerging them in running warm water for several minutes or until they're completely clear.

Dry With a Microfiber Cloth

The safest way to clean sunglasses is with a microfiber cloth. You can find them at most stores that sell eyeglasses. They're also very inexpensive so you don't have to worry about spending a lot of money on them.

If you have a premium pair of sunglasses, you might not want to dust them down with cotton swabs. Instead, try using a microfiber cloth to wipe off any dirt or grime on the lens. You can also use this method if your sunglasses are scratched or have smudges on them.

If you don't have a microfiber cloth, then try blotting paper instead. To clean your sunglasses with this material, simply soak the paper with a cleaning solution and gently rub them over the surface of your sunglasses until they are clean.

Watch Out for Certain Liquids

If your sunglasses look dirty after using the microfiber cloth, then you can use a special cleaning solution to help remove any dirt and grime from the surface of your sunglasses. A good cleaning solution for this purpose is isopropyl alcohol (IPA), which is also known as rubbing alcohol or ethanol and is commonly used in many drug stores to clean prescription glasses, contact lenses, and other optical equipment.

You can also use an eye-drop solution to clean your glasses and sunglasses. If you have photochromic or tinted lenses, use special cleaning solutions designed for that type of glass.

There are plenty of options available for purchasing lens cleaners and wipes specifically made for cleaning sunglasses and eyeglasses, so it should be easy enough to find one that fits your needs.

Avoid using the following liquids to clean your sunglasses:

Perfume – The smell of perfume can evaporate into your lenses, leaving behind a residue of smudges or discoloring the lenses.

Oil – It can also cause discoloration in the lenses. If you use an oil-based cleaner, be sure to wipe away any excess after cleaning.

Vinegar – Vinegar can damage the finish of your sunglasses because of its acidic contents.

If you're using any of these substances on your glasses, make sure to wipe them off immediately after using them.

Takeaway: Do’s and Don’ts Cleaning Tips

Here are some super tips to keep your glasses clean and looking great! 

Avoid using your breath as a cleaning agent, since it can spread bacteria and grime all over the lens. 

Avoid using a paper towel, napkin, or your shirt to dry your lenses as doing so will damage the coating.

If you're using a cloth or paper towel, do not use one that is too coarse or thick as it can scratch the lenses.

Place your sunglasses back on their original case if they came with one, or lay them flat on a clean towel.

Store your sunglasses in an airtight container when not in use so that any moisture does not damage them over time."

Conclusion

So there you have it. With a regular cleaning schedule and a few simple DIY supplies, your favorite glasses can look perfect for years to come. Although we're all different, and we live in a world of different environments, the same basic principles of cleaning glasses apply to most people.

With a little bit of care and attention, you should be able to clean your glasses without any problems. The key thing is to be consistent in your approach, which will help keep your glasses looking great longer. So, the next time you need to clean sunglasses, remember these tips and tricks!

Your eyes will thank you, even if your lenses don't always.