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How to clean your glasses


Close-up of a woman's hands holding a pair of glasses and cleaning it with a lens cloth Close-up of a woman's hands holding a pair of glasses and cleaning it with a lens cloth


Your glasses have an important job to do. Not only do they help you see clearly but they also shield your eyes from the elements. As is the case with anything you wear on a regular basis, your glasses can easily become dirty and grimy with frequent use. Facial oils, sweat and beauty products rub off onto the temples, bridge and nose pads. Also, smears on the lenses can disturb your vision and make your lenses really difficult to see through. That is why it is important that you learn how to clean your glasses as regularly as you can whilst being careful not to cause any damage to the more delicate parts of the frame. Cleaning your glasses will help to extend their lifespan, protect your vision and avoid any germs being transferred to your face.

What is the best way to clean glasses?

In order to clean your glasses properly, you will need the cleaning cloth supplied with your glasses and a lens cleaner. Be sure to use the lens cleaner sparingly and apply it to both sides of the lens. Use circular motions with the cleaning cloth and work the fluid around the lens, particularly in the corners where all the dirt and grime gather. Then, once the cloth has dried the lenses, they will be squeaky clean!



Top tip: If you are traveling or on the move, make sure you have a glasses cleaning kit handy with lens cleaner and an appropriate cloth to give your glasses a quick clean. Lens wipes are another excellent solution. They are compact and ready to use right away.


Another effective method for cleaning glasses is using lotion-free washing-up liquid and tepid water. This will help remove any dirt that could potentially scratch the lenses. Beforehand, you should wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly with a towel in order to remove any dirt or oil. Then, rinse your glasses under the tap and make sure the water isn’t too hot otherwise it could remove any coatings you have on your lenses. Next, place a drop of washing-up liquid on both lenses before gently rubbing them with your fingers and cleaning the frame. Rinse your glasses under the tap again, checking that all the soap has been washed off. You can then dry them with a clean, lint-free towel or microfiber cloth. Hold your glasses up to the light to check for any remaining smears or fragments.

Are there any methods of cleaning glasses I should avoid?

Jumper icon

Though it might seem like a quick fix, remember not to clean the lenses of your glasses with your jumper or any item of clothing. The material is not designed for this and will scratch the lenses permanently.

Spray bottle icon

Refrain from using any other cleaning products apart from washing-up liquid or lens cleaner, especially window cleaner or products with alcohol in them. This is because they are at risk of damaging the lens coatings.

Breath icon

You should try to avoid breathing on the lenses to clean them as this is not very effective or hygienic.

Drop icon

If your tap produces hard water, it might be best for you to clean your glasses with distilled water as an alternative.

Tissue icon

Do not rub your lenses with tissues or paper towels of any kind because the wood pulp within them can scratch your lenses if rubbed too forcefully.




Close-up of a pair of glasses being held up carefully by their arms Close-up of a pair of glasses being held up carefully by their arms

Ways to take care of your glasses

Though they are made of durable materials, it is still very important that you take care of your glasses. Handle them with care and put them on your face by using both your hands to protect the hinges and temples from smudges and long-term damage. When you are not wearing them, ensure that they are stored safely in their case which will protect them from damage, dirt and dust. If you are just putting them down for a little while, before bed or after reading a book for example, ensure the lenses are facing upwards to avoid any abrasions. Above all else, make sure you clean your glasses properly and as frequently as possible. Get into a daily routine of cleaning them if you can.