The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Glasses and Sunglasses

Your glasses are with you through it all — from protecting your eyes outdoors to helping you see clearly throughout the day. However, as they come into contact with sweat, skin oils, dust and environmental pollutants, they inevitably collect dirt and grime over time.

Keeping your lenses clean isn’t just about clear vision — it also helps extend the life of your glasses. However, cleaning them the wrong way can cause scratches or damage, even if your lenses are scratch-resistant. Here’s our expert guide to caring for your glasses properly.

Cleaning Your Lenses

1. Start with clean hands
   Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your glasses. This removes oils, dirt and bacteria that could transfer onto the lenses and cause smears or scratches.
2. Use a specialist lens cleaner
   Spray both sides of your lenses with a dedicated lens cleaning solution, then gently wipe them with a clean microfibre cloth. Lens sprays are designed to remove grease and dirt effectively without leaving streaks or residue.
3. Avoid paper towels and clothing
   It’s tempting to use a tissue, tea towel or the corner of your shirt, but these materials can leave lint and microscopic scratches that build up over time.
4. Skip harsh chemicals
   Avoid soaps or cleaning products containing ammonia, bleach, or other strong chemicals. These can damage your lens coatings.
5. Don’t breathe on your lenses
   It might seem harmless but breathing onto your glasses before wiping can create more smudges — and doesn’t remove dirt effectively.
6. Keep your cloths clean
   Wash your microfibre lens cloths regularly (without fabric softener) to remove trapped oils and debris.

Cleaning Your Frames

Your frames collect dirt too — particularly around the nose pads, hinges and earpieces. Keeping them, clean helps prevent bacteria build-up and keeps your glasses comfortable to wear.

1. Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to gently clean your frames. Hold them securely by the sides rather than the bridge to avoid bending them.
2. Use a mild hand soap rather than strong detergents.
3. Dry gently with a microfibre cloth.
4. Never leave your glasses in hot conditions (like a car dashboard or near a radiator), as the heat can warp the frames or affect the lens coatings.
5. If your frames need a deep clean, visit our practice — we can clean them using our ultrasonic cleaner, which is especially effective for clear frames or stubborn build-up.

Cleaning Between the Lenses and Frames

Dirt often accumulates where your lenses meet the frames. To clean these areas, use a soft toothbrush and warm soapy water, taking care not to touch the lenses with the bristles. Pay special attention to hinges and areas that rest on your skin.

Cleaning On the Go

When you’re out and about, use an alcohol-free lens spray and a clean microfibre cloth. Gently blow away any loose dust before wiping to avoid scratching the lenses. This method works for everyday glasses, sunglasses and sports eyewear.

Avoiding Streaks

If you notice streaks after cleaning, it’s usually leftover soap residue or a dirty lens cloth! Rinse your lenses thoroughly and wipe with a clean cloth for a streak-free finish.

Can I Use Hand Sanitiser or Alcohol Wipes?

No — avoid using hand sanitiser, rubbing alcohol or alcohol wipes on your lenses. These can strip away protective coatings and may even irritate your eyes if residue is left behind. Warm, soapy water is all you need to disinfect your glasses safely.

Why Do My Lenses Look Foggy?

Foggy lenses could mean your glasses simply need a proper clean, or that you’ve accidentally smeared them with oily fingerprints. If they fog up in temperature changes (like moving from indoors to outdoors), try using an anti-fog lens spray or wipe.
If fogginess persists even after cleaning, the lenses may be damaged — visit your optician so they can take a closer look.

Choosing the Right Cloth

Always use a microfibre lens cloth. It’s designed to lift dirt and oils gently without scratching your lenses. Wash it regularly to keep it clean and effective.

At Lesley Cree Opticians, we stock specialist lens cleaning sprays and microfibre cloths to help you keep your glasses in pristine condition. Visit us in practice for expert advice or a professional clean — your lenses (and your eyes) will thank you!