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For those who wear glasses, dealing with dirt and smudges can be particularly frustrating, often impairing concentration. Moreover, using incorrect cleaning products can diminish the quality of your lenses over time, leading to costly replacements.
According to Sheena Tuff, optician and owner of Optician About Town, the ideal cleaning solution avoids “alcohol, harsh chemicals, perfumes, or scents.” Tuff advises that a lack of noticeable odor is a good indication of a suitable lens cleaner.
To provide you with the most effective cleaning methods, I consulted Tuff and other eyewear professionals for their expert recommendations. Below, you’ll find valuable tips and product suggestions for maintaining your eyewear.
The Best Products for Cleaning Glasses
Before you begin, ensure you have appropriate supplies to keep your glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses in pristine condition. Aside from plain water and mild detergent, there are several user-friendly lens cleaners worth considering. We’ve highlighted some top-rated options below.
If you’re looking for a portable and safe cleaning spray, consider the Koala Lens Cleaner, which boasts an alcohol- and ammonia-free formula. This product effectively removes dirt and debris using a blend of water and plant-based ingredients. It also comes with a microfiber cloth that is gentler than traditional paper towels, preventing scratches on your lenses.
An excellent multipurpose tool is the MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, which is not only effective for glasses but also for cleaning various screens such as smartphones, tablets, and TVs. Each cloth measures 6 x 7 inches and is available in multiple pack sizes.
For on-the-go cleaning, Care Touch Lens Cleaning Wipes are a convenient option. These individually wrapped wipes, measuring 5 x 6 inches, contain a quick-drying alcohol-based solution designed to eliminate streaks. They’re perfect for tackling stubborn debris and can easily fit in your bag for travel.
Recognizing When to Clean Your Glasses
While it might seem straightforward, you should clean your glasses whenever they become dirty or obstruct your vision. Depending on conditions, lenses can accumulate varying levels of dirt. It’s advisable to wipe the lenses if you observe any noticeable grime or fogging.
For a more thorough clean, consider using an ultrasonic cleaner. Tuff mentions that even if your glasses appear clean, oils and residues may still linger, which an ultrasonic cleaner can effectively remove.
Choosing the Best Cleaning Solution
According to Dr. Joy Harewood-John, an associate professor of optometry at the New York State College of Optometry, the best option is a spray solution specifically formulated for lenses, typically available in optical stores. If such a product isn’t accessible, plain water is a suitable alternative.
A diluted mixture of dish soap and water can also work effectively. Tuff emphasizes using a microfiber cloth instead of paper towels, as the latter may leave fine scratches. Harewood-John concurs, recommending solutions free from alcohol to protect lens coatings.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Glasses
The standard microfiber cloth that often comes with glasses is an excellent starting point for basic cleaning. Gently use it to wipe away dirt. However, for tougher stains, follow these recommended steps:
Step 1: Use a cleaner like Zeiss Lens Care Pack or Koala Eyeglass Lens Cleaner Spray to coat the lens, and wipe away dust with the provided cloth. Allow to dry.
Step 2: For a more thorough clean, fill a small bowl with warm water (ensuring it’s not too hot as heat may damage the lenses). Add a drop of mild dish detergent like Dawn Platinum PowerWash and dip the lenses gently, moving them back and forth in the water.
Step 3: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Step 4: Dry using a clean microfiber cloth, avoiding paper towels or shirts which could scratch the lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to clean glasses? The simplest method is to use soap and water. Besides that, lens-specific cleaning products are recommended. For travel, packaged lens wipes are an excellent backup.
How often should I clean my glasses? According to Harewood-John, the frequency depends on the dirt level. Cleaning once or twice daily may suffice, but individuals working in dusty environments might need to clean more often.
Can I use Windex to clean my glasses? It is advisable to avoid Windex due to its ammonia content. Instead, opt for solutions formulated for glasses or a mild soap-and-water mix.
Expert Insights
At NBC Select, our team collaborates with industry experts, ensuring that all professional advice is independent and devoid of financial conflicts. Sheena Tuff is an optician and owner of Optician About Town, while Dr. Joy Harewood-John serves as Chief Diversity Officer and Clinical Associate Professor at the New York State College of Optometry.
Why You Can Trust Our Advice
Bethany Heitman, NBC Select’s Commerce Editor, regularly covers topics in beauty, wellness, and lifestyle, bringing valuable insights to our readership. Cory Fernandez, also a Commerce Editor, contributed additional reporting for this article.
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