The Most Overlooked Step in Cleaning Your Glasses Properly

The first step is something many skip entirely!

Whether for reading, improving vision, or working in front of a screen all day, glasses are an essential part of everyday life for millions of people.

Replacing glasses can be costly, so taking proper care of them is key. But do you actually clean your glasses the right way? There’s both a right and a wrong way to do it!

Specsavers has put together a step-by-step guide to help you clean your glasses properly—so you can keep them in great condition and enjoy crystal-clear vision every day.

Wash Your Hands First

It may seem obvious, but many people completely overlook this step.

Dirty hands can transfer oil and grime onto your lenses, making the whole cleaning process pointless.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry them with a lint-free towel before touching your glasses.

Rinse Under Lukewarm Water

After washing your hands, rinse both the lenses and frame under a stream of lukewarm water.

Warm water helps loosen dust and debris, but be careful—if the water is too hot, it can damage any coatings on your lenses.

Use Just One Drop of Lens Cleaner

Many people use too much, but you only need a single drop of lens cleaner on each lens.

Gently rub the cleaner over both sides of the lenses with your fingers, then clean the entire frame as well.

Make sure your lens cleaner is suitable for coated lenses, and avoid using too much.

Dry with a Clean Microfibre Cloth

Once the lens cleaner has been applied, dry your glasses with a microfibre cloth or a lint-free cloth.

Avoid using kitchen roll or your shirt—they can scratch the lenses!

Check for Missed Spots

Hold your glasses up to a light source to check if any smudges or dirt remain.

If you notice any grime in the corners of the frame, use a cotton bud to clean those hard-to-reach areas before rinsing again.

Rinse Again if Necessary

If there’s any residue left from the lens cleaner or dirt, give your glasses another quick rinse under lukewarm water.

Dry them carefully once more with your microfibre cloth.

Store Your Glasses Properly

Prevention is the best way to keep your glasses clean and scratch-free! Always store them in a protective case when not in use.

Never place them face down, as this can lead to scratches on the lenses.

Avoid Household Cleaning Products

Never use washing-up liquid, alcohol wipes, paper towels, or other household cleaners to clean your glasses.

These can strip away protective coatings and cause tiny scratches over time.

Wash Your Microfibre Cloth Regularly

Microfibre cloths pick up dust and oil—but if they aren’t washed regularly, they’ll start spreading dirt instead of removing it.

Wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions to keep them effective.

Consider Anti-Scratch Coatings

For extra durability, opt for scratch-resistant coatings on your lenses.

Not only do they protect against everyday wear and tear, but they also help reduce dust buildup.

Smudge-Resistant Coatings Make a Difference

A smudge-resistant coating makes it harder for grease and dirt to cling to your lenses.

That means less cleaning—so you can enjoy clearer vision for longer!