How to Clean Glasses Properly — Avoid Scratches and Damage
You're probably cleaning your glasses wrong. The #1 cause of scratched lenses isn't dropping them — it's improper cleaning. A 2024 survey by the Vision Council found that 73% of glasses wearers use their shirt, paper towel, or dry tissue to clean their lenses, all of which cause micro-scratches that accumulate over time.
The Right Way to Clean Glasses (Step by Step)
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
Oil, dirt, and lotion on your fingers transfer to the lenses. Use lotion-free soap and dry with a clean towel.
Step 2: Rinse with Lukewarm Water
Run your glasses under a gentle stream of lukewarm (not hot) water. This removes dust and debris that would otherwise act like sandpaper when you wipe. Hot water can damage lens coatings.
Step 3: Apply a Drop of Lotion-Free Dish Soap
One tiny drop per lens. Gently rub with your fingertips — not your nails — across both sides of both lenses, the nose pads, and the frame. Avoid soaps with moisturizers, which leave a film.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Make sure all soap is gone. Residual soap causes smearing.
Step 5: Dry with a Clean Microfiber Cloth
Use the microfiber cloth that came with your glasses, or buy a multi-pack. Never use: paper towels (wood fibers scratch lenses), your shirt (trapped dust and fabric softener residue), or toilet paper.
Best Lens Cleaning Products
MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (6-Pack)
Ultra-fine 250 GSM microfiber. Machine washable, lint-free, individually packaged.
✔ Best-selling lens cloths on Amazon ✔ Wash and reuse dozens of times ✔ Safe for all lens coatings
Koala Kleaner Lens Cleaner Spray Kit
Alcohol-free, ammonia-free formula with 2 travel bottles and microfiber cloth.
✔ Safe for all lens coatings ✔ Convenient travel size ✔ No streaks
What NOT to Use
- Windex or glass cleaner: Contains ammonia that strips anti-reflective coating
- Vinegar: Too acidic for lens coatings
- Isopropyl alcohol (on coated lenses): Can damage anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings over time
- Saliva: Contains oils and bacteria that smear lenses and can damage coatings
- Dry microfiber cloth on dirty lenses: Always rinse first to remove abrasive particles
How Often Should You Clean Your Glasses?
Daily: Quick rinse and dry with microfiber cloth.
Weekly: Full wash with dish soap.
Monthly: Ultrasonic cleaning (most optical shops offer this for free) to deep-clean nose pads and hinges.