If you wear eyeglasses for reading or driving or long distance or wear sunglasses we need to clean them effectively and easily. I really dislike when my glasses are smudged or do not feel clean and it certainly makes it harder to read or drive or watch Tv when they are not crystal clean!
So it is important to clean eyeglasses often and carefully. Eyeglasses and sunglasses can be often incredibly expensive and so need to be treated well.
If we use the wrong type of cleaning cloth it can damage your lenses including damaging the coatings, scratching the lenses and just cause irritating streaking and smudging.
Always Avoid Cleaning Eyeglasses With These Items
Any dirty cloth , even a microfibre one. Dirt particles can scratch the coating of the lens and cause damage.
Pieces of your clothing like a T shirt or fleece. Most of us have probably done this from time to time when we don't have a cloth handy and our glasses are dirty, but its not a great idea. You can transfer oils, sweat and dirt onto your glasses and any dust particles can scratch the surface. Also depending on the fabric it is often not very effective and can make things worse.
General household cleaners and sprays designed for kitchen or bathroom use. These are generally too abrasive or contain chemicals that can damage our glasses coatings.
Using the wrong cleaning method can at best leave annoying and irritating streaks and smudges and at worse scratch your lenses and damage coatings which may need to be repaired or replaced.
How Should We Clean Our Eyeglasses?
There are several options for cleaning cloths to clean our eyeglasses, sunglasses or spectacles. I have listed three below but there are other options that you may find useful and effective.
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Microfibre Cleaning Cloths
These are by far my best option. The ones I use now are Go Optical Microfibre Glasses Cleaner but I have had many different makes over the years and all have been very good.
Microfibre is a densely woven cloth that is very soft and non abrasive. It has excellent cleaning properties and takes off dust and oils easily and quickly.
They can be washed and used many times so they do work out cost effective and good for the planet. To keep it clean wash every couple of weeks or sooner if your glasses get more dirty. It is usually only necessary to use a mild soap and warm water. I usually handwash as its quicker and easier but they can be generally machine washed as well. Do not use fabric conditioner though as it reduces the absorbency and effectiveness of the cloth.
Microfibre cloths can be used anywhere when at home or out and about and travelling. They have the added advantage of being able to use them on many other household items such as camera lenses, laptop and tablet screens, TV's, mirrors, gaming toys, phone screens and glasses.
I just love how so quickly and easily they turn my smudged and annoying glasses into a lovely clear vision! Its a small thing but one that makes life a little bit easier and better.
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Pre-Moistened Spectacle Wipes
These often come in boxes with many wipes in individually wrapped packaging or in a larger single tub. The individual wipes can be very useful especially when at work, school, gym or travelling.
They are usually once only use and being individually wrapped can be useful as they do not dry out easily while the packet is intact, but also can be wasteful. They are generally not reuseable.
So if you are not travelling and using at home the tub option dispenser type may be better.
Once opened they must be used quickly as once exposed to air they can dry out. It is good to look for ones that are free from parabens, alcohol, dyes and too many chemicals and made from sustainable plant based fibres.
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Reusable Spray and Cloth Glasses Cleaning Kits
These are a combination of a microfibre cloth plus a cleaning solution. It is good for a really proper clean. Most are best I feel to use at home as otherwise its quite a lot to carry around just for cleaning glasses, but a good option especially if you often get oils or dust or other dirt on eyeglasses or sunglasses.
However the one featured below is listed as compact and easier to travel with as it is all contained in a convenient tube, so may be a good on the go option to consider.
The most effective way to clean glasses or spectacles
If glasses are really dirty then rinse them with clear water under the tap/faucet first, just so that any dirt particles are washed away so as not to cause any abrasion or marks. If they are not really dirty you can skip this step.
If very smudged or dirty or have oils on them, its a good idea now and again to use a specific lens cleaning solution tot he lenses.
Then simply wipe over with clean, dry microfibre cloth. Clean gently and cover the whole lens area with a slow circular motion. If they are not really dirty you can just clean with a microfibre cloth.
My overall preference for cleaning my eyeglasses is a microfibre cleaning cloth. It is safe, effective and easily available. I find mine cleans without streaks and gets rid of smudges and gives a lovely clear view.
I can wash it and use it for a long time without having to replace. However I do have several so I always have one in the car, the house, my handbag etc. I hate having dirty glasses so this way I always have one to hand when I need it.
It is a good practice to keep the microfibre cloth in a small pouch or carry bag to protect it and keep it clean too. I do keep some single use cleaning cloths in the house and my handbag in case of emergencies as well. Every now and again I will give them a thorough clean with a lens solution and microfibre cloth combination. However my go to item for cleaning daily is a microfibre cleaning cloth.
Anyone who wears eyeglasses or sunglasses will know how important they are to clear and good sight and how expensive they can be to buy. We do not want to compromise clear vision with dirty, smudged glasses or to compromise the effectiveness with scratched damaged lenses. So it is a small but valuable consideration to have a safe, effective cleaning cloth.
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