If eyeglass wearers love one thing, it's that unmatched feeling of putting on the clear glasses for an unhindered vision. Now imagine having spotless glasses free of grime, smears, and fingerprints at all times. Isn't that a lovely thought?
With the best eyeglass cleaner, you can not only have clearer and better vision but also save your glasses from scratches.
Let's find the best hack for cleaning your eyeglasses that keeps your frames looking brand new. Peep into the best practices section for cleaning different lens types!
Why Proper Cleaning Is Essential for Eyeglasses
Keeping our eyeglasses clean isn't just good for clear vision but also for protecting the eyeglasses from wearing down.
If we're spending so much money on eye health and care, we shouldn't let it go to waste because we're lazy about giving the glasses a good clean.
Using just about any cloth to get the grime and fingerprints off isn't the best way, or is it? The best way to clean glasses involves using the right cleaning cloth, ultrasonic glasses cleaner, or any other appropriate cleaning material that doesn't leave scratches on the eyeglasses.
Proper cleaning is essential for preventing potential damage to the glass and the frames. Here are several other reasons why proper cleaning is essential for eyeglasses.
- Prevents Buildup of Dirt, Oils, and Bacteria: Our eyeglasses pick up oils from the skin and dust from the environment. Without regular cleaning, the dirt and oil buildup creates grime on the lenses and the frames that reduce clarity, increasing the strain on the eyes.
- Keeps Your Vision Clear: Smudges and debris on the lenses distort vision. Our eyes have to work harder to focus, which causes eye strain. A good eyeglass cleaner clears away grime, making our vision better.
- Protects Lens Coatings: Some types of eye lenses have specialized coatings such as UV-blocking layers or anti-reflective layers that are sensitive to harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning materials. Through proper cleaning, you can preserve these coatings and keep them intact.
- Reduces the Risk of Scratches: Wiping the glasses with a rough cloth or any other material creates tiny scratches that affect the visibility. Using the right cleaning materials prevents your glasses from looking worn.
- Extends the Life of Your Glasses: Taking extra time to care for your eyeglasses makes a huge difference in extending their lifespan by keeping them safe from wear and tear.
What You Need: Essential Cleaning Supplies
Having the right cleaning supplies can make a huge difference. No more scratches, grime, and oils on the eyeglasses!
Here's a list of cleaning supplies that will keep your glasses in the best condition.
- Eyeglass Cleaning Solution: Opt for an alcohol-free cleaning solution that doesn't strip away protective coatings on the lenses.
- Microfiber Cloth: The soft texture and material remove dirt and oils without leaving tiny scratches on the lenses.
- Lens Cleaning Wipes: Single-use wipes work best for quick touch-ups
- Mild Dish Soap: Dish soap works well for a deep clean as it dissolves oils, dirt, and grime
- Ultrasonic Glasses Cleaner: For professional cleaning, you can get an ultrasonic cleaner and forget about the hassle.
Step-By-Step Guide To Cleaning Your Eyeglasses
Once you have all the essentials for cleaning the eyeglasses, it's time to give your glasses a spa day. Let's make them crystal clear with this step-by-step cleaning guide.
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
Why are we washing our hands? Well, we don't want to transfer any oil and dirt from the hands to the frames because that ruins our cleaning process. Therefore, washing hands is the first step.
Step 2: Rinse Eyeglasses with Lukewarm Water
The best way to clean glasses is by giving them a gentle rinse with lukewarm water to rinse away dirt particles and gunk that might leave a scratch on the lenses.
Gently hold the glass frames under the faucet to rinse them well. Don't use high water pressure; it may warp the shape!
Step 3: Apply Cleaning Solution
Next, apply a small drop of an alcohol-free cleaning solution. The non-moisturizing dish soap works well for cleaning glasses.
Harsh soaps and cleaners may damage the lens coatings; therefore, it's best to use a gentle cleaning solution.
Rub the cleaning solution over both sides of the lenses with your fingers. Then, gently scrub the frames. Pay attention to the nose pads and temples, as these areas are often in contact with the skin and accumulate oils.
Step 4: Rinse Again
Rinse away the soap or cleaner residue with lukewarm water to make sure there isn't any leftover residue.
Step 5: Dry With a Microfiber Cloth
Pat and wipe your lenses using a clean microfiber cloth that prevents scratches and leaves your eyeglasses lint-free.
Step 6: Inspect for Smudges
Look for smudges in the light to buff out any lingering smudges. If your glasses need more cleaning, it's best to use an ultrasonic cleaner for a professional deep clean.
How To Clean Eyeglasses Using an Ultrasonic Cleaner?
The best eyeglass cleaner is the Sonic Soak ultrasonic glasses cleaner, which effectively removes dirt, oil, and gunk from the lenses and leaves the frames in pristine condition.
Sonic Soak uses a cavitation process, producing ultrasonic waves that create tiny bubbles in the water. These bubbles implode to dislodge the dirt and grime.
The cavitation process also kills germs, leaving your eyeglasses sanitized!
No more scrubbing to reach the nooks and cranny anymore, as you can simply place the glasses in the container and let the device do its job.
Here's the best way to clean glasses using an ultrasonic cleaner in four easy steps!
1. Fill the Container: Add water and a few drops of non-alcohol eyeglass cleaning solution/dishwashing liquid to the Sonic Soak container.
2. Add Your Glasses: Place your eyeglasses in the container, ensuring they're fully submerged.
3. Plug in the Sonic Soak: Connect the cleaner to a wall outlet, place the Sonic Soak in the water, and turn it on.
4. Run for 3–5 Minutes: Let the cavitation process work its magic for about 3 to 5 minutes, then remove and dry your glasses with a microfiber cloth.
In these four simple and easy steps, your glasses receive the much-deserved spa day and come out smudge and dirt-free!
Avoiding Common Cleaning Mistakes
When it comes to cleaning eyeglasses, a few common mistakes may lead to scratches and smudges. Let's not damage the lens coatings during a wash by avoiding the most common mistakes.
Using Household Cleaners
Ever noticed that your glasses become blotchy and cloudy after using a household cleaner? Well, ammonia solutions are the culprit.
Most household cleaning agents contain ammonia, which is too harsh for the eyeglass lenses. Such solutions wear down the protective coatings, leaving a cloudy residue on the lenses. It's best to stick with eyeglass cleaning solutions or dishwashing liquids.
Skipping the Rinse
A quick rinse under the lukewarm water goes a long way! Skipping the rinse leaves dirt and debris on the lenses. When you wipe the lenses using a cloth, the dirt causes micro-scratches.
Wiping With Tissues or Paper Towels
Tissues and paper towels seem pretty soft, but they can scratch the lenses. Microfiber cloths work best as they don't leave any lint and also keep the glasses scratches-free!
Using Hot Water
One common mistake that we can't stress enough is using hot water. Hot water seems like a good idea for dissolving grime, but it can warp the lenses, affecting the protective coatings. It's best to stick with lukewarm water to save your glasses from heat damage!
Ignoring the Benefits of an Ultrasonic Glasses Cleaner
Cleaning your glasses doesn't have to be a chore you delay for days. Crystal clear lenses not only reduce the eyestrain but also improve vision. Let's not ignore the importance of deep cleaning every once in a while.
An ultrasonic glasses cleaner can remove grime, oils, and dirt buildup within minutes, which is the best way to protect your glasses from damage and keep them clean for unhindered vision!
Best Practices for Cleaning Different Lens Types
We have shed some light on the best eyeglass cleaner, such as an ultrasonic glass cleaner, that leaves your lenses free of grime.
How is this cleaning method ideal for different types of glass coatings? Jump into the best practices for cleaning different lens types to have the cleanest glasses ever.
Anti-reflective or UV-Coated Lenses
Anti-reflective or UV-coated lenses are protective layers that give you a clearer vision and reduce glare. These high-maintenance lenses are quite demanding!
Glasses wearers know how tricky it is to clean such coated lenses. Reaching for the best eyeglass cleaner, such as Sonic Soak, can protect the delicate coatings.
After cleaning your glasses, dry them using a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the glare-reducing coating layers.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized or anti-glare glasses reduce the light glare and the eyestrain, protecting your eyes in the sun and improving vision.
For polarized lenses, you should stick to a dedicated eyeglasses cleaning routine that doesn't damage the coating.
Household cleaners can wear down this specialized coating. Therefore, it's best to rinse such glasses with lukewarm water, apply a drop of cleaner, and gently clean them without vigorous scrubbing. If you notice grime, use an ultrasonic cleaner to leave the glasses spot-free.
Blue Light Blocking Lenses
The best eyeglass cleaner, Sonic Soak, protects the lenses' coating. To clean blue light-blocking lenses, you need to be extra careful.
Avoid abrasive cloths and cleaning solutions. Instead, keep them smudge-free by using microfiber cloths and ultrasonic glass cleaners.
Look into this informational table to learn how to clean different lenses.
|
Lens Type |
Best Cleaning Solution |
Recommended Tools |
Special Care Tips |
|
Anti-Reflective (AR) |
Alcohol-free eyeglass cleaner |
Microfiber cloth |
Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia, which can damage the AR coating. Rinse with lukewarm water first. |
|
UV-Coated |
Alcohol-free eyeglass cleaner |
Microfiber cloth |
Do not use household cleaners; they can strip UV protection. Gentle cleaning preserves coating. |
|
Polarized |
Specialized polarized lens cleaner |
Microfiber cloth |
Keep away from household cleaners. Rinse with lukewarm water before wiping. |
|
Blue Light Blocking |
Alcohol-free, gentle eyeglass cleaner |
Microfiber cloth |
Avoid abrasive cloths, which can scratch or wear down the blue-light coating over time. |
|
Standard/Plastic Lenses |
Mild dish soap mixed with lukewarm water |
Microfiber cloth or lens wipes |
Dish soap works well here. Just avoid anything with added moisturizers that can leave a residue. |
|
All Types |
Ultrasonic glasses cleaner (e.g., Sonic Soak) |
Ultrasonic glasses cleaner device |
Ideal for a deep clean on any lens type. 3-5 minutes is enough to safely lift dirt without abrasion. |
How to Care for Your Eyeglass Frames?
Warped and distorted frames significantly affect our vision. Let's not forget to keep the frames in the best condition. The sides of the frames sitting on the ear often accumulate dust and sweat from daily wear.
This makes regular cleaning an essential part of maintaining hygiene for glasses wearers. Clean frames not only look better but also last longer—no one wants faded, crooked frames!
Let's jump in to explore how to care for the eyeglass frames.
Daily Wipe-Downs
Gently wipe down the frames to give them a regular clean every day. You can use a microfiber cloth or eyeglass cleaner to gently remove oils, dirt, and sweat.
Don't forget to clean the nose pads that are in direct contact with the skin!
Deep Clean with Mild Soap
For a real refresh, grab some mild dish soap and mix it with lukewarm water. Just a drop will do the trick! Avoid hot water here—it can warp plastic frames or mess with the metal screws.
Gently rub the frames and lenses with your fingers, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a microfiber cloth. Remember, a little soap goes a long way! No need to turn your sink into a bubble bath for your glasses.
Tightening and Adjusting
Ever notice how your frames start to wobble over time? It's those pesky screws working themselves loose. Keep a tiny screwdriver handy, and give those screws a quick twist every so often.
Eyeglass kits usually come with one and are worth every penny (plus, who doesn't love playing handyman with mini tools?). Don't let your glasses sit lopsided—tighten them up, and you'll be looking sharp in every sense!
When to Seek Professional Cleaning Services
Sometimes, no matter how hard you scrub, your glasses just don't seem clean. Stubborn smudges? Frames feeling a bit too grungy? It might be time to call in the pros.
Your optician has the tools (and the patience) to give your glasses the spa treatment they deserve.
Persistent Smudges and Streaks
When smudges won't budge, even after you've tried every eyeglass cleaner under the sun, a pro-level clean can make all the difference.
Opticians use industrial-grade eyeglass cleaners and even fancy ultrasonic glasses cleaners to dissolve grime without a scratch in sight. Sometimes, a deep clean is just what your lenses need!
Caked-On Dirt and Grime
Built-up dirt from sunscreen, makeup, or plain old sweat? Yep, it happens.
An ultrasonic glasses cleaner at your optician's office can handle all that stuck-on gunk without damaging your frames. Those vibrations get into every crevice, clearing out dirt and oils that you just can't reach at home.
Damage to Coatings or Frames
Notice peeling coatings or a loose screw or two? Time for a pro.
Opticians can fix wobbly frames, touch up coatings, and even give your glasses a mini "tune-up" to keep them in shape because wobbly glasses are nobody's friend!
Tips for Keeping Your Eyeglasses Smudge-Free Throughout the Day
Keeping your glasses smudge-free all day can feel like a battle, but it doesn't have to! A few simple habits can save you from non-stop wiping and give you clear vision from morning to night.
Tip 1: Don't Touch the Lenses
It sounds basic, but it's surprisingly easy to forget! Touching the lenses is the fastest way to cover them in smudges.
Make it a habit to grab your glasses only by the frame. It's the best way to keep fingerprints (and mystery smears) off your lenses.
Tip 2: Keep a Lens Wipe Handy
Life gets busy, and smudges are bound to happen. Keep lens wipes nearby—in your bag, car, or desk.
These wipes, especially those with a bit of eyeglass cleaner, are quick and easy and leave lenses spotless. It's like carrying a mini best eyeglass cleaner with you!
Tip 3: Use a Hard Case
When your glasses aren't on your face, store them in a hard case.
Leaving them face-down on the table or tossed in your bag invites scratches, dust, and smudges.
A case keeps them safe, clean, and protected. Your lenses will thank you.
Wrapping Up
Keeping your eyeglasses clean doesn't have to feel like a chore. With the right habits, the best eyeglass cleaner, and a few smart tools, like the Sonic Soak ultrasonic glasses cleaner, you'll keep those lenses and frames in tip-top shape.
A quick wipe here, a deep clean there—it all adds up to crystal-clear vision and long-lasting glasses.
So, next time you see a smudge or feel some grit, remember that a little TLC goes a long way. Here's to sharp, smudge-free views all day long, thanks to your well-cared-for glasses!
