8 Tips for Cleaning Your Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses protects your eyes from the harmful solar UV rays that are present in the earth's atmosphere every day. That's why we recommend that everyone wear sunglasses 365 days a year, rain or shine.

But is there something that keeps you from experiencing the same clean, clear vision when you wear those sunglasses as you do when you pick up those gorgeous sunglasses from our optics department?

We're talking about greasy, oily films and smudges on the lenses. How does it get there? How do you safely remove your sunglasses without damaging them?

Sunscreen, makeup, hair care products, dust, dirt, pollen - sunglass lenses have many enemies.

People tend to wipe soiled sunglass lenses on the hem of their shirts, but this is one of the worst things you can do to prolong the life of your lenses. When you start trying to wipe them off, not only do you have dirt or grime potentially on your shirt, but the lenses themselves obviously have dirt on them, which can scratch and further stain your glasses.

So what's the best way to clean your sunglass lenses so you can see clearly?

Here are 8 tips for properly cleaning sunglasses

Avoid paper products or shirt hems:

Paper products, paper towels and napkins are essentially wood pulp. Not only is wood pulp highly abrasive, but many paper products generate dust and leave it on your lenses.

Shirt hems are equally problematic because they are exposed to dust, pollen and other environmental debris.

Clean your lenses with some form of liquid:

Even if you have a clean, dry microfiber cloth, you need some sort of liquid, such as lens cleaning spray or water, to clean them properly. Don't breathe on the lenses close enough to form condensation on the lenses; this is not enough to properly clean them.

Rinse your glasses with clean, warm water:

This is especially important if your sunglasses have fallen into mud, sand or other debris. Wiping sand off of them can scratch your lenses and their delicate coating. If they are very dirty, place the sunglasses under running water to remove dirt or sand, then fill a clean bowl with water and add a drop or two of mild dish soap. Soak the sunglasses several times to remove debris, then gently massage the lenses with soapy water using your fingers until the stains disappear. Finally, dry them with a clean microfiber cloth.

Don't start with the lenses.

When you start cleaning sunglasses, focus on the frames first. This is where grease, dirt, makeup and sunscreen gather: on the nose bridge and any other part of the frame that touches your face. By treating these areas first before moving on to the lenses, you have a better chance of avoiding applying sunscreen and makeup to your lenses.

Keep moist lens wipes in your beach bag, car or purse.

Since you won't find a bowl of water at most beaches, parks or playgrounds (though be sure to look around for fountains), use pre-moistened lens wipes or specially formulated lens cleaners to clean your lenses on the go.

Don't let your lenses get salty.

Salt water is the worst enemy of sunglass lenses because of its corrosive, abrasive nature that can scratch the lenses. In addition to avoiding letting salt water get on your lenses, avoid using lemon or lime scented detergents to clean your lenses. The citric acid in dishwashing soap contains salt, and salt in any form can damage lenses and their coatings.

Do not use vinegar, bleach or ammonia on your lenses.

Vinegar, bleach and ammonia are commonly used household cleaners, but their powerful cleaning properties can remove delicate lens coatings. Window and glass cleaners also contain harsh substances that can damage lenses. In addition, the residue or fumes from these cleaners can irritate the delicate tissues of the eyes.

Proactive cleaning.

While we're all lazy and wear really dirty lenses that haven't been cleaned for days, it's best to proactively clean your sunglasses (and all eyewear) on a regular basis. Daily cleaning will prevent serious buildup and keep your sunglasses looking great. Before you leave the house in the morning or before you go to bed each night, dip your glasses into a bowl of water or under running water, wash them with mild soap and your fingers, then dry them with a microfiber cloth. And, don't forget to wash these microfiber cloths weekly.

Now that you know how to keep your sunglasses clean and scratch-resistant, visit us to find new sunglasses that fit your style and mood this summer. We look forward to helping you find the perfect pair to flatter your face and protect your eyes from the sun's UV rays.