Glasses care advice
How to Clean Your Glasses
The right cleaning routine helps keep your lenses clearer and reduces the risk of scratches.
Glasses pick up dust, oils, makeup, moisturiser, and everyday dirt. Wiping lenses when they are dry can drag grit across the surface and may scratch the lenses or coatings.
These steps are a simple, safe way to clean your glasses at home.
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Quick rules
- Wash your hands first
- Rinse lenses before wiping
- Use lukewarm water, not hot water
- Use lotion-free dishwashing liquid
- Dry with a clean, lint-free glasses cloth
- Keep your cleaning cloth clean
- Store glasses in their case when not being worn
Never wipe dusty lenses dry
Dust and grit can act like sandpaper. Rinsing first helps remove loose debris before you touch or wipe the lens surface.
Step-by-step cleaning guide
Use these steps for regular cleaning of your glasses.
Step 1
Wash and dry your hands
Start with clean hands. Use a lotion-free soap or hand wash, then dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel.
This helps prevent dirt, oils, moisturiser, or grit from being transferred onto your lenses.
Step 2
Rinse the glasses first
Rinse the lenses and frame gently under lukewarm water. Do not use hot water, as heat may damage some lens coatings or affect the frame.
Rinsing helps remove dust and loose debris before you rub the lenses.
Step 3
Add a tiny amount of dishwashing liquid
Use a very small amount of lotion-free dishwashing liquid. Many dishwashing liquids are concentrated, so you only need a little.
Avoid products with moisturisers, hand lotions, abrasives, or harsh cleaning chemicals.
Step 4
Gently clean lenses and frame
With your fingers, gently rub both sides of each lens and the nearby frame. Pay attention to the nose pads, bridge, lens edges, and temple tips, where oils can build up.
If it feels too dry, add a little more water rather than rubbing hard.
Step 5
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse the lenses and frame thoroughly under lukewarm water to remove all soap. Soap left on the lenses can cause smears and streaks.
Gently shake off excess water, taking care not to bend or twist the frame.
Step 6
Dry with a clean glasses cloth
Use a clean, lint-free glasses cleaning cloth to carefully dry the lenses and frame.
Make sure the cloth itself is clean. A dirty cloth can transfer grit back onto the lenses.
Step 7
Inspect the lenses
Check the lenses and frame. Minor smudges or streaks can usually be removed with a clean optical cloth.
If you notice remaining grit or build-up, repeat the rinse and wash steps rather than rubbing harder.
What to avoid
Do not use
- Hot water
- Paper towels or tissues
- Clothing or tea towels
- Window cleaner or household sprays
- Harsh chemicals or solvents
- Soaps with lotion or moisturiser
Be careful with
- Dry wiping dusty lenses
- Dirty cleaning cloths
- Leaving glasses in hot cars
- Placing lenses face-down
- Carrying glasses loose in bags or pockets
- Hanging glasses from shirts by the temples
Clean your cleaning cloth too
A cleaning cloth can collect oils, dust, and grit over time. Keeping it clean is part of protecting your lenses.
Hand wash is best
Hand washing your optical cloth is often the safest way to make sure it is clean and free from debris that could scratch your lenses.
Rinse well
If you wash it with clothing, make sure it is well rinsed and free from excess washing powder or fabric softener residue.
Protect your glasses when you are not wearing them
Many scratches and breakages happen when glasses are not being worn. The safest place for your glasses is in a clean, undamaged case.
Use the case
Keep your glasses in their case when you are not wearing them, especially overnight, in bags, or when travelling.
Never lenses down
Do not place glasses on a table or bench with the lenses facing down. This can quickly mark or scratch the lens surface.
Put them somewhere safe
If you do not have your case, place the glasses upside down with the temples open, somewhere they will not be knocked, sat on, or covered.
Need help with your glasses?
You can call in and see us at Waipapa Eyecare if your glasses need cleaning, adjustment, repair advice, or replacement lenses.
For urgent eye problems, sudden vision changes, flashes, floaters, eye pain, or injury, please phone us rather than using online booking.