How to Clean Sunglasses Without Scratching Them

What you need

A microfibre cloth, lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap. A lens cleaning spray also works.

Step 1: rinse first

Rinse the lenses under lukewarm running water to wash off sand, dust and salt. Wiping dry grit can scratch the lenses.

Step 2: wash gently

Put a drop of mild dish soap on your fingertips and rub the lenses and frame gently. Include the nose pads and hinges.

Step 3: rinse and dry

Rinse off all the soap and pat dry with a clean microfibre cloth. Do not rub hard.

What to avoid

Do not clean with your shirt, paper towels, tissues, saliva or strong household sprays. They can scratch lenses or damage the finish.

Storage

Keep sunglasses in a case, lenses up. Do not leave them on a car dashboard in hot sun.

Fix a loose frame

If the arms feel loose, a small eyeglass screwdriver can tighten the hinge screw. Stop if it feels stuck.

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Quick checklist

Rinse, wash gently, rinse again, pat dry with microfibre, store in a case.

Common questions

Can I use glasses wipes? Clean wipes designed for lenses are fine. Can I use window cleaner? No, it can damage the finish. How often? Whenever you see smudges, and rinse after the beach.

What not to use

Avoid paper towels, tissues and the hem of a shirt, which can leave fine scratches. Skip window cleaner, alcohol wipes and household sprays unless the lens maker says they are safe, because they can damage coatings and dry out the frame.

How often to clean

Wipe the lenses with a clean microfibre cloth whenever you see smears, and wash them with water and a drop of mild soap once a week if you wear them daily. Salt and sand should be rinsed off with fresh water first, never wiped dry.

Storage and care

Keep them in a case when you are not wearing them and rest them on their arms or frame rather than on the lens. Rimless frames in particular should travel in a case.

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