Most lens scratches don't come from accidents. They come from cleaning: dry-wiping dust and grit across the lens with a shirt, napkin or paper towel. The good news is that the right method takes less than a minute and keeps your lenses clear for much longer.
The 4-step method
- Wash your hands so you don't transfer oils and lotion to the lenses.
- Rinse the glasses under lukewarm water to float away dust and grit before you touch the lenses. Avoid hot water, which can damage coatings.
- Clean with a drop of mild dish soap (one without lotion) or a lens cleaner made for coated lenses. Gently rub both sides of each lens, the nose pads and the frame.
- Rinse and dry with a clean microfiber cloth. Shake off the water first, then blot and wipe gently.
What to use
- A clean microfiber cloth (wash it regularly; a dirty cloth just moves grime around)
- Lukewarm water and lotion-free dish soap
- Lens spray labeled safe for anti-glare and coated lenses
- Individually wrapped lens wipes for on the go
What to avoid
- Your shirt, tissues, napkins and paper towels. Wood fibers and lint can scratch lenses.
- Household glass cleaner, window cleaner, ammonia, bleach or vinegar. They can strip coatings.
- Saliva. It doesn't clean well and smears oils.
- Hot water and heat. Don't leave glasses on a car dashboard; heat can crack anti-glare coatings.
- Dry wiping. Always remove grit with water or spray first.
Cleaning anti-glare lenses
Anti-glare lenses are so clear that smudges show more, so you'll notice them sooner. Use the same gentle method, and avoid harsh chemicals. Premium coatings like Crizal Easy have a smooth top layer that makes fingerprints easier to wipe away. More in is anti-glare coating worth it?
Cleaning the frames and nose pads
Skin oil, makeup and sweat build up on nose pads and where the temples touch your head. Once a week, wash the whole frame with soap and water and use a soft toothbrush on nose pads and hinges. Dry completely.
Keep them clean longer
- Use a case when you're not wearing them.
- Never set glasses lens-down. Fold the temples and set them on their arms.
- Put them on and take them off with two hands so the frame stays aligned.
- Keep a microfiber cloth in your bag, car and desk.
Already scratched?
Scratches can't be polished out of today's coated lenses, and "scratch remover" kits can damage coatings. Deep scratches in your line of sight are a good reason to replace your lenses, or get a new pair. Polycarbonate lenses (+$15 with us) include a scratch-resistant coating, and anti-glare adds an extra hard layer. Frames are covered by our 90-day frame warranty.
Time for a fresh, scratch-free pair? Shop frames, $79 with single vision lenses.
