How to clean your glasses properly

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If you wear glasses, you know how annoying smudges can be. In fact, it's almost impossible to focus on what you're watching. But wearing dirty glasses can be downright annoying. “First, dirty lenses can cause eye strain and headaches—which is no fun,” says Dr. Janice Fan, an ophthalmologist. 414 eyes In Milwaukee. “Plus, bacteria love to live on dirty glass. Yak, right? You’re basically inviting germs to a party in your mouth.”

The good news: keeping your glasses clean is a relatively easy task. With a little care and the right cleaning tools to avoid scratching the lenses, you can keep your glasses lenses clean and dirt-free. To help you do just that, we asked the experts for top tips on how to clean your glasses.

to jump How to know if your glasses need cleaning | How to clean your glasses | What to use to clean your glasses | Highly Rated Glasses Cleaner

How to know if your glasses need cleaning

Don't know when to clean your glasses? It may seem obvious, but clean them if they're dirty, says Susan Johnson, optometrist who owns Lost and Found Vision in Hampshire, Illinois. Glass can withstand different levels of dirt. In general, if you notice smudges or smudges on any part of your lenses, clean them well. Another trick: proactively clean your glasses. “I recommend cleaning your glasses every morning,” says Fan “It's a great habit to get into. So if they stain during the day, a quick wipe works wonders.”

How to clean your glasses

Most eyeglass cases have a small microfiber cloth. This is a good place to start cleaning your lenses. Use this cloth to try and gently remove any stains. However, more stubborn stains and dirt may require deeper cleaning. If you find yourself in this situation, Fan recommends following this procedure:

• Step 1: Rinse your glasses with warm water to help remove any dirt particles that could scratch the lenses.
• Step 2: Put a small drop of dish soap on your fingertips and gently rub it over the lens and frame.
• Step 3: Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
• Step 4: Dry them with a clean microfiber cloth. This is key – not a paper towel or your shirt, as both can have rough textures or dirt particles that can scratch your lenses.

What to use to clean your glasses

As mentioned above, soap and water tend to be the best things you can use to clean your glasses. “Usually everyone has soap and water at home, which is an easy and inexpensive way to keep glasses clean,” says Johnson.

In addition to soap and water, there are several other products specifically formulated to clean your lenses. “Personally, I'm a fan of lens wipes for cleaning on the go. They are convenient and safe for most lenses,” says Fan. “Some lens manufacturers, like ZEISS, produce their own cleaning solutions, which are also excellent.” Below we have listed several highly rated lens cleaners for you to consider.

In addition to detergents and cleaners made specifically for lenses, you should not use other household cleaning products on your lenses — especially glass cleaner, ammonia or any other non-abrasive material — that could damage or scratch the surface of your lenses, says Johnson. .

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. This is a 414 eye ophthalmologist in Milwaukee.
• Susan Johnson An optometrist who has vision lost and found Hampshire, Illinois.

Why trust NBC Select?

Bethany Heitman is an NBC Select contributor and journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, he interviewed experts about how to clean your glasses.