Similar to the care you provide for your clothing through dry cleaning or your jewelry by polishing, it’s imperative to maintain your glasses for an extended lifespan. If you've been hastily wiping your lenses on your shirt or leaving them exposed without their case, you may unknowingly be causing damage.
How to Effectively Clean and Sanitize Your Glasses
Cleaning your glasses doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Isopropyl alcohol-based lens wipes offer an efficient way to disinfect glasses without causing harm. Additionally, soap and water provide a simple method to eliminate unwanted germs from lenses. Here's the correct technique for cleaning your lenses with soap and water:
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Rinse your glasses under a gentle stream of warm water in the sink, avoiding very hot water to prevent damage to lens coatings.
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Apply a drop of mild soap without moisturizers to your fingertips.
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Gently lather the soap on both sides of the lenses, ensuring to clean all parts of the frame, including nose pads, temple ends, and the lens-frame junction, where skin oils and dust accumulate.
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After setting your glasses aside, wash your hands to remove excess soap, preventing oils from transferring onto your lenses during rinsing.
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Rinse your glasses thoroughly under warm water until all visible residue is removed, avoiding very hot water to protect lens coatings.
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Shake your glasses to remove excess water, avoiding over-drying.
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Use a clean cloth to wipe the frame edges and remove any remaining moisture. Vyzia provides a microfiber cloth for this purpose, ideal for eliminating smudges. (Ensure the cloth hasn't been laundered with fabric softener or a dryer sheet.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Glasses
Many of us are guilty of quickly wiping our glasses on our shirts or using paper towels, but these methods can be detrimental:
- Avoid using clothing to clean your glasses, as dust and debris on fabrics can scratch lenses.
- Refrain from using paper towels or tissues, which are too abrasive and can cause scratches. Similarly, dish towels or fabrics that trap dust and debris may also scratch lenses.
- Avoid using household cleaning products containing harsh chemicals like ammonia, as they can damage protective lens coatings. Opt for isopropyl alcohol-based lens wipes and sprays instead.
- Don’t leave your glasses exposed to bathroom products like hairspray, as they can damage protective coatings.
- Avoid leaving your glasses in extreme temperatures, such as inside a car on hot or cold days, which can harm lens coatings and alter frame shapes.
Proper Storage Techniques for Your Eyeglasses
Given that the average American household accumulates 40 pounds of dust per year, proper storage is crucial to prevent dust and debris buildup on your glasses. Always use a case when your glasses are not in use to shield them from scratches and bends. For travel or quick storage in a purse or pocket, utilize a microfiber pouch. When setting your glasses down temporarily, ensure they are placed correctly—folded glasses should be placed with lenses facing up, while unfolded ones should rest upside down.