How to Clean Sunglasses: Cleaning Schedule, Tips and More

A new, quality pair of sunglasses will help you see better outdoors. Sunglasses are a must-have fashion accessory for reading and relaxing, but they’re also helpful while you’re driving or playing sports. Smudges can make it difficult to view objects through your specs, so this guide teaches you how to clean sunglasses and remove blemishes. 

Let us explain how to clean smears or marks on your lenses or frames. At the same time, you’ll discover how to preserve your sunglasses to keep your style. Whether you wear polarized sunglasses or reading sunglasses, our tips will make cleaning simple. 

Why You Should Clean Your Sunglasses

If you need the inspiration to clean your sunglasses, we can help! It’s important to know that dirty glasses of any kind will make your eyes work harder. Leading your eyes out of their natural path can contribute to symptoms like eye strain or blurry vision. 

Soiled sunglasses can encourage bacterial growth and contribute to the development of eye infections. Besides, clean sunglasses make you look fresh and fashionable. Now you know why it’s essential to clean your sunglasses. 

How Often to Clean Your Sunglasses

To keep your sunglasses in top shape, you need a routine care plan. It’s important to remember that sunglasses have darker lens tints than readers or blue light reading glasses, so some lens colors won’t show when your glasses need washing. Gray or brown lenses are examples of lens treatments that may not look dirty but could still need attention. 

You’ll always keep your sunglasses fresh if you clean them on a schedule. Regular cleaning can also help you avoid scratches from debris or dirt. The best way to clean your sunglasses is daily. If you wash your glasses at least once daily, you’ll help keep them free of dirt and smudges. You’ll also help ensure your frames look chic and fresh with your outfits. 

Don’t worry if you forget to clean your specs. Your sunglasses should still be fine if you tend to them every few days. However, if your lenses aren’t clear or your frames look dull, consider cleaning them more often. 

Inspect them regularly for smears or dust. Should you notice a buildup, pause for a cleaning. Staying diligent with your cleaning schedule could help you avoid the need for repairs. You’ll also help to prolong the life of your favorite sunglasses. 

What to Consider When Cleaning Sunglasses

If you know you’ll be cleaning your sunglasses on the go, take a microfiber lens cloth with you. Don’t forget to wash your glasses’ cloths regularly so they do not accumulate dirt and dust. If you wipe your specs with dirty material, you’ll only be spreading the debris over your frames and lenses. 

Wash your hands before handling your glasses so you don’t smudge them with your fingertips. After all, washing helps to prevent oils and sweat from getting on your specs. Also, take time when cleaning your sunglasses to avoid damage to the frames or lenses. 

What to Avoid When Cleaning Sunglasses

There are some supplies and methods to avoid when it comes to cleaning sunglasses. First, don’t use paper towels since their abrasive material can scratch your lenses. Next, steer clear of washing your frames with harsh formulas like acetone or ammonia since they could remove coatings on lenses. Glass cleaner and window cleaner are harmful to your lenses, so don’t use these products. 

Don’t clean your glasses with dish soap with additives. These products can also remove coatings and tints. Hot water will distort frames, so use lukewarm water. Some other common strategies don’t work. For example, shirts and towels are convenient but they’ll scratch your sunglasses. Use a soft microfiber cloth instead. 

Avoid breathing on your lenses since your breath won’t clean them. You’ll only encourage the spread of germs around your frames and lenses. Don’t use household wipes on your sunglasses since the cleaners in the wipes can damage them over time. Try not to touch your face when it’s time to clean your sunglasses. If you think you may forget, you can always wear gloves. 

Ways to Clean Your Sunglasses

There are different ways to clean your sunglasses. Your chosen method may depend on the type of sunglasses you have. Some may be more convenient or travel-friendly. Check out our favorite strategies to see what works for you: 

Cloth and Alcohol Spray

It’s possible to clean your sunglasses with the help of rubbing alcohol. If you’re interested in learning this method, wash your hands and gather your supplies. You’ll need a bottle of isopropyl rubbing alcohol and a clean, empty spray bottle. You’ll also need a clean microfiber cloth or a lens cloth provided by your eye doctor. 

Once you have what you need, you’ll create a diluted spray with isopropyl alcohol and water. First, pour rubbing alcohol into the bottle until it’s three-quarters full. Next, fill the remaining quarter of the bottle with water. Put the top on and tightly secure it. Next, gently shake the spray bottle until you combine the mixture. 

When you have your spray, you can use the nozzle to apply the diluted rubbing alcohol to your sunglasses. Before you begin, remove all detachable accessories from your sunglasses. Next, coat your frames and lenses with the mixture, then wipe them clean with a dry microfiber cloth. Don’t neglect the hinges and nose pads of your glasses, which can get dirty quickly. 

The cloth and alcohol method cleanses quickly and cleans on the go. Put your mixture into a travel-size bottle for work trips or vacations. Ask an eye care professional if you have questions about putting this mixture on your sunglasses. 

Water and Gentle Hand or Dish Soap

Yes, you can clean some sunglasses with gentle soap and water! Before you begin, read the product information that comes with your glasses. Once you have the all-clear to wash your specs, it’s time to wash and dry your hands. 

When you’re ready to clean, remove all accessories that detach from your sunglasses. Then, grab a bottle of fragrance-free and lotion-free dish soap and a microfiber cloth. Your eye doctor may also provide you with a special cloth for your lenses. Take your frames to the sink and start running lukewarm water. Be sure the water isn’t too hot, as it could damage frames or lenses. 

Now rinse your sunglasses underneath a gentle stream of warm water to remove dirt and dust. Apply a small dollop of soap to each lens. Most glasses will only need a pea-sized amount of dish soap to dislodge debris. Use the tips of your fingers to polish the soap onto your lenses carefully, and then wash the bridge and the nose pads the same way. 

Rinse your sunglasses again in running lukewarm water. When they’re clean, dry your frames with the dry microfiber cloth and watch them sparkle. Do not use dish soap with wood frames as you complete this process since the water will warp them. You can ask your eye doctor if you have questions about cleaning your sunglasses. 

Hydrogen Peroxide and Water

It’s easy to create a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to clean your sunglasses. You can make your own formula at home by combining the two ingredients in a spray bottle. First, pour the hydrogen peroxide into the spray bottle until it’s half full. Next, fill the remaining half of the bottle with water. 

Gently shake your bottle until you combine your mixture. Then spray it all over your lenses and frames. Ensure your frames are coated, including often-neglected areas like your hinges and end pieces. When you’re ready to dry your specs, use a soft microfiber cloth or a lens cloth provided by your eye doctor.  

How to Protect Clean Sunglasses

Once you have clean sunglasses, you’ll want to try to protect them. Find a hard case to fit your glasses. A protective shell case helps to prevent accidents like bending your glasses or sitting on your frames. You’ll also avoid dust and debris settling on your lenses. There are many styles of cases available, including those that match your frames or your favorite outfits. You can make your case an accessory just like your sunglasses. 

Cleaning Tips for Your Sunglasses' Style

There are so many styles of sunglasses that it’s impossible not to have fun shopping for them. When you find your perfect pair, you’ll want to preserve and protect them. We collected tips for some top styles, so your sunglasses stay clean and fresh. 

Oversized Sunglasses

If you like oversized sunglasses or prefer wearing oversized polarized sunglasses, you may need more spray or water than usual to keep your glasses clean. Experiment to see how much product you need for a good wash. There are different sizes of lens cloths, so shop for something that quickly covers your frames. 

Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Cat-eye sunglasses are playful and chic, especially when your frames are clean. Since your glasses have angles and upsweeps, you should always wash these parts. The areas around the temple arms can collect dirt and dust, which can cause them to lose their luster. Take care to polish trendsetting brow bars and metallic detailing. 

Aviator Sunglasses

Aviators are bold and eye-catching sunglasses with thinner and more delicate details than some other glasses styles. Take care when cleaning your aviator sunglasses so you don’t break their rims or temple arms. Some aviators come with colorful statement lenses. In this case, follow the product instructions to avoid harming lens coatings. 

Other Styles of Sunglasses

There are so many stylish sunglasses out there that it’s difficult to choose just one pair. We encourage you to experiment with unique and on-trend styles! Whether you’re into a delicate rectangle shape or daring square glasses, we have a fun and elevated style for you. 

If you have questions about cleaning your sunglasses for your frame shape or style of glasses, don’t hesitate to talk to an eye doctor. An eye care professional can tell you more about your lenses and frame material, so you know the best way to wash your specs. Thankfully, there is a simple and convenient way to clean any pair of sunglasses! 

Enjoying Clean and Stylish Sunglasses

Your stylish sunglasses will look even better when they’re clean and free of dirt and dust. Cleaning them will preserve and protect them so you can help them last longer. Now that you know how to clean sunglasses, you can help avoid scratches and blemishes on your frames and lenses. After all, cleaner sunglasses mean better visibility and enhanced style.