As we wear our sunglasses each day, they are exposed to dirt, precipitation, dust, and much more. Lenses become dirty and cause you to lose the quality of vision they are designed to provide. Proper care when cleaning sunglasses will help improve their longevity and cosmetic look. Here is a guide to properly clean your sunglasses without damaging them.

The Wrong Way to Clean Sunglasses

It’s common to see people take off their glasses and use their shirts to wipe the lenses free of debris. As soft as your shirt may feel on your skin, it causes more harm than good when using it as a way to clean sunglasses. This practice can cause scratching to the lenses as the shirt smears dirt and other debris rather than cleaning it up.

Another misconception when cleaning your sunglasses is using a cleaner such as Windex. The harsh chemicals in cleaners can ruin the lenses by diminishing the lens coating and causing discoloring of the frames. It’s also crucial to be mindful of how close your sunglasses are to your eyes when wearing them. It’s easy for these abrasive chemicals to make their way into your eyes and may require urgent medical attention.

Depending on the type of sunglasses you have, an optical lens cleaner can be extremely damaging to reflective lenses, and we do not recommend using it.

The Proper Way to Clean Sunglasses

The best method to clean your sunglasses is with the proper supplies. Here at Charlie V., we recommend cleaning lenses with a microfiber pouch that we provide, or a similar cloth. According to CleanLink, microfiber is made from synthetic materials, typically a polyester-nylon blend and one-third the diameter of cotton fiber. Although cotton is soft, it tends to push dirt and debris rather than pick it up. Our microfiber cloth comes with each pair of sunglasses and offers a longer lifespan so you can regularly clean your sunglasses.

Do not rub too hard when using a microfiber cloth. You may risk breaking the lenses of the eyewear if you do. Also, the friction from the microfiber cloth can result in damaging the coating. The idea is to use as gentle force as possible to ensure you receive the most out of your sunglasses.

In cases where it’s difficult to wipe away debris or water spots with the appropriate supplies, water may be used if required.

5 Things to Keep in Mind Before Cleaning Your Sunglasses

  1. Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before cleaning your sunglasses. By washing your hands, it will eliminate dirt, oil, lotions, and other debris that may scratch or harm your lenses.
  2. Using proper lighting is essential so you can see everything that needs cleaning.
  3. Be in a clean environment without any wind to prevent debris from blowing on your eyewear.
  4. Have a clean microfiber cloth for cleaning and drying. Do not use paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, or tissues.
  5. Keep your storage case close to protect your sunglasses after cleaning.

The Conclusion to Properly Cleaning Sunglasses

As you have learned from this guide, it’s essential to properly keep up with the maintenance of your sunglasses. By frequently cleaning your sunglasses, it will help prevent scratches and other unwanted damage to your lenses and frames. You’re not just investing in your shades, but you’re also investing in your eye health. For a quality pair of sunglasses that will last, try Charlie V’s premium shadewear.