How to clean your glasses without damaging them

Do you need to clean your lenses daily? Yes—and doing it the right way will keep them clear for longer and prevent costly damage. Here’s how to care for your precious lenses properly.

How not to clean your glasses

Greasy smudges and dirt on your lenses are frustrating, but avoid these common mistakes:

  • No kitchen paper, tissues, or your sleeve – these rough fabrics can scratch your lenses.
  • No dish soap, strong detergents, or citrus-based cleaners – they can strip away protective coatings.
  • No alcohol wipes – they can damage or peel off anti-reflective or anti-scratch layers.

These shortcuts might seem harmless but can cause permanent damage over time.

The right way to clean your glasses

For brilliantly clear lenses, follow these steps:

  1. Rinse under lukewarm water or use a dedicated eyeglass cleaning spray.
  2. Gently rub the lenses between your fingers to loosen dirt.
  3. Dry with a soft microfiber cloth.

If you tend to be a little rough with your glasses, consider:

  • An anti-scratch coating – adds a protective hard layer (though scratches are still possible).
  • A water- and dirt-repellent coating – helps prevent dust, grease, and dirt from sticking, so your lenses stay clean longer.

Why microfiber cloths are best

A microfiber cloth is made of ultra-fine fibers—around 10 times thinner than human hair—that hold dust instead of just spreading it around. This makes them ideal for lifting dirt and grease from lenses without scratching them.

Care tip: Over time, your cloth will get dirty. Wash it at 40–60°C with a little detergent, but avoid fabric softener, which can leave a residue. Let it air-dry naturally.

Dealing with stubborn grease

Most of the time, a microfiber cloth is all you need. For more stubborn smudges, use an eyeglass cleaning spray suitable for your type of lenses. Wipe using gentle, circular movements, always with a clean section of your cloth.

Glazoo’s extra touch

Every Glazoo customer gets a free microfiber cloth with their new lenses—so there’s no excuse not to clean them properly! If your lenses are beyond saving, we can replace them in your current frame at a fair price.

Discover all our lens types here.