You probably know how annoying it can be to have grease, grit or dirt stuck on your lenses. It can also cause headaches and eye strain. Bacteria are also more likely to grow in glasses that haven’t been cleaned for a long time. Germs can be dangerous if they are allowed to grow in sensitive areas, like your nose or your eyes. You can clean your glasses by rinsing them in water, wiping them with microfiber cloths, and applying a cleaning solution. If you are using soap, rinse your eyeglasses again. According to a 2018 study by Trusted Source, dangerous bacteria such as staph bacteria can grow on eyeglasses. Most of the contamination was found in the nose pads and ear clip of the tested eyeglasses.
Continue reading to learn how to safely and hygienically clean your glasses.
How to clean lenses of glasses
Your glasses lenses are essential to seeing the world clearly and sharply. Following are the things you need to effectively clean your glasses
Supplies:
- Microfiber cloth. It is the safest and most effective tool which is used worldwide to get your glasses clean without smearing or scratching them.
- Cleaning solution You can use dish soap or spray made specifically for eyeglasses, as long as it is not a lotion.
Instructions:
- Hands should be washed thoroughly to avoid transferring germs.
- Warm water can be used to clean your glasses of dust and other particles that could scratch them. If you live in an area with hard water, use distilled water rather than water from the faucet.
- Use the microfiber cloth to wipe your glasses.
- Spray both sides of your glasses with the cleaning solution. Use dish soap to gently rub the surface of your lenses. Put a drop on each side. If soap is used, rinse the lenses.
- Shake off any excess water from your glasses. Gas duster (canned-air) is a good way to dry your glasses without leaving streaks or watermarks.
How to clean frames of glasses
The tiny parts of frames, such as screws, springs and hinges can become dirty from sweat and oil on your face. Cleaning your eyeglasses frames is very important. People often skip this step. Even those who take care of their eyeglasses well tend to forget about cleaning the nose pads. It can cause minor skin problems.
Instructions:
- The frames can be washed in warm water. Apply a mild dish soap like lotion-free-dishwasher to the frames with your fingertips.
- The frames should be thoroughly rinsed under warm water.
- To clean your frame's nose pads and ears, use a towelette soaked in rubbing alcohol.
What can damage your glasses?
When cleaning eyeglasses, people often make some common mistakes.
Avoid these materials
You might think that paper towels, tissues and the fabric on your shirt are the easiest ways to fix smudged lenses. Soft lens cloths are best, such as the ones that came with your glasses at first.
The most common mistake that I see people make when cleaning lenses is using paper towels or tissues. These materials are too coarse, and they can cause scratches on the lens surface. The lens loses its clarity over time.
Avoid products containing acetone
A common mistake is using nail polish remover on lenses and frames. It is not a good idea to do this. Dr. Wolfe says that acetone (often used in nail polish removers) can be very damaging to lenses and plastic frames if it is left on them for too long.
Saliva doesn't clean lenses
If you want to remove a smudge from your glasses, using your saliva might sound like a great idea. It's also not a good idea, since you are basically covering your lens in germs that can multiply. Your saliva can also make the smudge appear worse.
Why you should have your glasses cleaned professionally
- Professional cleaning is available from eyeglass retailers, optometrists and ophthalmologists. You can return your eyeglasses to the retailer where you bought them and receive a free cleaning.
- A professional cleaning may be necessary if your glasses are causing breakouts around the nose, around the ears, or on the nose where they touch your face.
- Ask for a cleaning when you have your glasses adjusted or for your annual exam. The National Eye InstituteTrusted Source can help you find an eye doctor near you.
How to store your glasses?
If you throw your glasses in a bag for travel or on your nightstand, without protection, they will get scratched and smudged. If you want your glasses to last, it's just as important to store them safely as it is to clean them properly.
Always store your glasses in a hardshell hinged case when you are on the move. You can find these cases at many drugstores and the retailer from which you purchased your glasses.
You can use a soft case if you don't own a hard shell case. Just make sure to secure the glasses inside a zippered pocket in your handbag, briefcase or suitcase.
Ideally, you should store your glasses in a case when sleeping. You can also place your glasses with their lenses facing upwards on a stable, clean countertop or furniture. Place your glasses upside down by opening both sides of their "temples" or earpieces.
Conclusion
You should make cleaning your glasses a daily habit. This will not only help you to see better, but it can also help prevent eye infections as well as dermatological conditions like blackheads and acne.
