I’ve been wearing glasses for over 10 years now. I started with a pair of light reading glasses that I could just about do without if I wanted to. Gradually I moved on to stronger lenses. And guess what, now I can’t read anything without them!
Half of the trouble is that I keep having to take them off to see things further away, and of course in the process they get finger marks on them.
When I find the time to actually clean them properly, it is quite an amazing difference!
Lots of people use their shirt or tissues to clean their glasses, but honestly, that usually just tends to make things worse.
It’s easier than you think to get crystal-clear vision again.
Let’s get straight to it, this is my number one method, simple dish soap.
Heads up: I sometimes use affiliate links. When you click these links and make a purchase, I may get a small commission. It won't cost you anything but it helps me to run this site.
Soap and water
Simple soap and water is my go-to for deep cleaning glass lenses and getting rid of stubborn smudges. It beats most store-bought eyeglass cleaners for heavy buildup.
Run your glasses under lukewarm water first to wash away surface dust. That way, you avoid scratching your lenses during cleaning.
Add a tiny drop of mild, lotion-free dish soap to each lens. Dawn works great, but any similar brand will do.
Gently rub the soap over both sides of the lenses with your fingertips. Don’t skip the nose pads and frame joints, oils love to hide there.
Rinse everything thoroughly with lukewarm water. Any leftover soap will leave streaks.
In a nutshell:
- Rinse with lukewarm water
- Apply a drop of mild dish soap per lens
- Rub gently with your fingertips
- Rinse completely
- Dry with a clean microfiber cloth
This method clears away fingerprints, makeup, and skin oils.
Pro-hack – Make this simple spray cleaner
Whilst the above method is really effective, this method is even quicker.
I have a spray bottle permanently by my kitchen sink. All it contains is a tablespoon of dish soap topped up with water. It makes a handy countertop cleaner, but it is also great for cleaning my spectacles superfast!
I simply spray on each side of the glass, rub with my fingers, and then rinse under the tap.
Then I dry with a clean microfiber cloth, and I have perfectly clean glasses again.
Day-to-day hacks for keeping your glasses clean
Microfiber cloths
Your microfiber cloth is your best friend for cleaning glasses. I keep one in my case and another on my desk.
The best kind are the smooth ones. I find the fluffier kind work well too, but of course they take up more space in your glasses case.
Buy at Amazon Shake out any dust or debris from the cloth before using it. Dirty microfiber cloths can scratch your lenses instead of cleaning them, which is just the opposite of what you want.
Wipe your lenses in gentle circles. Press lightly and work from the center outwards. That way, you don’t push dirt to the edges where it could scratch the frames.
Pro tips:
- Replace cloths or wash every 3-6 months
- Keep one cloth just for your lenses
- Store in a clean, dry place
- Never use paper towels or tissues
Disposable lens wipes
Disposable lens wipes are a lifesaver for travel and quick cleanups. Personally, I love the Lidl ones. They are great for cleaning mobile phone screens too, or your iPad.
Heads up: some wipes dry out fast after you open them. Use them right away for the best results.
Keep your glasses in a case
If you don’t wear your glasses all the time, keep them in a case. As well as keeping your glasses clean, you will also protect them from damage.
Don’t wear them on your head!
I’m guilty of this too, but try to avoid pushing your glasses up on your head when you don’t need them!
Wearing glasses on your head is probably the number one reason why your glasses get so dirty. Oils from your hair and greasy finger marks will quickly spoil your view.
