Key Takeaways
- Wash frames with mild soap and warm tap water.
- Dry lenses with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent scratches.
- Skip hot water, paper towels, and harsh window cleaners.
- Store your pair in a hard case to protect against dust and damage.
- Visit your eye doctor in San Clemente for routine exams and professional cleanings.
Maybe you are watching a movie or reading a book, but instead of enjoying it, all you can see through your favorite pair of frames are smudges. You might be tempted to wipe the lenses with your shirt, but that can scratch them over time. Our team at Total Vision Talega recommends proper cleaning habits to protect your glasses.
You can help protect your frames and lenses from scratches by washing them with mild soap and warm water before drying them with a fresh microfiber cloth.
How to Wash Your Frames and Lenses
Steps to Prep and Rinse
The first step to cleaning is always to wash your hands. This helps prevent extra oil from transferring to your frames, so you’ll be able to handle your glasses with peace of mind.
Next, you can hold your frames under a gentle stream of warm tap water, which helps wash away loose dust and dirt particles. Removing this debris first prevents you from accidentally grinding into the lenses later.
Steps to Lather and Dry
Apply a single drop of lotion-free soap to each lens. You can gently rub the soap across the front and back surfaces with your fingertips, making sure the lather reaches the nose pads and temples.
Rinse the frames thoroughly under warm water to remove any leftover soap, which can leave a cloudy film when it dries. You can then shake off the extra droplets and dry the entire pair with a clean microfiber cloth.
Materials to Keep Away from Your Glasses
Everyday Fabrics and Papers
Your favorite cotton shirt feels soft against your skin. However, many fabrics contain rough fibers that act like sandpaper on delicate lens materials. You can protect your vision by using cloths made specifically for optical care.
Paper towels and tissues can scratch lenses over time because they contain rough fibers and may trap debris. A soft microfiber cloth provides a much safer alternative, and it can be washed regularly with standard detergent to keep it clean.
Skip the fabric softener when you wash your cleaning cloths. Softeners leave an invisible waxy residue on the fabric, which can create stubborn streaks across your field of view.
Harsh Liquids and Temperatures
You might feel tempted to breathe on your lenses or use saliva when you lack running water. But saliva does not clean lenses effectively and can leave behind oils and bacteria that create additional smudging. Tap water offers a much cleaner and safer option.
It’s a good idea to use warm water instead of hot water when cleaning. This is because very hot water can damage or shorten the lifespan of certain lens coatings. This rule applies to your daily pair and your prescription sunglasses too.
Safe Products for Clear and Spotless Glasses
Recommended Cleaners
Basic dish soap that cuts through oils without leaving grease behind works wonderfully for daily care. Travel cleaning sprays that can fit easily in a car or purse offer convenience when you’re on the go.
We recommend keeping a fresh microfiber cloth close by so you always have a clean one ready to use. A clean cloth pairs well with your travel spray.
Household Liquids to Skip
Household glass cleaners contain powerful chemicals designed for thick windows. These harsh liquids can strip away the protective layers on delicate optical surfaces over time.
Citrus-scented soaps sometimes contain natural acids that degrade clear coatings over time. Instead, our eye care team recommends plain formulas that clean your frames gently and effectively.
How to Store Your Glasses Safely
Daily Storage Habits
A sturdy hard case provides reliable protection against accidental drops and everyday dust. Severe falls can shatter the lenses, so it’s a good idea to place your frames inside the case every time you take them off. This habit prevents pets or children from bumping them off a table.
Sometimes, you need to set your frames down for just a moment. You can help prevent surface damage by always placing them so your lenses aren’t face down. This simple trick keeps the delicate front surfaces away from rough tabletops.
Don’t forget to wipe out the inside of your case periodically. Removing trapped dirt stops those particles from rubbing against your lenses later.
Travel Storage Tips
Soft pouches offer little protection when bags get tossed around during travel, but a hard travel case can withstand a bit more pressure from heavy luggage. This protective shell can help your frames arrive in 1 piece.
When to Visit the Eye Doctor for Maintenance
Professional Deep Cleans
At times, dirt gets trapped tightly in the tiny screws and hinges. Our team uses professional equipment to gently loosen this stubborn grime, cleaning the entire frame effectively and safely.
Clear nose pads often turn yellow or stiffen after prolonged daily wear. You can ask the staff to swap out these old pads for fresh ones so that your frames look as crisp as ever.
Prescription Updates and Care
Over time, heavy scratches can build up and scatter light before it reaches your eye. This can contribute to frustrating glare over time, so if you’re noticing that your lenses always look a bit scratched, it might be time for an updated pair.
Schedule Your Visit
Clean lenses can play a big part in how comfortable it is to see day to day. Our team with Total Vision Talega provides comprehensive eye care for everyone in the family, whether you’re looking for a professional deep clean or an updated pair of lenses. Schedule your next appointment today, and let us help you with all your vision needs.
