Prolong the Life of Your Glasses: The Top 5 Cleaning Mistakes To Avoid

Properly caring for your eyeglasses is vital to ensure they remain in pristine condition for years to come. There are lots of common mistakes people make when cleaning glasses that could inadvertently harm the lenses. In this article, we’ll explore these cleaning missteps and how best to avoid them when cleaning your lenses.

1. Using Hot Tap Water

When cleaning your glasses, it’s essential to use lukewarm or room-temperature tap water. Hot water can be extremely harmful to delicate glass. Extreme temperature changes, especially when your glasses are cold from being outdoors, will stress the materials, leading to potential damage such as warping or small cracks.

2. Hand Sanitiser As A Cleaning Solution

Hand sanitisers contain chemicals and alcohol that can strip away lens coatings leaving lenses vulnerable to scratches and reducing their lifespan. For the best results, stick to specially formulated lens cleaner sprays or Zeiss wipes.

3. Using The Dishwasher

This one seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised. Never consider putting your glasses in the dishwasher. The combination of heat, water pressure, and detergent can wreak havoc on your frames and lenses. Plastic frames can warp, and lenses may become scratched from contact with other items. 

4. Harsh Household Cleaners

Never use household cleaners such as window cleaner, bleach, or ammonia-based solutions to clean your glasses. These chemicals can damage the lens coatings and frames, leading to irreversible harm.

5. Utilising Abrasive Materials

Refrain from using abrasive materials like paper towels, tissues, or even your clothing to wipe your glasses. These materials can leave tiny scratches on the lens surface, diminishing clarity over time. Instead, invest in microfiber lens cleaning cloths. They are designed to gently remove smudges and debris without causing any harm.

6. Not Using Lens-Specific Cleaning Product

For the best lens cleaning, turn to products designed for the task. Lens wipes or a quality lens cleaner spray, like one from Zeiss, are specifically formulated to safely and effectively remove dirt, oils, and smudges from your glasses. These products are gentle on your lenses and won’t compromise any coatings.

7. Using Your Breath

Blowing on your glasses and then wiping them with a cloth might seem convenient, but it’s not ideal. Your breath can contain tiny oil particles that can smudge the lenses, actually making them dirtier. Stick to proper lens cleaning solutions or Zeiss wipes for best results.

8. Excessive Pressure

Avoid applying excessive pressure when cleaning your glasses. Scrubbing too hard, especially with abrasive materials, can cause micro-scratches on the lens surface. Instead, use a gentle touch when wiping them.

9. Ignoring the Frame

While cleaning the lenses is essential, don’t forget to also clean the frames regularly. Dirt and oils can accumulate on the frames as well as the lenses, affecting both the aesthetics and hygiene of your glasses. Use a separate cloth or wipe for the frames to keep them clean.

10. Leaving Them Wet

After washing your glasses, ensure they are thoroughly dried. Leaving them wet can not only affect your vision and cause smudges but it also promotes the growth of bacteria and microorganisms.

In conclusion, taking care of your eyeglasses involves avoiding common cleaning mistakes. While shortcuts or everyday items might seem convenient, using the right methods and products is crucial. By investing a little time and care in cleaning your glasses, you’ll not only prolong their lifespan but also enjoy consistently clear vision day after day. So, when you reach for that Zeiss wipe or lens cleaner spray, know that you’re preserving the longevity and clarity of your trusty eyewear.

Categorised in: Optometry

This post was written by Tom Shanahan