The Ultimate Guide to Washing Your Eyeglasses Properly

Keeping your eyeglasses clean is more than just a matter of appearance—it directly affects your eye health, visual clarity, and the lifespan of your eyewear. Whether you wear glasses every day or only occasionally, learning how to wash eyeglasses correctly is an essential habit.

At EFE Glasses, we often remind our customers that even the highest-quality frames and lenses need proper daily care. This guide will walk you through the right way to clean your eyeglasses, common mistakes to avoid, and long-term eyewear care tips to keep your vision clear and comfortable.

Why Dirty Eyeglasses Are a Problem

Before learning the cleaning steps, it’s important to understand why clean eyewear matters.

1. Blurred or distorted vision

Fingerprints, oil, dust, and makeup residue can reduce lens clarity and affect how well you see.

2. Increased eye strain

Trying to focus through dirty lenses often leads to headaches, tired eyes, and visual discomfort.

3. Skin irritation

Frames collect bacteria, sweat, and dirt. When these touch your skin, they can contribute to acne, rashes, or irritation around the nose and ears.

4. Shortened eyewear lifespan

Dust and debris can slowly damage lens coatings, while buildup around hinges may loosen screws over time.

5. Reduced lens performance

Anti-reflective, blue light filtering, and scratch-resistant coatings work best when lenses are kept clean and residue-free.

What You Need to Clean Eyeglasses Safely

To wash eyeglasses properly, gather the following items:

• Lukewarm water

• Mild, lotion-free dish soap

• Clean microfiber cloth

• Optional eyeglass cleaning spray

• Soft-bristle toothbrush (for frames only)

• Eyeglass repair kit (for minor adjustments)

Avoid acetone, alcohol, ammonia-based cleaners, or household glass cleaners. These chemicals can permanently damage lens coatings.

At EFE Glasses, we also recommend keeping a small eyewear cleaning kit in your bag or car for quick touch-ups during the day.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash Eyeglass Frames

1. Wash your hands thoroughly to remove oil and dirt.

2. Rinse the frames under lukewarm running water.

3. Place a small drop of mild dish soap on your fingertips.

4. Gently clean all parts of the frame, including nose pads and temple arms.

5. Use a soft toothbrush to clean tight areas if needed.

6. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

7. Dry using a clean microfiber cloth.

8. Check for loose screws and tighten gently if necessary.

How to Clean Eyeglass Lenses Without Damage

1. Rinse lenses under lukewarm water to remove dust particles.

2. Apply a tiny amount of mild dish soap to your fingertips.

3. Gently rub both sides of each lens.

4. Pay special attention to the edges where lenses meet the frame.

5. Rinse completely until no soap remains.

6. Dry with a microfiber cloth using light pressure.

7. Inspect under good lighting to ensure there are no streaks or smudges.

Common Eyeglass Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

• Using hot water (can damage coatings)

• Dry-wiping dusty lenses (causes scratches)

• Using household cleaners

• Cleaning lenses with clothing

• Using paper towels or tissues

• Fogging lenses with breath (adds oil residue)

These habits may seem harmless but can seriously shorten the life of your glasses.

Daily Eyewear Care Tips

• Store glasses in a protective case when not in use

• Remove glasses using both hands to avoid frame warping

• Never place glasses lens-down on surfaces

• Wipe lenses daily with a microfiber cloth

• Deep clean frames and lenses weekly

• Schedule professional adjustments when needed

Following these habits helps preserve both lens clarity and frame alignment.

Why Proper Eyewear Care Matters

Consistent eyeglass maintenance ensures:

• Clear and accurate vision

• Greater comfort during long wear

• Longer-lasting lenses and frames

• Protection of your eyewear investment

Your glasses are not just an accessory—they are a daily vision tool. At EFE Glasses, we design eyewear meant to last, but proper care plays an equally important role.

When to Seek Professional Eyeglass Cleaning

While home cleaning is effective, professional care may be necessary for:

• Complex or delicate frame designs

• Heavy buildup on nose pads

• Loose or missing screws

• Bent or misaligned frames

• Deep scratches that may be repairable

Most optical shops offer complimentary cleaning and adjustments, so don’t hesitate to stop by occasionally.

How to Care for Different Frame Materials

Metal Frames

Clean gently and avoid excessive bending, especially around nose pads and hinges.

Plastic Frames

Avoid heat and hot water, which can warp the material.

Titanium Frames

Durable but still require gentle cleaning—avoid acidic or alkaline cleaners.

Wooden Frames

Wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Never soak in water.

Conclusion: Clear Vision Starts with Clean Glasses

Cleaning your eyeglasses properly is a simple habit that delivers long-term benefits. With the right techniques, you protect your lenses, extend the life of your frames, and enjoy consistently clear vision.

Whether glasses are new to you or part of your everyday life, proper cleaning helps you see the world at its best. At EFE Glasses, we believe great vision begins with great care.

A microfiber cloth, gentle soap, and a few mindful habits are all it takes to keep your eyewear—and your eyes—healthy, clear, and comfortable every day.