What To Know
- Once dry, use a clean microfiber cloth to polish the lenses to a shine.
- If you have stubborn dirt or debris that won’t come off with regular cleaning, try using a soft-bristled brush or a toothpick to gently remove it.
- If your lenses are fogging up, try cleaning them with a microfiber cloth dampened with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar.
Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement; they’re essential for protecting your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. But just like any other accessory, sunglasses need regular cleaning to maintain their clarity and functionality. Knowing how to clean a sunglasses properly can extend their lifespan and ensure you’re getting the best possible eye protection.
Why You Should Clean Your Sunglasses Regularly
Dust, dirt, oil, and fingerprints can all accumulate on your sunglasses, obscuring your vision and potentially damaging the lenses. Regular cleaning helps to:
- Improve Clarity: A clean lens allows for clear vision, reducing eye strain and headaches.
- Prevent Scratches: Dirt and debris can scratch the lens surface, affecting the quality of the lens and reducing its lifespan.
- Extend Lifespan: Proper cleaning helps to remove harmful elements that can damage the lens coating, frame, and hinges.
- Maintain Appearance: Clean sunglasses look better and enhance your style.
What You’ll Need
Before you start cleaning, gather the following:
- Microfiber cloth: This is the most important tool for cleaning sunglasses. It’s soft and lint-free, preventing scratches.
- Warm water: Use lukewarm water to loosen dirt and debris.
- Mild dish soap: A gentle dish soap is safe for most lens coatings. Avoid harsh detergents.
- Soft-bristled brush: This is useful for removing stubborn dirt and debris from the frame and hinges.
- Compressed air (optional): This helps to remove dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Your Sunglasses
Now, let’s get into the cleaning process. Follow these steps for a sparkling clean pair of sunglasses:
1. Rinse: Start by rinsing your sunglasses under lukewarm water to remove loose dirt and debris.
2. Soap Up: Apply a drop of mild dish soap to your microfiber cloth.
3. Gentle Cleaning: Gently rub the soapy cloth over both sides of the lens, paying attention to the edges and frame.
4. Rinse Again: Rinse the lenses thoroughly with clean water, ensuring all soap residue is removed.
5. Air Dry: Gently shake off excess water and let the sunglasses air dry completely on a clean, lint-free towel. Avoid rubbing the lenses with a towel, as this can cause scratches.
6. Polish: Once dry, use a clean microfiber cloth to polish the lenses to a shine.
Additional Tips for Cleaning Sunglasses
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Never use harsh chemicals like ammonia, vinegar, or bleach on your sunglasses, as they can damage the lens coating.
- Don’t use paper towels: Paper towels can leave behind fibers that scratch the lenses.
- Clean regularly: Clean your sunglasses after each use, especially if you’ve been sweating or exposed them to dirt or sand.
- Store properly: When not in use, store your sunglasses in a hard case to protect them from scratches and dust.
Cleaning Special Lens Coatings
Some sunglasses have special lens coatings, like anti-reflective coatings or polarized lenses, which require special care. Here’s how to clean these:
- Anti-reflective coatings: Clean these lenses with a microfiber cloth dampened with lukewarm water. Avoid using soap, as it can strip the coating.
- Polarized lenses: These lenses can be cleaned using the same method as regular sunglasses, but it’s important to avoid harsh cleaning agents.
Cleaning Sunglasses Frames
The frame of your sunglasses also needs cleaning. Here’s how:
- Remove dirt: Use a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and debris from the frame and hinges.
- Clean with a damp cloth: Wipe the frame with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
- Dry thoroughly: Dry the frame completely with a clean microfiber cloth.
Beyond the Basics: Addressing Specific Cleaning Challenges
Sometimes, your sunglasses might need a little extra attention. Here are a few tips for tackling specific cleaning challenges:
- Stuck-on debris: If you have stubborn dirt or debris that won’t come off with regular cleaning, try using a soft-bristled brush or a toothpick to gently remove it.
- Scratches: Unfortunately, scratches can’t be removed, but you can minimize their appearance by polishing the lenses with a microfiber cloth.
- Foggy lenses: If your lenses are fogging up, try cleaning them with a microfiber cloth dampened with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar.
A Farewell to Faded Vision: Your Sunglasses’ New Lease on Life
By following these tips and cleaning your sunglasses regularly, you can keep them looking their best and ensure clear vision for years to come. Remember, a clean pair of sunglasses is a happy pair of sunglasses!
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I use a regular cloth to clean my sunglasses?
A: While you can, it’s not recommended. Regular cloths can leave behind fibers that scratch the lenses. Always use a microfiber cloth for best results.
Q: Is it okay to use alcohol to clean my sunglasses?
A: No, alcohol can damage the lens coating and even weaken the frame. Stick to water and mild dish soap.
Q: How often should I clean my sunglasses?
A: It’s best to clean your sunglasses after each use, especially if you’ve been sweating or exposed them to dirt or sand.
Q: What should I do if my sunglasses get scratched?
A: Unfortunately, scratches can’t be removed. You can minimize their appearance by polishing the lenses with a microfiber cloth. If the scratches are severe, consider replacing the lenses.
Q: How do I clean my sunglasses if they’re made of plastic?
A: The cleaning process for plastic sunglasses is the same as for other materials. Just be extra gentle when cleaning the frame to avoid bending or breaking it.
