Why Proper Cleaning Matters
Dirty lenses are more than just annoying — they can actually scratch your lenses over time if you wipe them with the wrong materials. Shirts, paper towels, tissues, and napkins all contain fibers that can create micro-scratches on your lens coatings. These scratches accumulate and eventually degrade your vision clarity and reduce the lifespan of your lenses.
Los lentes sucios pueden rayarse con el tiempo si los limpia con los materiales incorrectos. Las camisas, toallas de papel y servilletas contienen fibras que crean micro-rayaduras en sus recubrimientos.
The Right Way to Clean Your Glasses
Step 1: Rinse with Lukewarm Water
Hold your glasses under lukewarm running water. This rinses away dust and debris that could scratch your lenses during cleaning. Never use hot water — it can damage lens coatings, especially anti-reflective and blue light coatings.
Step 2: Apply a Small Drop of Dish Soap
Put a tiny drop of plain dish soap (like Dawn or Palmolive) on each lens. Avoid soaps with lotions, moisturizers, or citrus additives — these can leave residue or damage coatings.
Step 3: Gently Rub Both Sides
Using your fingertips, gently rub both sides of each lens in circular motions. Also clean the nose pads, hinges, and temples where skin oils, makeup, and sweat accumulate.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse all soap residue under lukewarm water until the lenses are completely clear.
Step 5: Shake Off Excess Water
Gently shake your glasses to remove most of the water droplets.
Step 6: Dry with a Clean Microfiber Cloth
Use a clean microfiber cloth (the kind that comes with your glasses) to gently dry and polish the lenses. Microfiber is the only material soft enough to avoid scratching lens coatings.
What NOT to Do
- Do not use your shirt or clothing — fabric fibers and trapped dust cause scratches
- Do not use paper towels, tissues, or napkins — too abrasive for lens coatings
- Do not use window cleaner (Windex) — ammonia damages anti-reflective coatings
- Do not use rubbing alcohol on coated lenses — it can strip coatings over time
- Do not breathe on your lenses and wipe — this skips the rinse step and grinds debris into the lens
- Do not use hot water — heat warps frames and damages coatings
Quick Cleaning On-the-Go
When you cannot do a full wash, use pre-moistened lens cleaning wipes (available at most pharmacies) or a clean microfiber cloth. Spray lens cleaner specifically designed for eyeglasses is also safe for coated lenses.
Keep a microfiber cloth in your glasses case, car, desk, and bag so you always have one handy.
How to Care for Your Microfiber Cloth
Your microfiber cloth gets dirty over time and can become a source of scratches itself. Wash it regularly:
- Hand wash with dish soap and lukewarm water, or machine wash on gentle cycle
- Do not use fabric softener — it leaves a film that transfers to your lenses
- Do not put it in the dryer with dryer sheets — same issue
- Air dry or tumble dry on low heat without dryer sheets
- Replace your cloth every 3-6 months if it becomes worn
Storing Your Glasses Properly
- Always use a hard case when not wearing your glasses
- Place lenses facing up if you set them down without a case
- Never leave glasses in a hot car — heat warps frames and damages lens coatings
- Keep them away from hairspray, perfume, and cleaning products — chemical exposure degrades coatings
Free Cleanings and Adjustments at Reyes Vision
Stop by anytime for a complimentary ultrasonic cleaning and frame adjustment. Our ultrasonic cleaner removes buildup from hard-to-reach areas like nose pads and hinges — something you cannot replicate at home. No appointment needed.
Visit us at 1571 Saint Nicholas Avenue in Washington Heights or call (212) 543-3937.
Pase en cualquier momento para una limpieza ultrasononica y ajuste de marcos gratuitos. Sin cita necesaria. Visitenos en 1571 Saint Nicholas Avenue en Washington Heights.