Best Products for Cleaning Your Glasses
We have all been there before. We purchase brand new prescription glasses and suddenly, it fogs over, or we sweat and there is just this one annoying watermark we cannot seem to get rid of. The question remains: what are the best products to have around when you simply must clean your glasses?
Alcohol-based products
While ethanol alcohol is certainly a go-to cleaning agent when you are trying to clean your windows, the concentration you have at home will be too harsh for your glasses especially if it has the anti-UV coating. There is a solution to this problem, though: dilute it with water. 3 parts alcohol and 1 part warm water is a good balance. You can also put 2 parts alcohol, 2 parts water and a drop of mild liquid detergent. If you are adding soap, just make sure it is non-abrasive as it can damage your lenses.
Microfibre cloth
As a general rule, you should only wipe your lenses with cotton-based products, not paper-based ones. That facial tissue may look soft but the material is actually quite damaging to your glasses. The best cloth to have around though is microfibre cloth. They absorb moisture like a charm and leave your glasses grease free as well. The microfibre cloth is best paired with a good alcohol-based cleaning liquid, especially when you are doing the occasional deep cleaning.
Lens wipes
While a bit on the pricey side, lens wipes are the fastest, most convenient products to have when your spectacles are in need of some immediate TLC. These wipes are especially manufactured for your reading glasses and sunglasses so you can be sure that you are not exposing your lenses to any harmful chemicals.
Soft bristle brush
Your glasses are not only made up of lenses so it is also good to have soft bristle brushes to clean hard-to-reach places. Over time, your glasses can accumulate grime in the unlikeliest of places like the arms, or the place where the screws meet. Not only are these impurities ugly to look at. They can also cause breakouts because they touch your face.
The best way is to brush them off with warm water and mild detergent. Baby shampoo works fine. You can also add some alcohol to the mix, as long as it is diluted enough. Never use vinegar, toothpaste or commercial window cleaners especially when you are working near the lenses. These products could work well for your car’s headlights but could cause serious damage to your spectacles.
Some habits to get rid of
Avoid cleaning your glasses using any dry cloth or tissue without any liquid. You must also resist the urge to clean your glasses using your shirt. Chances are, you will make deep scratches on your lenses, damaging your good pair of glasses forever. When you are not using your glasses, keep them in the case. Unless absolutely necessary, avoid wearing them too when you are in close contact with any grease (for example, when you are cooking). When you find your glasses have become oily, just wash them with warm water and a mild detergent. Wipe them off with a microfibre cloth. For a more intensive cleaning, you might want to invest in a deep clean machine specially designed for glasses.