If you wear glasses every day, it’s easy to fall into bad habits when it comes to keeping them clean. A quick wipe on your T-shirt or a bit of kitchen roll might feel harmless, but over time, those shortcuts can damage your lenses and affect how clearly you see. Whether you’ve just picked up a new pair or you’ve worn glasses for years, it’s worth checking if you’re looking after them properly.
Here are some of the most common cleaning mistakes people make—and what you should be doing instead.
1. Using Your Clothes as a Lens Cloth
Let’s start with the most common culprit: wiping your glasses on your shirt, jumper or dress. It feels convenient, especially when you’re in a rush or outside, but fabrics like cotton and wool can be surprisingly abrasive. Tiny particles of dust or grit can get trapped in the fabric and scratch the lens coating without you even realising.
Fix it: Always use a proper microfibre cloth. These are designed to lift grease and dirt without scratching the surface. Keep one in your glasses case, bag or desk drawer so it’s easy to grab when you need it.
2. Rinsing with Hot Water
Hot water might seem like the best way to get rid of grease, especially if your lenses are particularly smudged, but it can actually warp your lenses or damage any protective coatings—especially anti-reflective ones.
Fix it: Stick to lukewarm water. A gentle rinse will help loosen dust and dirt before you start wiping. Avoid very cold water too, as extreme temperatures can also affect the frame over time.
3. Skipping the Rinse
This is a sneaky one. If you go straight in with a cloth without rinsing first, you could be dragging tiny bits of debris across the lens. It might not be visible to the naked eye, but over time this causes hairline scratches that dull the surface and make your lenses harder to clean.
Fix it: Always rinse your glasses before wiping them. Just a quick run under the tap is enough to clear away dust and stop it from scraping the lenses.
4. Using Harsh Cleaners
It might be tempting to grab the window spray or a household disinfectant, but these products often contain ammonia or alcohol, both of which can strip away your lens coatings or cause discolouration over time.
Fix it: Use a cleaning solution that’s specifically made for glasses. You can find these at most opticians or online, and they’re formulated to be gentle on lenses. Alternatively, you can make your own at home—just mix a drop of mild washing-up liquid with lukewarm water.
5. Paper Towels and Tissues
They might feel soft, but paper products are made from wood pulp. That means they’re abrasive enough to scratch your lenses, especially if used repeatedly. They also tend to leave behind tiny fibres and lint, which just adds to the problem.
Fix it: Again, microfibre cloths are your best friend. If your cloth gets dirty or greasy over time, give it a wash in a mild detergent without fabric softener and let it air dry.
6. Neglecting the Nose Pads and Frames
It’s easy to focus on the lenses and forget about the rest of your glasses. But nose pads, hinges and frame edges collect just as much grime—especially if you wear your glasses all day. Over time, sweat, skin oils and makeup can build up, causing discolouration or even irritation to your skin.
Fix it: Give the whole frame a gentle clean when you’re washing your lenses. Use a soft toothbrush to get into crevices, and be sure to dry everything thoroughly to avoid rust around the screws.
7. Not Storing Them Properly
Tossing your glasses on the table or into a bag without a case is a recipe for scratches and bent frames. It only takes a few seconds of pressure from keys or a phone to cause damage.
Fix it: Get into the habit of putting your glasses in a hard-shell case whenever you’re not wearing them. If you’re buying a new pair—especially if you’re looking to buy prescription glasses online—make sure they come with a quality case and cloth.
8. Cleaning Too Aggressively
We’ve all had moments where we’re scrubbing at a stubborn smudge in frustration. But using too much pressure can loosen screws, distort the frame or wear away at coatings—especially over time.
Fix it: Be gentle. If a smudge won’t budge, try soaking your glasses in lukewarm soapy water for a few minutes before wiping them clean.
Keeping your glasses in good condition doesn’t require a complicated routine. A little care goes a long way—both in keeping your vision crystal clear and in extending the life of your frames and lenses. If you’re in the market for a new pair and looking to buy prescription glasses online, consider choosing a retailer that includes a proper cleaning kit and storage case with your order. It might seem like a small detail, but it can save you a lot of hassle down the line.
Clean glasses don’t just look better—they help you see better. So next time you’re tempted to reach for your sleeve, maybe give it a second thought.
