How to Clean Eyeglasses Without Scratching Them

What You’ll Need

Lukewarm, clean running water
A small amount of lotion-free dish soap
A clean microfiber lens cloth
A clean, soft towel to catch drips, if desired

Regular cleaning clears fingerprints, skin oils and dust so you can see through your lenses and keep the frames presentable. Before starting, check whether your glasses have special coatings or care instructions: follow the manufacturer’s guidance if it differs from these general steps. Work over a sink with the drain secured or a soft towel laid out, so the glasses are less likely to fall onto a hard surface.

Step-by-Step

Wash your hands. Use soap and water, then rinse and dry your hands with a clean towel. This removes grit, grease and hand lotion that could transfer to the lenses.
Rinse away loose grit. Hold the glasses by the bridge or frame and run lukewarm water over both sides of each lens, as well as the nose pads and frame. Avoid hot water, which can damage some lens coatings or frame materials. If you are not near a tap, use a lens-cleaning spray labeled as suitable for your glasses; do not dry-wipe dusty lenses.
Add a little dish soap. Put a tiny drop of lotion-free dish soap on your fingertips. Gently rub both sides of each lens, the frame, nose pads and the areas where the lenses meet the frame. Keep your touch light, and do not use a fingernail or abrasive sponge.
Rinse thoroughly. Rinse all soap from the lenses and frame with lukewarm water. Check around the nose pads, hinges and frame edges, where residue can collect. Leftover soap may dry into streaks.
Shake off excess water. Hold the glasses over the sink and gently shake them once or twice. Do not twist the temples or press on the lenses to force water off.
Dry with microfiber. Use a clean, lint-free microfiber lens cloth to pat or gently wipe the lenses and frame dry. If streaks remain, use a clean part of the cloth and light strokes. Wash the cloth when it becomes oily or dusty, following its care label.

Common Mistakes

Wiping lenses while dry: Dust and fine grit can be dragged across the surface. Rinse first, even if the lenses look only slightly dusty.
Using clothing, paper towels or tissues: These can leave lint or contain fibers and particles that mark lenses. Choose a clean microfiber lens cloth instead.
Using household cleaners: Glass cleaner, window spray, bleach, ammonia, vinegar and other cleaners may harm lens coatings or frame finishes. Use water and a small amount of lotion-free dish soap, or a lens cleaner specifically approved for your glasses.
Using hot water: Heat can affect some lens coatings and frame materials. Keep the water lukewarm rather than hot.
Cleaning with greasy or soapy hands: This can spread residue back over the lenses. Wash and rinse your hands before handling the glasses.
Scrubbing hard or using rough tools: Firm pressure, paper products, abrasive cloths and brushes can scratch or damage surfaces. Let water loosen particles and clean with gentle fingertip pressure.

Tips

Keep a clean microfiber cloth in a case or other protected spot. A cloth carried loose in a pocket or bag can pick up grit and become part of the problem.
If you need to clean your glasses away from a sink, use a purpose-made lens spray or pre-moistened lens wipe labeled safe for coated lenses. Follow the product directions, and do not use a wipe that has dried out or collected dirt.
Clean the frame and nose pads as well as the lenses. Oil and residue around the contact points can transfer back to clean lenses when you handle the glasses.
When you are not wearing your glasses, place them in a case. If you set them down briefly, rest them with the lenses facing upward on a clean, soft surface.
Wash microfiber cloths separately or as directed on their care label. Avoid fabric softener, which can leave residue that smears on lenses.

Troubleshooting

Streaks remain after cleaning: Rinse again to remove any soap, then dry with a clean section of microfiber. If the cloth is oily or dirty, wash it before using it again. A lens-safe spray can help with a final clean, provided its label permits use on your lenses.

A mark will not come off: Do not scrape it with a fingernail or try a stronger household cleaner. Rinse and repeat the gentle wash once. If the mark persists, it may be damage or a coating issue rather than dirt; ask an optician to inspect the glasses.

The lenses still look cloudy: Check for dried soap, water spots or residue on both sides, and clean the microfiber cloth. If cloudiness remains after careful rinsing and drying, avoid polishing harder; have the lenses checked rather than risking more damage.

A screw or frame part feels loose: Stop cleaning and handle the glasses carefully. Do not force or bend the frame to reach a spot. An optician can advise on cleaning around the part and make adjustments if needed.

You used a household cleaner by mistake: Rinse the glasses thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry them gently with clean microfiber. Do not apply another chemical to counteract it. If the lens surface appears altered, consult an optician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dish soap on eyeglasses?

Yes, a tiny drop of plain, lotion-free dish soap is suitable for many glasses when diluted by rinsing water. If the maker gives different care instructions, follow those instead.

Can I clean glasses with just water?

Water rinses away loose dust and grit, but it may not remove oily fingerprints. For greasy smudges, use a small amount of lotion-free dish soap or a lens cleaner labeled safe for your lenses.

Can I use rubbing alcohol or disinfectant wipes?

Avoid them unless the glasses’ manufacturer specifically says they are safe for the lenses and frame. They may damage coatings or finishes. Use water and gentle soap or an approved lens-cleaning product.

How often should I clean my glasses?

Clean them whenever smudges or dirt interfere with clear viewing or comfort. Rinse off dust before wiping, and use a clean cloth each time.

What if my microfiber cloth is dirty?

Wash it according to its care label, without fabric softener, and let it dry fully. Until it is clean, use a lens-safe spray with a fresh, suitable lens wipe or rinse and air-dry the glasses rather than wiping with a dirty cloth.

Can I use a paper towel to dry my glasses?

It is better not to. Paper products can leave lint or mark lens surfaces; use a clean microfiber lens cloth instead.

Sources: American Optometric Association. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.