How to clean glasses without damaging them?
The Ultimate Guide to Making Them Last Longer
Properly cleaning your glasses is essential for clear vision, preserving lens treatments, and keeping frames in perfect condition. Too often, however, people resort to quick and incorrect methods—like using a shirt, paper, or harsh products—which risk scratching the lenses and damaging anti-reflective coatings.
At Più Ottica, we only use and recommend certified professional cleaners, designed to protect lens treatments and ensure safe cleaning. Furthermore, we gift our customers with our professional lens cleaning liquid, ideal for keeping glasses perfect even when away from home.
In this simple and comprehensive guide, created by Più Ottica, you will discover how to clean your glasses correctly, which products to use, what to absolutely avoid, and how to keep your lenses sparkling longer.
Why is it important to clean your glasses correctly?
Incorrect cleaning can compromise:
• visual clarity, because scratches or smears reduce contrast
• lens treatments (anti-reflective, blue light filter, hardening)
• the durability of the frame, especially the hinges
• comfort, because dirt residues create discomfort and distortions
Following the right precautions will keep your glasses always like new.
How to clean your glasses without damaging them
Here is the professional method recommended by opticians and lens manufacturers
Rinse your glasses under lukewarm water
Water removes dust and micro-particles that, if rubbed dry, can scratch the lenses.
• Use water that is not too hot (it could damage the coatings).
• Avoid pressurized water.
Apply a specific lens cleaner
Professional cleaners are designed to:
• remove grease
• leave no streaks
• respect sensitive coatings
Never use detergents, alcohol, glass cleaners, or harsh soaps.
Gently wipe with a microfiber cloth
The cloth must be:
• soft
• clean
• never used for other surfaces
Avoid paper, napkins, t-shirts, or rough cloths: they cause micro-scratches.
Dry with circular motions
Use slow, light movements, without excessive pressure.
Also check:
• nose pads
• hinges
• inner part of the temples
where sebum and residues often accumulate.
Store your glasses in a hard case
The case protects the lenses from scratches, dust, impacts, and unwanted contact.
What you should NEVER use to clean your glasses
Many products seem harmless, but are highly damaging.
Absolutely avoid:
• paper, tissues, wipes
• denatured alcohol
• multi-purpose detergents
• glass cleaners
• hot water
• clothes, scarves, t-shirts
These materials can irreversibly scratch the lens, ruin the anti-reflective coating or deform the frame.
Quick cleaning when out and about: what to use?
If you're out and need to clean your glasses quickly, use:
• specific lens wipes (pre-moistened with suitable solution)
• professional pocket sprays
• a clean, sealed microfibre cloth
Do not use:
• T-shirts or sweatshirts
• tissues
• antibacterial wipes
For our customers, we provide a pocket-sized lens cleaning solution, practical for carrying in your bag or car. Più Ottica offers it as a complimentary gift to always ensure proper cleaning, even when you're away from home.
what to do every now and then
Scheduled maintenance
To keep your glasses in perfect condition:
• have the screws tightened every 2–3 months
• ask for a professional ultrasonic cleaning (free at Più Ottica)
• check for any deformation of the temples
• replace the nose pads when they yellow or harden
Regular maintenance increases the lifespan of your glasses and the quality of your vision.
Why You Should Have Your Glasses Cleaned and Checked by Più Ottica
Only a professional can:
• ensure the frame does not deform
• check for correct centering
• deep clean with specific tools
• suggest products suitable for your lens type
At Più Ottica we offer:
• professional cleaning
• alignment check
• advice on certified sprays and cloths
• free frame check-up
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CURIOSITY
Lenses with an anti-reflective coating require delicate cleaning: it is essential to use only lukewarm water and specific ophthalmic lens cleaners. Harsh products such as alcohol, glass cleaners, or strong soaps can damage the anti-reflective coating and create permanent streaks. To avoid damaging the coating, always dry with a clean microfiber cloth and never use paper or rough fabrics.
To avoid scratches, glasses should always be stored in a hard case, never placed in a bag or pocket without protection. When you're not wearing them, avoid placing them face down and, if you're traveling, choose shockproof cases. Even dust can scratch the lenses if rubbed: before cleaning them, always rinse them under warm water.
A professional ultrasonic cleaning is recommended every 1–2 months. This treatment removes deep-seated dirt, skin residue, sweat, and cosmetics that cannot be removed with normal home cleaning. Additionally, during the check-up, the optician inspects screws, hinges, and the frame's centering. At Più Ottica, this service is free and helps keep your glasses and lenses in optimal condition at all times.