Cleaning liquids might seem like an easy solution fo dirty sunglasses, but they can actually harm your lenses. This article will explore the risks of using cleaning products, explain how they can damage your sunglasses, and provide safe alternatives for keeping your lenses clear and protected.
Quick Summary
• Using harsh cleaning liquids on sunglasses can damage coatings.
• Household cleaners, alcohol-based products and some natural substances can damage plastic lenses and coatings.
• Mild dish soap and water, microfiber cloths for drying and specialized lens cleaning solutions are safer alternatives.
Why Using Cleaning Liquids on Sunglasses is a Bad Idea
Cleaning sunglasses seems simple but using the wrong cleaning agents is harmful.
Damage Lens Coatings
Lens coatings on sunglasses do many things, from reducing glare and reflections to UV protection. But those coatings can be damaged by certain cleaning liquids.
For example, vinegar and lemon juice, although natural, can strip away those coatings and leave your lenses unprotected. Commercial glass cleaners like Windex can remove those coatings and compromise your sunglasses.
Alcohol wipes are convenient but harsh on lenses and can remove anti-reflective or mirror coatings. Some dishwashing liquids can leave residues that affect vision clarity and damage the coatings over time.
Micro Scratches
Using clothing like your shirt or a paper towel to clean your lenses increases the risk of getting those micro scratches. Those materials are not designed for cleaning delicate surfaces and can cause small scratches that add up over time.
Those micro scratches can affect visibility and make it harder to see clearly through your lenses.
Plastic Lenses
Plastic lenses (usually polycarbonate) are used in sunglasses because they are light and impact resistant. But they are very sensitive to harsh cleaning agents. Using the wrong cleaners can weaken the plastic material and reduce the lifespan of your lenses.
Harsh chemicals can degrade the plastic over time and reduce clarity and durability. To keep your plastic lenses in great shape, you need to clean them gently and not compromise their integrity.
Cleaning Liquids to Avoid
Avoid these cleaning liquids will help to keep your sunglasses in great shape.
Household Cleaners
Household cleaners are harsh and can scratch lenses, reducing clarity and durability. Those cleaners can strip away the coatings on the lenses and affect how they filter light and protect your eyes.
For example Windex can remove the coating on polarized lenses and reduce performance. Even citrus based dish soaps which seem mild have fruit acids that can degrade the lens material.
To keep your sunglasses in great shape, avoid household cleaners and go for safer alternatives designed for lenses.
Alcohol Based Cleaners
Alcohol based cleaners are used for their disinfecting properties but can be bad for lens coatings.
Cleaning agents with alcohol or acetone can strip away those coatings and leave the lenses unprotected and more prone to damage. Many commercial dish liquids also have alcohol or acids that can harm the coatings on eyeglasses.
To keep your sunglasses intact, avoid using alcohol based cleaners and go for milder and safer alternatives. Those safer options will clean your lenses effectively without compromising the coatings.
Dishwashing Liquid with Harsh Chemicals
Dishwashing liquids with harsh chemicals can damage both the lenses and frames of your sunglasses. Those chemicals can degrade the lens material and reduce clarity and durability over time.
Use a mild dish soap without harsh chemicals. That’s a safer option. That way your sunglasses will be in great shape without the risk of damage from aggressive cleaners. Proper cleaning will extend the life of your sunglasses and its performance.
Safe Options for Cleaning Sunglasses
Using safe options means your sunglasses will be cleaned effectively without damage. Here are alternatives you can consider to keep your sunglasses clear and long lasting.
Mild Dish Soap and Warm Water
Mild dish soap and warm water is a simple and effective way to clean your sunglasses. A non-abrasive mild dish soap should not have citrus or any fabric softener that can damage the lenses.
To clean your sunglasses and keep your glasses clean, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water and gently rub the lenses and frames. That’s a safe and effective way to clean without damaging the lenses or frames.
Microfiber Cloths for Drying
A microfiber lint free towel is recommended for drying sunglasses because it doesn’t leave lint and is designed not to scratch the lens surfaces. They can remove smudges and is a safe way to dry your lenses without damaging it.
Make sure the microfiber cloth is clean to prevent dirt or oils from transferring to the lenses when drying your sunglasses. Microfiber cloth will keep lenses clear and extend its life.
Specialized Cleaning Solutions
Specialized cleaning solutions for eyeglass lenses is a must for safety and to avoid damage. Those solutions can clean eyeglass lenses effectively without stripping the coatings or scratching.
Apply a small amount to the lenses and gently rub with microfiber cloth. That way your sunglasses will be clean and the coatings will be maintained.
How to Clean Sunglasses
To keep your sunglasses in good condition and long lasting, proper cleaning techniques is a must. Here are three steps you can follow when cleaning lenses:
1. Rinse with Lukewarm Water
Before you start cleaning, wash and dry your hands to prevent dirt and natural oils from transferring to the lenses.
Rinse your glasses with lukewarm water to dislodge dust and dirt particles. Lukewarm water will remove contaminants without damaging the lenses.
After rinsing, gently rub the lenses with microfiber cloth to remove any remaining residue. That way you’ll clean thoroughly without scratching.
2. Rub with Mild Dish Soap
Mild dish soap rubbed on your sunglasses is a safe and effective way to clean it without damaging the surfaces. Apply mild dish soap to both sides of the lenses and the entire frame, then rub gently to remove dirt and grime.
Clean both lenses and frames thoroughly to keep them clear and long lasting. Be gentle to avoid scratches and to keep your clean glasses.
3. Dry With Microfiber Cloth
A clean microfiber cloth is needed to prevent smudges and scratches when drying your sunglasses. Proper drying will keep your sunglasses clear and looking good.
Make sure the cloth is clean to prevent dirt or oils from transferring to the lenses. Using microfiber cloth and lint free cloth will dry your sunglasses and extend its lifespan and visual clarity.
FAQs
1. Can I Use Regular Glass Cleaner On My Sunglasses?
No, you should not use regular glass cleaner on your sunglasses, it will damage the lens coatings and compromise the lenses. Use eyewear cleaner instead.
2. What To Do if I Accidentally Used Harsh Cleaner On My Sunglasses?
If you accidentally used harsh cleaner on your sunglasses, rinse them immediately with lukewarm water and then gently rub with mild dish soap and microfiber cloth. That should restore its clarity.
3. How Often Should I Clean My Sunglasses?
Clean your sunglasses regularly with mild soap and water and dry with microfiber cloth to keep them in top condition.
4. Can I Use My Shirt or Paper Towel To Clean My Sunglasses in Emergency?
Using your shirt or paper towel to clean your sunglasses will cause micro scratches on the lenses so better avoid it. Use microfiber cloth for safe cleaning instead.
Did you enjoy this article? See Wynbert’s homepage for more information on how to keep your household pristine clean.
