A great pair of glasses is an investment. You spent time curating the perfect style, and you rely on them every day. So why are you cleaning them with your shirt sleeve?
As San Francisco-based eyewear experts with over 20+ years of experience, the #1 mistake we see is improper cleaning. Using a paper towel, napkin, or the corner of your shirt seems harmless, but these materials are abrasive. They act like fine-grit sandpaper, creating a web of micro-scratches that permanently damage your lenses, causing blurriness and eye strain.
Protecting your investment is easy. Here is our official 3-step guide to doing it the right way.
The 3-Step "Choice" Method for Cleaning Lenses
Step 1: Rinse First, Wipe Second Run your glasses under a gentle stream of lukewarm water. (Never use hot water, as it can damage lens coatings). This simple rinse washes away tiny particles of dust and debris that would otherwise be ground into your lenses.
Step 2: A Single Drop of Soap Put one tiny drop of a mild, lotion-free dish soap (like classic Dawn) on your fingertips. Gently lather both sides of the lenses and the entire frame, including the nose pads and temple arms where oils build up.
Step 3: Dry with Microfiber Only Rinse the glasses completely to remove all soap. Gently shake off the excess water. Finally, dry your glasses only with a clean, 100% lint-free microfiber cloth. This is the only material designed to be safe for modern lens coatings.
Beyond the Lenses: How to Care for Your Frames
Caring for your glasses isn't just about the lenses. Here are our expert tips to make your frames last.
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1. Store Them in a Hard Case When you're not wearing your glasses, store them in a hard case. Never place them lens-down on a table, and please don't toss them in a bag or pocket. This is the #1 cause of breakage and scratches. Check out some of our favorite cases here
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2. Avoid Extreme Heat High heat can warp plastic (acetate) frames and damage your lens coatings. Never leave your glasses on a hot car dashboard or near a heater.
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3. Use Two Hands, Not One Always take your glasses off with two hands to pull them straight off your face. Pulling them off with one hand stretches the frame and causes them to sit crooked. This is also why you shouldn't wear them on top of your head!
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4. Check Your Hardware Over time, tiny screws can loosen. A small eyeglass repair kit can be handy for a quick tighten. (This is also why we hand-pick our frames for quality craftsmanship—to ensure those hinges and screws are built to last).
When Is It Time for an Upgrade?
If you're reading this and thinking, "My lenses are already too scratched," no amount of cleaning will fix them. Scratches are permanent, and they are a sign that it's time for a fresh pair.
Remember, every pair of glasses from our curated collection comes with free, high-quality clear single-vision lenses—many of which can be upgraded with anti-scratch and anti-reflective coatings.
