You spent money on your branded sunglasses because you want them to last. The problem is scratches show up faster than you think, and once they’re there you can’t erase them. Cleaning the right way is what saves you from dull lenses and short-lived shades.
Why cleaning sunglasses properly matters
Cleaning sunglasses the wrong way causes scratches that ruin your vision and damage lens coatings, while cleaning them correctly keeps them clear and protects them for years.
Everyday dirt, dust, and oils from your skin sit on lenses. Wipe that grit with your shirt and you’re basically sanding the lens. Once the coating is scratched, there’s no fixing it. Cleaning the right way keeps your lenses sharp, blocks UV as intended, and avoids costly replacements.
It’s not just about looks. Clear lenses reduce strain on your eyes, keep colors accurate, and help you stay focused when driving, cycling, or running outdoors. A few minutes of proper care saves you money and stress later.
Tools and supplies you actually need
The best way to clean sunglasses without scratches is to use a microfiber cloth, mild soap, and lukewarm water, while keeping a lens-safe wipe or spray handy when you’re on the go.
A clean microfiber cloth is your best friend. It’s soft, doesn’t shed lint, and won’t grind dirt into the lens. Always keep one in your sunglass case or bag.
You’ll also need mild, lotion-free dish soap. Harsh cleaners strip lens coatings, but one drop of gentle soap removes oils and grime. Pair this with lukewarm water—not hot, not cold—to rinse away grit before you wipe.
When you’re outside or traveling, carry lens-safe spray or a pack of moistened lens wipes. Just avoid tissues, napkins, or your shirt. They’re rough and leave scratches behind.
Step-by-step: how to clean without scratches
To clean sunglasses safely, rinse them under lukewarm water, wash the frame and lenses with a drop of mild soap, rinse again, and dry them gently with a microfiber cloth using straight strokes.
Start with a rinse. Hold your sunglasses under lukewarm running water. This flushes away dust or sand that would otherwise scratch if you rubbed it in.
Move to the frame. Nose pads and hinges collect oil and dirt that can smear back onto your lenses. Rub them gently with soap and your fingers. Whether you’re cleaning aviator shades with thin metal frames or vintage wayfarer sunglasses with thicker plastic arms, always give the frame the same careful wash.
Add a drop of soap to each lens. Rub with your fingertips in small motions. You don’t need pressure—let the soap do the work.
Rinse fully to clear off every trace of soap. Even a tiny leftover film can streak and blur vision.
Dry using a clean microfiber cloth. Wipe in vertical or horizontal strokes. Avoid circular rubbing, which can drag grit across the surface and leave swirl marks.
How often? A quick wipe daily with your microfiber cloth keeps things in check. Do a full soap-and-water wash every few days or after heavy use like a beach trip, sweaty workout, or long drive.
What to avoid when cleaning
You should never clean sunglasses with tissues, napkins, hot water, alcohol, or your shirt, because they scratch lenses and ruin coatings.
The quickest way to scratch lenses is using your shirt sleeve. Even soft cotton has dust and fibers that act like sandpaper.
Skip tissues and paper towels too. They’re wood-based and abrasive.
Don’t clean with saliva or breath fog. It leaves films and bacteria without actually removing dirt.
Never use hot water—it warps frames and loosens coatings. Avoid household cleaners like vinegar, bleach, window sprays, or alcohol. They strip lens coatings and leave permanent marks.
Finally, don’t toss sunglasses in your bag or leave them on a hot car dashboard. Scratches and heat damage build up faster than you think.
Maintenance and troubleshooting
To maintain sunglasses without scratches, always store them in a case, deep clean frames and hinges regularly, and handle smudges with a fresh microfiber cloth instead of trying to buff them out.
Storage is half the battle. Place your sunglasses lens-side up in a hard case whenever you’re not wearing them. If you only have a pouch, make sure it’s clean and lint-free. Never put lenses face-down on tables.
Deep clean the frames once in a while. Use a cotton swab or soft brush with mild soap to clean nose pads, hinges, and temple arms. Sweat and skin oils build up here, and if left unwashed they smear back onto lenses.
For stubborn smudges, rinse and wash again instead of scrubbing harder. A fresh microfiber cloth does better than trying to reuse a dirty one.
If scratches appear, don’t try to buff them out at home. Toothpaste and baking soda tricks you find online only make damage worse. At that point, your best option is asking an optician if anything can be done or planning for a replacement lens.
Quick dos and don’ts recap table
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Use microfiber cloth | Use shirts, tissues, or paper |
| Rinse with lukewarm water | Use hot water or harsh cleaners |
| Store in a hard case | Toss in bag or leave on dashboard |
| Wash frames and nose pads too | Focus only on lenses |
Taking care of sunglasses doesn’t take much effort, but it does take the right habits. Rinse first, use mild soap, dry with microfiber, and store them safely. Avoid shortcuts that scratch and you’ll keep your shades clear and sharp for years.