The Ideal Way To Clean Your Eyeglass Lenses: Expert Tips from Shades Optical
At Shades Optical, we understand the importance of maintaining the clarity and longevity of your eyeglasses. Proper lens care is crucial, not just for clear vision but also to preserve the quality of your lenses. Here's a guide to help you keep your eyeglasses in pristine condition.
The Ideal Method for Cleaning Eyeglass Lenses
1. Opt for Wet Cleaning
One of the most common mistakes people make when cleaning their eyeglasses is to dry wipe their lenses with a cloth or a tissue. This can cause tiny scratches on the surface of the lenses, which can affect your vision and the appearance of your glasses. To avoid this, you should always wet your lenses before wiping them. You can use water, but a better option is to use a special eyeglass spray cleaner. This product is formulated to be safe and effective for all types of lenses and coatings, including anti-reflective, anti-scratch, and anti-fog. It can remove dust, dirt, oil, and fingerprints without leaving any streaks or residue. Simply spray the cleaner on both sides of your lenses, and gently wipe them with a soft microfiber cloth. This will ensure that your lenses are clean and clear, and that your glasses last longer.
2. Avoid Ammonia-Based Cleaners Like Windex
Many people use household cleaners, such as Windex, to clean their eyeglasses. However, this is not a good idea, because these cleaners often contain ammonia. Ammonia is a harsh chemical that can damage the lenses of your eyeglasses. It can strip away the anti-reflective, anti-scratch, or anti-fog coatings that protect your lenses and improve your vision. Over time, this can make your lenses cloudy, scratched, or ineffective. Therefore, it is best to avoid using ammonia-based cleaners for your eyeglasses. Instead, you should use a mild soap and water solution, or a special eyeglass cleaner, to keep your lenses clean and clear.
3. Simple Salt and Water Solution
A simple yet effective method for cleaning your lenses is using a salt and water solution. This mild solution can effectively remove everyday grime without harming the lens coatings. Salt has antibacterial properties that can kill germs and bacteria on your lenses, while water can dissolve dirt and grease. To make this solution, you need to mix one teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water. Then, dip a soft cloth in the solution and gently rub your lenses with it. Rinse your lenses with clean water and dry them with a microfiber cloth. This method can help you keep your lenses clean and clear without damaging the coatings.
The Importance of Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
When you purchase eyewear from Shades Optical, we provide you with a microfiber cleaning cloth. These cloths are excellent for eyeglass care as they trap dust and dirt, preventing them from scratching your lenses. However, there's a crucial aspect of using these cloths that often gets overlooked: regular cleaning.
Why Cleaning Your Microfiber Cloth Matters
Over time, dust and dirt accumulate in the cloth, which can turn it abrasive. If not cleaned, these cloths can act like sandpaper on your lenses, causing scratches. Many of our customers come to us with scratched lenses, not realizing that the culprit is often a dirty cleaning cloth.
How to Clean Your Microfiber Cloth
Washing your microfiber cloth is simple. You can hand wash it in warm water with a mild detergent or put it in the washing machine. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as these can damage the cloth's effectiveness. Regular cleaning ensures that the cloth remains gentle on your lenses and effective in trapping dirt.
Lint-Free Disposable Towels: An Optimal Cleaning Choice
At Shades Optical, we also offer a range of lint-free disposable towels, specifically designed for cleaning eyeglasses. These towels complement our eyeglass care routine, ensuring each cleaning session is effective and gentle on your lenses.
Using Lint-Free Disposable Towels
For each cleaning, we recommend using a new disposable towel. This practice ensures that each lens cleaning is done with a fresh, clean surface, minimizing the risk of scratching or leaving residue on your eyeglasses.
These towels are an excellent alternative when a microfiber cloth isn't readily available, especially when you're on the go.
Conclusion: Eyeglass Care is Simple but Crucial
Caring for your eyeglasses might seem straightforward, but it's surprising how many overlook these simple steps. Regularly cleaning your microfiber cloth and using the right lens cleaner can make a significant difference in maintaining the quality and longevity of your eyewear.
Remember, if you have any questions or need assistance with eyeglass care, our team at Shades Optical is always here to help. And for those in need of a new pair or a professional lens cleaning solution, feel free to visit us for personalized service and expert advice.