Knowing how to clean glasses properly is one of the easiest ways to keep your vision clear and protect your investment in quality eyewear.Your glasses are one of the most important items you use every day. Whether you’re reading, driving, working on a computer or enjoying time outdoors, clear lenses and well-fitting frames help you see comfortably and confidently.
However, many people unintentionally shorten the life of their glasses through everyday habits such as cleaning the lenses with a shirt, leaving them in a hot car or placing them face-down on a table. These simple mistakes can lead to scratched lenses, damaged coatings, loose frames and unnecessary replacement costs.
The good news is that taking care of your glasses is simple. With a few easy habits, you can keep your prescription glasses and sunglasses cleaner, more comfortable and in excellent condition for years to come.
In this guide, our optometrists at First Choice Vision share practical advice on how to clean your glasses correctly, protect your lenses and frames, avoid common mistakes and know when it’s time for a professional adjustment or replacement.
Whether you’ve just purchased a new pair or have been wearing glasses for years, these tips will help you get the most from your eyewear.
Your glasses work hard every day. They are constantly exposed to dust, fingerprints, skin oils, cosmetics, sunscreen, pollution and changing weather conditions. Even tiny particles left on your lenses can cause fine scratches if they are rubbed across the surface during cleaning.
Modern lenses often include advanced coatings such as anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, UV protection and blue light filtering treatments. While these coatings are durable, they still require proper care to maintain their performance and clarity over time.
Looking after your glasses doesn’t just keep them looking clean—it also helps protect your vision and extends the life of your eyewear.
Proper glasses care can help you:
A few simple habits each day can make a significant difference to the comfort, appearance and longevity of your glasses.
At First Choice Vision, we also recommend bringing your glasses in for a complimentary adjustment and professional clean from time to time. Small issues such as loose screws, worn nose pads or slightly bent frames are often quick to fix and can help your glasses continue to fit comfortably and perform at their best.
Before touching your glasses, wash your hands with soap and water to remove dirt, oils, moisturisers and sunscreen. Dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel before handling your glasses.
This prevents transferring grease and debris onto your lenses during cleaning.
Hold your glasses under a gentle stream of lukewarm water to remove dust and loose particles.
This simple step helps prevent tiny particles from scratching the lenses when you wipe them.
Avoid:
Place a tiny drop of mild dishwashing liquid on each lens and gently clean both sides using your fingertips.
Don’t forget to clean:
These areas collect natural skin oils, sweat and dirt over time.
Avoid soaps that contain moisturisers, perfumes or harsh chemicals, as they can leave residue on your lenses.
Rinse away all soap under clean running water.
Any remaining soap can leave streaks or smudges once the lenses dry.
Gently dry your lenses using a clean microfibre cloth specifically designed for glasses.
Avoid rubbing aggressively. Instead, use light circular motions until the lenses are completely clean and streak-free.
If your microfibre cloth becomes dirty, wash it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions and allow it to air dry before using it again.
Yes. A quality lens cleaning spray made specifically for optical lenses is an excellent option when you’re away from home.
Always spray the cleaner onto the lenses first before wiping with a clean microfibre cloth.
Avoid household glass cleaners, disinfectant sprays or products containing ammonia, alcohol or bleach unless they are specifically formulated for coated optical lenses. These chemicals can damage anti-reflective and other specialised lens coatings over time.
To keep your glasses looking their best every day:
With just a few simple habits, you can keep your glasses clear, comfortable and performing at their best for years to come.
Even with the best intentions, many people damage their glasses without realising it. Some everyday cleaning habits can gradually scratch your lenses, wear away protective coatings or shorten the lifespan of your frames.
Here are some of the most common mistakes—and what to do instead.
It might seem convenient, but using your shirt, jumper or sleeve is one of the most common causes of scratched lenses.
Clothing fibres can trap dust and tiny particles that act like fine sandpaper when rubbed across your lenses. Even soft cotton fabrics can leave microscopic scratches over time.
Instead: Always use a clean microfibre cloth designed for cleaning glasses.
Although they feel soft, paper products are made from wood fibres that can be surprisingly abrasive on optical lenses.
Repeated use may gradually damage anti-reflective coatings and reduce the clarity of your lenses.
Instead: Choose a reusable microfibre cloth specifically made for eyewear.
Many household cleaning products contain ammonia, alcohol or other harsh chemicals that are designed for windows—not prescription lenses.
These products may damage specialised lens coatings, including anti-reflective, blue light filtering and UV protective coatings.
Instead: Use a lens cleaning spray that is specifically formulated for optical lenses.
If your lenses are dusty, wiping them immediately can drag tiny particles across the surface and create fine scratches.
Instead: Rinse your glasses with lukewarm water before wiping them clean.
Hot water may seem harmless, but excessive heat can weaken or damage some lens coatings and may even affect certain frame materials.
Instead: Always use lukewarm water when washing your glasses.
Many people focus only on the lenses and forget that frames collect sweat, skin oils, makeup and everyday dirt.
Over time, this build-up can become uncomfortable and may contribute to skin irritation around the nose and ears.
Instead: Clean the entire frame, including the nose pads, bridge, hinges and temples, whenever you wash your lenses.
A microfibre cloth works well because it lifts dirt away from the lens surface. However, if the cloth itself becomes dirty, it can simply spread grease or dust back onto your lenses.
Instead: Wash your microfibre cloth regularly using mild detergent and allow it to air dry before using it again.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help keep your lenses clearer, protect valuable lens coatings and extend the life of both your glasses and sunglasses.
Good cleaning habits take only a few moments but can save you from unnecessary scratches, repairs and premature lens replacement.
If your glasses never seem completely clean, continue to smudge easily or have developed scratches that affect your vision, it may be time for a professional assessment. At First Choice Vision, we can professionally clean and adjust your glasses, check the condition of your lenses and help you decide whether a repair or replacement is the best option.
Taking care of your glasses doesn’t stop once they’re clean. The way you store your glasses each day plays a major role in preventing scratches, bent frames and accidental damage.
Whether you’re at home, at work or travelling, a few simple habits can help keep your glasses in excellent condition for longer.
Whenever you’re not wearing your glasses, store them in a sturdy protective case.
A hard case offers the best protection against accidental knocks, pressure and crushing, especially if your glasses are carried in a handbag, backpack or suitcase.
If you don’t have a hard case available, a soft microfibre pouch provides some protection against dust and minor scratches, although it won’t protect against impact.
One of the quickest ways to scratch your lenses is by placing your glasses face-down on a table, desk or bench.
Even if the surface looks clean, tiny particles of dust or grit can scratch the lenses.
Instead, always place your glasses with the lenses facing upwards or fold them carefully and store them in their case.
Throwing your glasses into a handbag, school bag or backpack without protection exposes them to keys, coins, pens and other hard objects that can scratch the lenses or bend the frame.
Before placing your glasses in any bag, make sure they are inside a protective case.
High temperatures can damage both lenses and frames.
Avoid leaving your glasses:
Excessive heat may affect lens coatings, warp plastic frames and reduce the lifespan of your eyewear.
When removing your glasses, always fold both arms (temples) before placing them into their case.
Leaving one arm open places unnecessary stress on the hinges and can cause the frame to become misaligned over time.
Many people leave their glasses on a bedside table where they can easily be knocked onto the floor.
Instead, keep your glasses in their protective case or in a designated safe place where they won’t be accidentally stepped on, sat on or damaged by children or pets.
If you’re travelling, it’s worth carrying a few simple accessories:
Having these items with you makes it much easier to keep your glasses clean and protected while you’re away from home.
Many of the repairs we see—bent frames, scratched lenses and broken hinges—could have been prevented with proper storage.
Developing good habits takes very little effort but can significantly extend the life of your prescription glasses and sunglasses, helping you enjoy clear vision and comfortable wear for years to come.
If your glasses no longer sit comfortably, feel loose, or appear uneven on your face, don’t try to bend them back yourself. Modern frames are designed to be adjusted using specialised tools, and attempting a DIY repair can sometimes cause permanent damage.
Our team at First Choice Vision is always happy to professionally adjust and fit your glasses to ensure they are comfortable, secure and correctly aligned.
Your glasses are designed to withstand everyday use, but exposure to extreme temperatures, chemicals and environmental conditions can shorten their lifespan.
Many cases of damaged lenses or warped frames aren’t caused by accidents—they’re the result of everyday exposure to heat, moisture and common household products.
Knowing what to avoid can help keep your glasses performing at their best for much longer.
One of the most common causes of damage is leaving glasses inside a parked car, particularly on the dashboard.
Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly, even on mild days. Excessive heat may:
Whenever possible, take your glasses with you rather than leaving them in the car.
Swimming at the beach or in a pool can expose your glasses to salt, chlorine and minerals that may leave residue on the lenses and frames.
If your glasses come into contact with seawater or pool water:
Avoid allowing salt or chlorine to dry on your lenses.
Products such as sunscreen, foundation, moisturiser and hairspray can easily transfer onto your lenses and frames.
These products may leave stubborn smudges and can build up around the nose pads and hinges over time.
A simple tip is to apply cosmetics or hairspray before putting on your glasses whenever possible.
Never use household glass cleaners, bleach, ammonia-based products or other strong chemicals on your glasses unless they are specifically designed for optical lenses.
These chemicals may gradually damage specialised coatings and reduce the clarity of your lenses.
Stick with lens cleaning products recommended by your optometrist or optician.
If you’re gardening, playing sport, working with tools or spending time outdoors, your glasses may be exposed to dust, sand and flying debris.
Cleaning dusty lenses without rinsing them first can increase the risk of scratches.
If your glasses become dusty, rinse them with lukewarm water before wiping them clean.
Many people push their glasses up onto their head when they’re not using them.
Although convenient, this habit can gradually stretch the frame, loosen the temples and affect how your glasses fit.
Instead, place your glasses in their protective case whenever you’re not wearing them.
Most environmental damage develops gradually rather than all at once. Small habits—such as avoiding excessive heat, protecting your glasses from harsh chemicals and storing them safely—can significantly extend the life of both your lenses and frames.
Looking after your glasses means they’ll continue to provide clear, comfortable vision and remain in great condition for years to come.
If you’ve noticed peeling coatings, persistent smudges that won’t clean off, or frames that no longer fit comfortably after being exposed to heat, visit First Choice Vision. Our team can assess whether your glasses can be adjusted or repaired, or whether replacing the lenses or frames is the best solution.
Even if you clean and store your glasses correctly, normal daily wear will gradually affect how they fit and perform. Screws can loosen, nose pads can wear out and frames may become slightly bent over time.
Regular maintenance helps keep your glasses comfortable, properly aligned and working as they should.
The tiny screws that hold your hinges together naturally loosen with everyday use. If left unattended, they can cause your glasses to feel unstable or even allow a temple (arm) to fall off.
Signs that your screws may need tightening include:
While small optical repair kits are available, tightening screws too much can damage the hinge. If you’re unsure, it’s best to have your glasses professionally adjusted.
If your glasses have adjustable nose pads, these will naturally wear over time.
Old nose pads may become:
Replacing worn nose pads can make your glasses feel almost new again and improve both comfort and fit.
Your prescription may be perfect, but if your glasses don’t sit correctly on your face, your vision and comfort can still be affected.
Poorly fitted glasses may:
A professional adjustment ensures your glasses sit comfortably and position your lenses correctly in front of your eyes.
The hinges are among the hardest-working parts of your glasses. Opening and closing them several times each day gradually creates wear.
Avoid forcing stiff hinges or twisting the frame when removing your glasses.
Instead, remove your glasses using both hands to reduce unnecessary stress on the frame and help keep them properly aligned.
A loose screw, bent frame or cracked nose pad may seem minor, but these small issues often become larger and more expensive if left untreated.
Having your glasses checked early can often prevent the need for major repairs or replacement.
Even if your glasses feel comfortable, it’s a good idea to have them professionally inspected every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if you notice:
Regular maintenance helps ensure your glasses continue to provide the clear, comfortable vision they were designed for.
Many people try to bend their frames back into shape themselves after sitting on them or dropping them. Unfortunately, this can weaken the frame or even cause it to break.
Modern glasses are designed to be adjusted using specialised optical tools and techniques. Professional adjustments help restore the correct fit without placing unnecessary stress on the frame.
At First Choice Vision, we’re happy to inspect your glasses, tighten loose screws, replace worn nose pads where appropriate and professionally adjust your frames to keep them fitting comfortably.
A simple adjustment can often make an older pair of glasses feel comfortable again. If your glasses are slipping, sitting unevenly or no longer feel right, visit our team for a professional fit check. Small adjustments can make a noticeable difference to both comfort and vision.
Even high-quality glasses won’t last as long as they should if they’re not looked after properly. Many of the repairs we see are caused by simple everyday habits that are easy to avoid.
Here are ten common mistakes that can shorten the life of your glasses—and what you should do instead.
It may seem convenient, but clothing fibres often trap tiny particles of dust and dirt that can scratch your lenses.
Do this instead: Use a clean microfibre cloth after rinsing your glasses with lukewarm water.
Heat is one of the biggest enemies of modern eyewear. High temperatures can damage lens coatings, warp plastic frames and affect the fit of your glasses.
Do this instead: Take your glasses with you whenever possible or keep them in a protective case out of direct heat.
Placing your glasses face-down on a desk, bedside table or kitchen bench increases the risk of scratching your lenses.
Do this instead: Fold your glasses and place them in a protective case or rest them with the lenses facing upwards.
Loose glasses can easily be scratched or bent by keys, coins, pens and other items inside a handbag or backpack.
Do this instead: Always store your glasses inside a hard protective case.
Window cleaners and other household products often contain chemicals that may damage specialised lens coatings.
Do this instead: Use a lens cleaning spray specifically designed for prescription glasses and sunglasses.
Taking your glasses off with one hand twists the frame slightly every time. Over months or years, this can cause the frame to become misaligned.
Do this instead: Remove your glasses using both hands to help maintain their shape.
Although it feels convenient, wearing your glasses on your head stretches the temples and can loosen the frame.
Over time, this may cause your glasses to slip down your nose more easily.
Do this instead: Place your glasses in their case whenever you’re not wearing them.
Small problems rarely fix themselves. A loose hinge or bent frame can quickly become a broken pair of glasses if left unattended.
Do this instead: Have your glasses professionally adjusted as soon as you notice a problem.
A dirty microfibre cloth can simply spread grease and dust back onto your lenses instead of cleaning them.
Do this instead: Wash your cleaning cloth regularly with mild detergent and replace it when it becomes worn.
Minor scratches may not seem important at first, but they can gradually reduce visual clarity, increase glare and make your glasses less comfortable to wear.
If scratches are beginning to affect your vision, replacing the lenses is often the best solution.
Looking after your glasses doesn’t require expensive products or a lot of time. A few simple daily habits can help protect your lenses, extend the life of your frames and ensure your glasses continue to provide clear, comfortable vision.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll not only keep your glasses looking better—you’ll also protect the investment you’ve made in your eye care.
Even with excellent care, glasses won’t last forever. Over time, lenses can become scratched, prescriptions can change and frames naturally wear with daily use.
While regular cleaning and maintenance can significantly extend the life of your eyewear, there comes a point when replacing your glasses is the best way to maintain clear, comfortable vision.
Here are some common signs that it may be time for a new pair.
f your vision has changed, it may be time to book a comprehensive eye examination.
If you’re finding it harder to read, experiencing blurred vision or needing to squint more often, your prescription may no longer be accurate.
Vision can change gradually, so you may not notice the difference until everyday tasks become more difficult.
A comprehensive eye examination will determine whether your prescription has changed and whether new lenses are recommended.
Small scratches may not seem like a big problem, but over time they can:
Once scratches begin affecting your vision, replacing the lenses is usually the best solution.
Even high-quality frames gradually loosen and lose their original shape after years of daily wear.
If your glasses:
they may need a professional adjustment or, in some cases, replacement.
Small cracks can quickly become major breaks.
If your glasses have:
it may be more cost-effective and reliable to replace the frame rather than continue repairing it.
Your visual needs often change over time.
For example, you may now:
Your current glasses may no longer be the best option for your daily activities.
Even if your glasses seem to be working well, regular eye examinations are essential for monitoring both your vision and your overall eye health.
Many eye conditions, including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), can develop gradually without obvious symptoms in their early stages.
Routine eye examinations help detect changes early and ensure your prescription remains accurate.
In many cases, yes.
If your frame is still in good condition and compatible with your new prescription, replacing only the lenses may be an excellent option.
Our optometrists can assess your existing glasses and advise whether new lenses, a frame adjustment or a completely new pair will provide the best outcome.
If you’re unsure whether your glasses need adjusting, repairing or replacing, it’s worth having them professionally assessed.
At First Choice Vision, we’ll check the condition of your frames, lenses and prescription, answer your questions and recommend the most suitable solution for your needs. Sometimes a simple adjustment is all that’s required, while in other cases, replacing the lenses or choosing a new pair of glasses may provide the best long-term result.
Whether your glasses need a professional adjustment, new lenses or a completely new frame, the team at First Choice Vision is here to help.
We provide comprehensive eye examinations, expert advice on prescription glasses and sunglasses, professional frame adjustments, and personalised recommendations to help you achieve the clearest, most comfortable vision possible.
If it’s been a while since your last eye examination, or you’ve noticed changes in your vision, we’d love to welcome you to our St Albans practice.
Book your comprehensive eye examination today and let our experienced team help keep both your vision and your glasses in excellent condition.
If it’s time for new glasses or an eye examination, contact First Choice Vision or book an appointment online.
Your glasses are an important part of your everyday life, helping you see clearly at work, on the road and during the moments that matter most. Looking after them doesn't require expensive products or complicated routines—just a few simple habits can make a significant difference.
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace personalised advice from an optometrist or other qualified healthcare professional. If you experience sudden vision changes, eye pain or any concerns about your eye health, seek professional advice promptly.
Your Most Common Questions Answered.
Most people should clean their glasses once or twice a day, or whenever the lenses become dirty. Regular cleaning helps maintain clear vision and prevents dirt and oils from building up on the lenses and frame.
It’s best not to. Although it may seem convenient, clothing fibres can trap dust and tiny particles that may scratch your lenses over time. A clean microfibre cloth is the safest option.
No. Household glass cleaners often contain chemicals such as ammonia or alcohol that may damage anti-reflective and other specialised lens coatings.
Always use a cleaning solution designed specifically for optical lenses.
There is no fixed timeframe, as it depends on your prescription, the condition of your lenses and frames, and your visual needs.
Many people replace their glasses every one to three years, while others may only need new lenses or a simple frame adjustment.
Regular eye examinations will help determine when replacement is recommended.
Unfortunately, scratches cannot usually be removed without affecting the optical quality of the lens.
If scratches are interfering with your vision or causing glare, replacing the lenses is generally the best option.
This usually happens because the frame has become loose or slightly out of alignment through everyday wear.
A professional adjustment can often restore a comfortable and secure fit within just a few minutes.
No. Although it’s a common habit, wearing your glasses on top of your head can gradually stretch the frame and affect its fit.
It’s always better to store your glasses in their protective case when you’re not wearing them.
Medically reviewed by the First Choice Vision Optometry Team
This article has been reviewed by the optometrists at First Choice Vision to help ensure the information is accurate, evidence-based and consistent with current Australian optometry practice. Our educational content is reviewed regularly and updated where appropriate to reflect current clinical knowledge and best practice.