The Best Way To Clean Sunglasses:
5 Steps to Clear Sight

Looking through a hazy pall of smudges can sap the fun right out of your sun-loving activities. But knowing how to properly clean sunglasses can get them—and your eyesight—back in the clear. And by cleaning your sunglasses the right way, you won’t damage them in the process.

Cleaning sunglasses is pretty much the same as cleaning eyeglasses. Just remember these five easy steps below.

1. Wash and Dry Your Hands

Before you grab those sunglasses, make sure your hands are clean and dry. Otherwise, you’ll risk transferring dirt or oil from your hands to your sunglasses. And wet fingers can cause smudges.

Thoroughly wash your hands with soap that doesn’t contain lotion or other emollients. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel or as close to lint-free as you can.

2. Rinse Your Sunglasses With Lukewarm Water

Lukewarm tap water will work fine. Just hold your sunglasses under the running water and rinse them off. Be sure to include the frames and both sides of the lenses. And don’t let the water get too hot. This can damage some special lens coatings, like those used for polarized sunglasses.

3. Put a Drop of Dishwashing Liquid on Each Lens

Just one drop is enough. Again, use soap without lotion or other additives. You can substitute eyeglass cleaner (which is usually the same as sunglass cleaner) if you don’t have additive-free dishwashing liquid at home. Use a small amount of the cleaner, and be sure it’s safe to use with lens coatings.

Then, gently rub the liquid around the frames and lenses. Be sure to clean the frame parts that come in contact with your skin or hair, like the temples and nose pads. Thoroughly (and regularly) cleansing your frame of oil and other grime can help your sunglasses stay in better shape for longer.

4. Re-Rinse Your Sunglasses

Run your sunglasses under warm running water again until you’ve rinsed off all the soap.

5. Dry Your Sunglasses

Use a fresh, lint-free microfiber cloth or towel (and avoid using paper products) so you don’t leave bits of lint on your nice, clean sunglasses. Dry them and hold them up to the light to see that you didn’t miss any dirt or smudges. Clean? If yes, you can put your sunglasses on. Or put them back in their protective case to keep them safe and spotless.