{"id":1951,"date":"2023-07-27T09:01:04","date_gmt":"2023-07-27T13:01:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/?p=1951"},"modified":"2026-04-02T03:12:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T07:12:37","slug":"how-to-clean-sunglasses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/how-to-clean-sunglasses","title":{"rendered":"How To Clean Sunglasses (Without Damaging Them)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Using the proper materials, like warm water, gentle dish soap, and a lint-free cloth, will get your sunglasses<\/a> clean without causing damage to the lenses or the frames. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this handy guide, we\u2019ll show you the right way to clean sunglasses. Plus, we\u2019ll let you know what not to do. Then, you can enjoy a grime-free view (for the time being) while you\u2019re wearing your sunglasses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do Sunglasses Get Dirty?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t have to dive headfirst into a heap of sand to get dirty sunglasses (please don\u2019t try this at home). Sunglasses get dirty from typical everyday wear\u2014a combination of you and your environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We live in a world swirling with bits of dust, tiny specs of soil, and random matter that gets stuck to sunglasses all the time. Your own body can contribute a fair amount of grime, too. Sloughed-off dead skin flakes and body oils, plus any lotion and makeup you\u2019ve put on, settle on the lenses and in the various crevices of sunglasses. Add in your own finger smudges, and you\u2019ve got the potential for quite an accumulation of gunk on your sunglasses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Way To Clean Sunglasses: 5 Steps to Clear Sight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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\u2014and your eyesight\u2014back in the clear. And by cleaning your sunglasses the right way, you won\u2019t damage them in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cleaning sunglasses is pretty much the same as cleaning eyeglasses<\/a>. Just remember these five easy steps below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Wash and Dry Your Hands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before you grab those sunglasses, make sure your hands are clean and dry. Otherwise, you\u2019ll risk transferring dirt or oil from your hands to your sunglasses. And wet fingers can cause smudges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thoroughly wash your hands with soap that doesn\u2019t contain lotion or other emollients. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel or as close to lint-free as you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Rinse Your Sunglasses With Lukewarm Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t let the water get too hot. This can damage some special lens coatings, like those used for polarized sunglasses<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Put a Drop of Dishwashing Liquid on Each Lens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t have additive-free dishwashing liquid at home. Use a small amount of the cleaner, and be sure it\u2019s safe to use with lens coatings.

Then, gently rub the liquid around the frames and lenses. Be sure to clean the frame parts<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Re-Rinse Your Sunglasses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Run your sunglasses under warm running water again until you\u2019ve rinsed off all the soap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Dry Your Sunglasses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Use a fresh, lint-free microfiber cloth or towel (and avoid using paper products) so you don\u2019t leave bits of lint on your nice, clean sunglasses. Dry them and hold them up to the light to see that you didn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

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Clean your sunglasses on the go<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t

Keep your sunglasses clean with our travel-size lens cleaning kit\u2014complete with anti-fog spray, a cleaning cloth, and a handy pouch-and-cloth combo.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\tShop the kit <\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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Cleaning Sunglasses: What Not To Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To get your sunglasses clean the right way, you\u2019ll want to steer clear of practices that can cause damage to them. Keep these don\u2019ts in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n