Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and give you a stylish look. Nowadays, sunglasses have become a must-carry accessory, whether you’re at the beach, driving, or just enjoying the outdoors. Proper care of your sunglasses ensures they last longer, stay in great condition, and provide optimal protection for your eyes. With the right techniques, you can avoid scratches, smudges, and other damage that may ruin your lenses or frames. In this blog, we’ll show you the way towards sunglasses care tips, explain how to clean sunglasses, and provide valuable sunglasses care tips to keep your eyewear in top shape.
The Importance of Regular Sunglasses Care
Sunglasses are exposed to a variety of elements such as sunlight, dust, sweat, and sometimes even water. Over time, these elements can deteriorate the quality of both the lenses and the frames. Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your sunglasses. By following Sunglasses care tips that include cleaning and proper storage, you can keep them looking like new for longer.
Moreover, neglecting to care for your sunglasses may result in permanent damage. Scratches on the lenses can impair your vision, while bent frames can affect how your sunglasses fit. These issues not only reduce the lifespan of your eyewear but also compromise their effectiveness in protecting your eyes.
How to Clean Sunglasses?
Knowing how to clean sunglasses is important for maintaining the clarity of the lenses and the frames. People often clean the lenses with their shirts or tissues, which is wrong. This can cause scratches on the lenses, especially if there is debris present. Here’s a step-by-step guide on the right way to clean your sunglasses:
- Rinse with Lukewarm Water: Before wiping your sunglasses, rinse them under lukewarm water to remove the dust or dirt particles that cause the scratches. Avoid using hot water so as to not damage the lens coatings.
- Use a Lens Cleaner or Mild Soap: Apply a small amount of lens cleaner or mild dish soap to the lenses. Gently rub the lenses with your fingertips, making sure to clean both sides. Avoid using household cleaners, as they can strip away protective coatings.
- Rinse and Dry with a Microfiber Cloth: After cleaning, rinse your sunglasses under lukewarm water again and dry them with a microfiber cloth. Avoid using tissues, paper towels, or your clothing, as these can cause scratches. Microfiber cloths are designed to be gentle on lenses and won’t leave any residue.
Following these sunglasses care tips will ensure your lenses remain scratch-free and crystal clear.
Sunglasses Protection Tips for Longer Use
Taking proactive steps to protect your sunglasses can prevent them from getting damaged. Here are some essential sunglasses protection tips to help keep your eyewear in excellent condition:
- Always Use a Protective Case: One of the most effective ways to protect your sunglasses is by storing them in a hard, protective case when you’re not wearing them. This prevents accidental scratches, bends, or breaks when they’re in your bag or car. Avoid tossing your sunglasses loose into bags or leaving them on surfaces where they might get scratched.
- Don’t Rest Sunglasses on Your Head: While it’s common to place sunglasses on your head when not in use, this habit can stretch the frames over time, especially if you do it frequently. It also exposes the lenses to potential scratches from your hair or other surfaces.
- Keep Away from Extreme Temperatures: Heat and cold can warp sunglasses frames and damage the lenses. Don’t leave your sunglasses in a hot car or wear them in extremely cold conditions for a longer period of time. Extreme temperatures can make the lens brittle or crack the lens.
- Avoid Contact with Chemicals: Sunscreen, hair spray, and other cosmetic products can damage lens coatings. Before applying these products, remove the sunglasses first. If your sunglasses happen to come in contact with any of the chemicals, you may consider following the mentioned steps.
By following these sunglasses protection tips, you can minimize wear and tear, ensuring your sunglasses last as long as possible.
Caring for Different Types of Sunglasses
Different materials and designs require slightly varied care techniques. For example, women's sunglasses with metal frames need regular cleaning to avoid tarnishing, while plastic frames can withstand more moisture. Pay attention to the specific needs of your sunglasses based on their material.
If your sunglasses have polarized lenses, it’s important to follow protection tips regularly. Always mindfully handle the type of lenses, using only recommended cleaning solutions and microfiber cloths.
Moreover, some sunglasses come with special coatings, like anti-glare or UV protection. These coatings need to be protected by avoiding harsh chemicals and ensuring the lenses are cleaned properly. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the best care methods.
How to Avoid Common Sunglasses Care Mistakes?
Many people unintentionally damage their sunglasses by not following the right care practices. Here is how to clean sunglasses:
- Using Harsh Cleaners: As mentioned earlier, avoid using window or household cleaners on your sunglasses. These products contain ammonia, which can strip the UV protection or anti-glare coating on the lenses.
- Wiping Lenses When They’re Dry: Always rinse your lenses with water before wiping them. Dry cleaning the lenses will not remove the dirt particles, thus causing scratches.
- Leaving Sunglasses in the Sun: Although sunglasses are designed to protect your eyes from the sun, exposing them to direct sunlight for a longer time will damage the frames and lenses. Store them in a shaded, cool place when not in use.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll enhance the longevity of your sunglasses.
Storing Your Sunglasses for Maximum Protection
Proper storage is an important part of the cleaning process. When you are not wearing the sunglasses, place them in a soft case with a soft interior lining. This protects the lenses and the lenses from further impact and scratches.
Additionally, if you don’t have a hard case handy, you can choose to wrap your sunglasses in women's scarves or soft fabric as a temporary measure. However, make sure the fabric is soft, clean and debris-free.
FAQs
How often should I clean my sunglasses to maintain optimal clarity?
Ideally, you should clean your sunglasses at least once a day if you wear them frequently. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of oils, dust, and other particles that could affect visibility and lead to scratches over time.
What’s the best way to prevent my sunglasses from slipping off when I’m active?
If you’re frequently moving or exercising while wearing sunglasses, consider using silicone ear hooks or an adjustable sports strap. These accessories help keep your sunglasses securely in place, even during intense physical activities.
How can I prevent my sunglasses from fogging up during humid weather or when wearing a mask?
To reduce fogging, you can apply an anti-fog spray specifically designed for glasses and sunglasses. Alternatively, you can adjust the mask for better airflow. This method helps reduce fogging in humid conditions or while wearing a mask.
Can the type of lens coating impact how I care for my sunglasses?
Yes, different coatings (like mirrored, polarised, or anti-reflective coatings) may require specific care. For example, anti-reflective coatings are vulnerable to harsh cleaners, while mirrored lenses smudge easily. Check for the care instructions for the specific type of lens.