Your glasses are a precision optical instrument — and one you wear on your face every day. Proper cleaning and care not only keeps them looking their best, but also maintains optical clarity, extends the life of your lenses and frames, and protects your investment. Yet most people clean their glasses incorrectly, often causing the very scratches and damage they're trying to avoid. Here's how to do it right.
Looking for frames that are built to last? Our full eyewear collection features premium materials — titanium, acetate, and quality alloys — that reward proper care with years of excellent performance.
The Golden Rules of Glasses Cleaning
Always Use Both Hands
When putting on or removing your glasses, always use both hands. Removing glasses with one hand repeatedly stresses the hinges and temples asymmetrically, gradually bending the frame out of alignment. Over time, this causes frames to sit unevenly on your face, reducing both comfort and optical performance.
Never Clean Dry Lenses
The most common cause of lens scratches is cleaning dry lenses with a cloth. Dust and debris on a dry lens act like sandpaper when rubbed — even with a soft microfibre cloth. Always rinse lenses with water first to remove loose particles before wiping.
Use the Right Materials
The only materials that should touch your lenses are clean lukewarm water, purpose-made lens cleaning solution or a small drop of mild dish soap, and a clean microfibre cloth. Never use paper towels, tissues, napkins, or clothing — these contain fibres that will scratch lens coatings over time.
The Correct Cleaning Process
- Step 1 — Rinse: Hold your glasses under lukewarm running water for a few seconds to remove loose dust and debris. Avoid hot water, which can damage lens coatings.
- Step 2 — Apply solution: Add a small drop of mild dish soap or lens cleaning solution to each lens.
- Step 3 — Gently rub: Using your fingertips, gently rub both sides of each lens and the frame, including nose pads and hinges.
- Step 4 — Rinse again: Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Step 5 — Dry: Gently shake off excess water, then dry with a clean microfibre cloth using light pressure.
Caring for Your Frames
Storage
When not wearing your glasses, always store them in a hard-shell case. Leaving glasses on a surface — particularly lens-down — is the fastest way to scratch lenses and bend frames.
Avoid Heat
High temperatures can warp frames, damage lens coatings, and delaminate lens treatments. Never leave glasses on a car dashboard or in a hot vehicle. This is particularly important for acetate frames, which are more susceptible to heat distortion than metal frames.
Keep Away from Chemicals
Hairspray, perfume, cleaning products, and sunscreen can all damage lens coatings and frame finishes. Apply these products before putting on your glasses.
Caring for Specific Frame Materials
Titanium Frames
Titanium is exceptionally low-maintenance — corrosion-resistant, hypoallergenic, and highly durable. Clean with the standard process above. Our Metal Frames collection features premium titanium frames that maintain their finish and structural integrity with minimal care.
Acetate Frames
Avoid prolonged exposure to heat and alcohol-based cleaners, which can dry out and crack acetate over time. Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap, and polish with a soft cloth to maintain lustre.
Nose Pads
Silicone nose pads accumulate oils and debris. Clean regularly with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Replace when discoloured or damaged — most opticians will do this free of charge.
When to Seek Professional Help
- Bent frames: Don't attempt to bend metal frames yourself — take them to an optician.
- Loose screws: Tighten with a precision eyeglass screwdriver or have an optician do it.
- Scratched lenses: Scratched lenses cannot be repaired — only replaced. Prevention is the only solution.
Proper care is the simplest way to protect your eyewear investment. A few minutes of correct care each day will keep your glasses performing at their best for years. Browse our Best Selling frames or explore the full WEISS OPTIX collection for premium eyewear built to last.
