FYidoctors optometrists recommend rinsing sunglasses under lukewarm water, washing them with a drop of lotion-free dish soap and drying them with a clean microfibre cloth. Rinsing first matters most because it lifts away the grit that scratches lenses. Between wears, store your sunglasses in a hard case and keep them out of hot cars to protect lens coatings and frames.
What to Remember
- Rinse before you wipe, because dry wiping grinds dust into the lens.
- A drop of lotion-free dish soap or a dedicated lens cleaner is all you need.
- Skip paper towels, shirts, saliva, household glass cleaners and vinegar.
- Hot water can damage some coatings, and dashboard heat can harm coatings and may misshape frames.
- Scratches can't be buffed out at home, so see your optometrist about new lenses.
Why Proper Sunglasses Care Matters
Many sunglass lenses carry coatings, such as polarized films, mirror finishes and anti-reflective backs. All About Vision warns that harsh cleaners can damage these coatings and that buffing with abrasives can strip them.
Scratches affect your view, too. ZEISS notes that light disperses through tiny scratches and can irritate the eye. Good habits keep your view clear and help your investment last through Canadian summers on the lake and bright winter days on the snow.
How to Clean Sunglasses Step by Step
Use the full wash at home whenever you can. Save the quick clean for days out.
Rinse, Wash and Dry
Start with clean hands. All About Vision recommends rinsing both sides under a gentle stream of lukewarm tap water to lift away dust and debris. It also notes that hot water can damage some lens coatings.
Rub a small drop of lotion-free dish soap over the lenses, nose pads and arms with your fingertips, then rinse well. Skip soaps labelled ultra, grease-cutting, antibacterial or citrus, because these soap types can damage lens coatings. Shake off the water and dry with a clean microfibre cloth.
Quick Clean on the Go
When you can't get to a sink, All About Vision says a lens cleaning spray works well. Choose one made for coated lenses, such as PEEPS lens cleaner, and use a clean microfibre cloth.
Common Cleaning Mistakes That Damage Sunglasses
A shirt-hem wipe feels harmless, yet ZEISS notes that clothing and tissues often carry dust particles that cause micro-scratches. All About Vision's cleaning guide also warns against paper towels and tissues, and says household glass cleaners can damage lenses and coatings.
The same guide advises against using saliva to wet your lenses. All About Vision's sunglasses guide advises against rubbing alcohol, vinegar and other household cleaners. Instead, choose cleaners labelled safe for coated lenses.
How to Care for Polarized and Mirror Lenses
All About Vision says polarized sunglasses and mirror lenses need the same care as any pair. Mirror coatings need extra attention, because Health Canada notes that mirror lenses scratch easily. Always rinse them first and never dry wipe them.
After a beach, cottage or pool day, rinse off salt water and chlorine. Maui Jim's lens care guidance advises rinsing with tap water and avoiding contact with pool chlorine. Read more about protecting your eyes around water and how to choose the right colour lenses for summer activities.
How to Store Sunglasses to Prevent Damage
All About Vision calls a hard case ideal and warns against dropping sunglasses loose in a bag. ZEISS advises that you store them with the lenses facing up and wash your microfibre cloth without fabric softener.
All About Vision also warns against leaving sunglasses on the dashboard, where heat is especially intense. ZEISS notes that high heat can affect the durability of lens coatings, and Maui Jim notes heat may misshape frames.
Can You Remove Scratches From Sunglasses?
Scratches can't be truly removed at home. Toothpaste, baking soda and buffing hacks can strip anti-reflective or mirror coatings and make things worse.
All About Vision recommends replacing scratched lenses for the best vision and safety. FYidoctors clinics can assess your lenses, adjust your frames and replace prescription or non-prescription lenses.
See an optometrist if scratches, peeling coatings or a bent frame affect how clearly or comfortably you see. Book a visit, too, if you're unsure your lenses still offer full UV protection.
FAQ
What Is the Best Way to Clean Sunglasses?
Can You Clean Sunglasses With Alcohol?
How Do You Clean Polarized Sunglasses?
Can Heat Damage Sunglasses?
How Do You Remove Scratches From Sunglasses?
When Should I Replace My Sunglasses?