How to Clean Sunglasses Without Scratching the Lenses
By Valley Eyewear / ANZ | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to clean sunglasses safely and avoid scratching lenses with a simple routine using a microfibre cloth, lens spray, and the right habits.
Quick answer
To clean sunglasses without scratching the lenses, first rinse both sides under lukewarm water to remove grit, then use a clean microfibre cloth with a lens-safe spray or a drop of mild soap. Wipe gently in straight lines, not circles, and never use a paper towel, tissue, or your shirt. Finish by checking the edges and nose pads, where grime hides.
Why the wrong cloth causes most scratches
Most scratches come from abrasive particles trapped in the cloth or from wiping a dry lens. A microfibre cloth lifts and holds dust, but only if it is clean. A lens cloth sold with your frames is often just a smaller microfibre cloth; the difference is in the weave and how you wash it. When you compare a lens cloth vs microfibre, check the label: a good microfibre for lenses is fine-grained, machine washable, and free of fabric softener. If you drop it, wash it before using it again. For daily touch-ups, keep two cloths: one for the frame and one for the lenses, so oils from your hands do not transfer to the glass.
Step-by-step cleaning routine
Set up at a sink with lukewarm water, a clean microfibre cloth, and a lens spray or mild dish soap. Avoid hot water, which can damage coatings, and avoid washing over a drain without closing it. If your lenses are very dirty, start with a rinse rather than a wipe. After cleaning, dry the frame as well as the lenses, and store the sunglasses in a case. This routine also helps remove smudges from lenses without spreading them.
What to do when you are out and about
When you cannot rinse, use a blower or a clean microfibre cloth to lift dust first, then wipe. If you must use a spray, apply it to the cloth, not directly to the lens, to avoid pooling at the edges. For sunglasses with metal detailing, such as the Liberty, take extra care around the hinges and nose pads where moisture can sit. If you wear prescription sunglasses, treat them with the same routine; the High Index Progressive Prescription Sunglass Lenses are scratch resistant and anti-reflective, but they still benefit from a gentle clean.
Your 5-step sunglasses cleaning routine
- Rinse both sides under lukewarm water: Hold the sunglasses by the frame and rinse the front and back of each lens. This floats away dust and grit before you wipe. Common mistake: using hot water, which can damage lens coatings over time. Checkpoint: if the lens still feels gritty, rinse again before using a cloth.
- Apply a lens-safe cleaner or a drop of mild soap: Spray a lens cleaner onto a clean microfibre cloth, or put one drop of mild dish soap on your fingertips and gently rub both sides of the lenses. Avoid cleaners with ammonia, alcohol, or bleach. Common mistake: spraying directly onto the lens, which can leave residue at the edges. Checkpoint: use only products labelled safe for anti-reflective coatings.
- Wipe gently in straight lines with a clean microfibre cloth: Use a fresh, clean microfibre cloth and wipe from the centre outward in straight lines. Turn the cloth to a clean section for the second lens. Common mistake: wiping in circles or using a paper towel, tissue, or clothing, which can embed grit and scratch the surface. Checkpoint: if you feel resistance, stop and rinse again.
- Clean the frame, nose pads, and hinges: Use a separate cloth or a soft brush to remove oils and dust from the frame, nose pads, and hinges. For metal detailing like the Liberty, dry these areas immediately with a dry cloth. Common mistake: ignoring the frame, which transfers grime back to the lenses next time you wear them. Checkpoint: pay attention to where the frame meets the lens, a common spot for buildup.
- Dry and store in a case: Pat the lenses dry with a clean, dry microfibre cloth, then place the sunglasses in a hard case. Avoid leaving them loose in a bag where they can rub against keys or other objects. Common mistake: storing without a case, which is a leading cause of scratches. Next step: wash your microfibre cloths regularly without fabric softener to keep them safe for lenses.
Products that benefit from this routine
- High Index Progressive Prescription Sunglass Lenses: High Index Progressive Prescription Sunglass Lenses are thinner and lightweight tinted prescription lenses with 100% UVA and UVB protection, scratch resistance, and anti-reflective coating. They are recommended for prescriptions with a SPH value of +/- 4.00 or greater. These lenses combine multiple coatings, so a gentle cleaning routine helps preserve the anti-reflective layer and scratch resistance.
- Liberty: The Liberty is a rectangular design with intricate metal detailing, available in multiple colours. Metal detailing and hinges can trap dust and moisture, so dry these areas thoroughly after cleaning to keep the frame looking sharp.
