How to Make Homemade Glasses Cleaner

Guides & How To

May 14, 2024

Keeping your glasses clean and smudge-free is important for having the clearest vision possible. Though commercial cleaners are easy to find, you can make effective and budget-friendly alternatives with ingredients you probably already have at home.

Below, we'll explore two DIY glasses cleaner recipes that use easily accessible ingredients. When you have everything ready, you can start experimenting to find what works best for you.

Reasons to Use a Homemade Glasses Cleaner

There are many reasons people use homemade cleaners for eyeglasses. It's not only a great way to save money, but it's also better for the environment and your health. Store-bought sprays often contain harsh chemicals that can be hazardous when inhaled. Making your own cleaner allows you to avoid any potentially harmful ingredients.

Homemade solutions can be just as effective as store-bought products. With some experimentation, you can find the right recipe to make your eyewear shine like new.

Before you get started, wash your hands with soap and water. Then you’ll need:

A medium-sized mixing bowl
A measuring cup
A spoon
A funnel
An empty spray bottle

Recipe 1: Alcohol-Based Glasses Cleaner

Eyeglass cleaners that contain alcohol provide a nice streak-free finish. Plus, rubbing alcohol has natural antibacterial properties, making it easy to keep your glasses germ-free. Here’s what you’ll need:

Isopropyl alcohol (at least 70% strength)
Distilled water
Lotion-free dish soap

Instructions:

Add three parts isopropyl alcohol and one part distilled water to your mixing bowl. A measuring cup can help you get the right proportions.
Add a few drops of lotion-free dish soap.
Stir until the mixture is well-combined.
Use the funnel to pour your cleaner into a spray bottle for easy use.

Recipe 2: Soap-Based Glasses Cleaner

Lotion-free dish soap is a good choice if you want a gentle all-purpose cleaner that will leave your eyeglasses looking as good as new. The lotion-free aspect is important because the soap will get rid of dirt and grease without introducing any new oils to your glasses in the process. To make a soap-based glasses cleaner that will leave a streak-free finish, you'll need:

Lotion-free dish soap (Dawn is a great option)
Distilled water

Instructions:

Prepare a medium-sized bowl of lukewarm distilled water.
Add a few drops of lotion-free dish soap to the water.
Stir until the soap is completely dissolved.
Submerge your glasses in the mixture for several minutes, then rinse them off with distilled water.
Dry your glasses with a clean microfiber cloth.

Tips for Using Your Glasses Cleaner

Whether you use a homemade cleaner or a store-bought solution to keep your glasses clean, it's important to use it properly for the best results. Here are some tips to help you keep your glasses in good shape:

Use a soft microfiber cloth when cleaning your glasses to avoid scratching the lenses. Microfiber works best because it absorbs moisture without leaving behind lint or debris.
Use gentle, circular motions when wiping your lenses to reduce the possibility of scratches and smudges.
Disinfect the frames of your glasses as part of the cleaning process. Wiping them down with your alcohol-based spray is a great way to remove germs, dirt, and dust buildup.
If your lenses are particularly dirty, you may need to give them a second wash. Use a fresh drying cloth each time for the best results.
Keep your glasses in a protective case when you aren’t wearing them.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Glasses

There are some household items you should avoid when it comes to eyeglasses because it’s possible for them to cause irreparable damage. Follow these tips to ensure you don’t use any products that could potentially harm your glasses:

Don’t use abrasive chemicals such as ammonia, vinegar, or bleach on your glasses. They’re too harsh for lenses and can damage and erode any special lens coatings that have been applied.
Avoid hot or boiling water when cleaning your glasses, as it can warp the frames (and possibly burn your hands). Always use lukewarm or room-temperature water. Distilled water is preferred.
Don’t use a T-shirt, paper towel, napkin, or tissue to wipe or dry your lenses. These materials can be abrasive and leave behind scratches and streaks.

Finally, remember that some frames and lenses are particularly delicate and may require special cleaning products. It's important to check the manufacturer's instructions before wiping them down. This is especially true for coated and tinted lenses. Pay attention to the lens type you have and don't assume that a single recipe works for all eyeglasses.

If you ever find yourself with scratched lenses or broken glasses, your safest option is to get help from an eye care professional. There are some cases where DIY repair is possible, but you run the risk of making the original problem much worse.

Enjoy Clearer Vision with a Homemade Glasses Cleaner

A homemade glasses cleaner is a straightforward and eco-friendly way to ensure your lenses stay crystal clear for as long as possible. With a few readily available ingredients, you can create a gentle solution for nearly all your eyewear needs. Disinfecting your glasses regularly will also help you maintain clear vision and prolong the lifespan of your eyewear.

At Glasses.com, you can find the perfect frames for your visual needs and sense of style. Shop our wide selection of glasses to see what fits best. It's easier than ever to see clearly and comfortably while looking your best.

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