Lens care · Explained by an optical technician
How to clean glasses without scratching them
Why glasses get scratched
Most lens scratches come from wiping a dry, dusty lens, not from accidents. Airborne grit and dust sit on the lens surface, and wiping presses those hard particles across the coating like sandpaper.
Tissue, paper towel, napkins and clothing all contain wood or synthetic fibres that scratch lens coatings. They feel soft to your fingers but are abrasive at the scale of a micron-thin optical coating.
The rules that prevent scratches
- Always add liquid before you wipe, and never clean a dry lens.
- Only ever use a clean microfibre cloth, never tissue, paper, or your shirt.
- Wash your microfibre cloth regularly, because a cloth full of trapped grit becomes an abrasive itself.
- Store glasses in a hard case, not loose in a bag or pocket where keys and coins scratch them.
- Rest glasses lenses-up, never face-down on a surface.
The scratch-free cleaning method
- Rinse both lenses under lukewarm running water to float away dust and grit.
- Apply an alcohol-free lens spray to each side of the lens.
- Wipe gently with a clean, dry microfibre cloth in small circles.
- Let any edges air-dry rather than rubbing hard to remove the last droplet.
Frequently asked questions
Does cleaning glasses with a tissue scratch them?
Yes. Tissue, paper towel and napkins contain fibres that are abrasive to lens coatings and can leave fine scratches over time. Use a clean microfibre cloth instead, and always wet the lens before wiping.
Can I clean my glasses with my shirt?
No. Cleaning glasses with your shirt drags trapped dust and grit across the lens, which scratches the coating. It also smears oils. Rinse the lens, apply an alcohol-free spray, and wipe with a microfibre cloth.
Can scratches on glasses be removed?
No. Scratches in a lens coating cannot be repaired or polished out, and home remedies like toothpaste or baking soda make them worse. Prevention is the only fix: always wet the lens first and use a microfibre cloth.
How often should I wash my microfibre cloth?
Wash your microfibre cloth every week or two. A cloth that has collected grit and oil becomes abrasive and can scratch lenses. Machine wash without fabric softener, which leaves a residue that smears lenses.
What is the safest way to clean glasses?
The safest way to clean glasses is to rinse under lukewarm water, apply an alcohol-free, ammonia-free lens spray, and wipe with a clean microfibre cloth. Lensora is an alcohol-free spray made by an optical technician for exactly this.
Every Lensora kit includes a premium microfibre cloth and an alcohol-free spray.
Made by an optical technician. See the Everyday Lens Cleaning Kit →