Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Kara Hartl, MD, FACS and by How.com.vn staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Dr. Kara Hartl is a board certified Ophthalmologist and the Founder and CEO of Mountain View Eye Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. Dr. Hartl is a blue light expert and specializes in studying the effects of natural and artificial light on people’s eyes and bodies. She received a BA in Biology from Harvard University and earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from The University of California-San Diego Medical School. Dr. Hartl also trained at the world-renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. She is passionate about incorporating technology into the future of eye care and has started a public education initiative to inform everyday LED screen users about the effects and the easy ways to protect themselves while continuing to use their devices. Dr. Hartl also founded the international non-profit, Gift of Sight, which is dedicated to curing blindness across the globe.
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Getting dusty, smudged lenses is an inevitable part of wearing glasses. Fortunately, it's easy to mix up your own cleaner that cuts through dirt and grime. You can make a small bottle of portable eyeglass cleaner that uses rubbing alcohol or witch hazel. If you're concerned that the rubbing alcohol could damage protective coatings on your lenses, wash them in soapy water and dry them with a microfiber cloth.
Steps
Fill a 2 fl oz (59 ml) spray bottle half full with water. Remove the cap from the small bottle and pour about 1 fluid ounce (30 ml) of water into it. You can use cold tap water for the cleaner.[1]- If you don't have a 2 fl oz (59 ml) size spray bottle, use any small spray bottle you have and adjust the measurements of the water and rubbing alcohol.
Tip: To make it easier to fill the spray bottle, use a small funnel when you pour in the water.
Pour in rubbing alcohol until the bottle is almost full. Add an equal part of rubbing alcohol or witch hazel to the spray bottle. If you're using the 2 fl oz (59 ml) size bottle, you'll need to pour in about 1 fluid ounce (30 ml) of rubbing alcohol.[2]- Use alcohol-free witch hazel if you prefer a non-chemical cleaner.
- Rubbing alcohol is also called 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Advertisement- Add 1 drop of dishwashing soap and swirl the cleanser until it's combined. Squirt a drop of gentle dishwashing soap into the bottle and screw the spray lid on. Swirl the bottle of cleanser so the rubbing alcohol and soap mix with the water.[3]
- Avoid shaking the cleanser vigorously or the dishwashing soap might make it foam up.
- Spray the solution onto your lenses and wipe them with a microfiber cloth. Spritz both sides of each eyeglass lens with some of your cleaning solution. Then, take a clean microfiber cloth and gently rub the lenses until they're clean and dry.[4]
- Microfiber is softer than average fabric and won't leave lint on the lenses.
- If you prefer, you could spray the cleaning solution on the microfiber cloth instead of the lenses.
Store the cleaner at room temperature. As long as you're using rubbing alcohol that isn't close to expiring, your eyeglass cleaner should last for a few months. Ensure that the cap is screwed on tightly and store it at room temperature.- Give the bottle a little swirl before you use it to ensure that the soap hasn't settled to the bottom.
Fill a wide bowl with warm soapy water. Place a wide bowl in the sink and squirt 2 to 3 drops of gentle dishwashing soap in the bottom. Then, turn on the warm water and fill the bowl about halfway. Swish the water with your hands to distribute the soap.[5]- The soapy water should be bubbly.
- Avoid using hot water because this can break down the lenses' protective coating over time.
- Put the eyeglasses in the bowl and rub the lenses with your fingers. Place the glasses in the soapy water so they're submerged. Then, gently rub your fingers over both sides of each eyeglass lens to loosen any dirt.
- If the rest of the eyeglass frame is clean, you can just lower the lenses into the water.
Tip: If you'd also like to clean the frame, take a soft toothbrush and dip it into the soapy water. Gently scrub the hinges of the frame to remove grime.
- Rinse the eyeglasses with warm water. Take the glasses out of the soapy water and turn on the tap. Run warm water over both sides of each lens to remove all of the soap and dirt.[6]
- Remember not to touch the lenses after you've rinsed them or you'll smudge them.
- Dry the lenses with a microfiber cloth. Instead of wiping the clean lenses on your shirt or a towel, take a clean microfiber cloth and rub each lens until they're dry. Microfiber cloths won't leave lint behind, so they're great for drying your eyeglasses.[7]
- Although you can air dry your glasses, the water may form water spots as it dries.
Expert Q&A
Tips
- It's important to wipe the eyeglasses dry with a microfiber cloth that's clean. If the cloth is dirty, it can scratch the lenses.Thanks
- Store your clean eyeglasses in a case when you're not wearing them. This can prevent them from getting scratched.Thanks
Things You'll Need
Making Rubbing Alcohol Eyeglass Cleaner
- 2 fl oz (59 ml) spray bottle
- Measuring cup
- Small funnel
- Rubbing alcohol or witch hazel
- Dishwashing soap
- Microfiber cloth
Washing Eyeglasses in Soapy Water
- Wide bowl
- Dishwashing soap
- Microfiber cloth
References
- ↑ https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/homemade-eyeglass-cleaner/
- ↑ https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/homemade-eyeglass-cleaner/
- ↑ https://hellonest.co/how-to-make-your-own-eyeglass-cleaner/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/-JW33-h54XM?t=36
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a20167647/how-to-clean-glasses/
- ↑ https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/home-and-family/worst-and-best-ways-to-clean-your-eyeglasses/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/nCDnWhRmGHs?t=37
About This Article
The safest and gentlest way to clean eyeglasses is with soap and water, but you can also make a convenient cleaning spray with rubbing alcohol. Fill a 2-ounce spray bottle halfway with clean water, then fill it up the rest of the way with rubbing alcohol. Add a drop of mild dishwashing soap, then stir the mixture together by gently swirling the bottle. Spritz the mixture on your glasses and wipe them with a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and grease. To learn how to make a glasses cleaner with witch hazel, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
"As a chid I messed up a lot of glasses by improper cleaning. Later I purchased cleaner and learned to do better but though inexpensive it did cost some and I was often out of cleaner. Now I can make my own at 80 y.o.!!"..." more
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