What are the best ways to clean glasses? An optician and optometrist weigh in

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If you wear glasses, you know just how annoying smudges can be. In fact, it can be nearly impossible to focus on whatever you’re looking at. Plus, if you use the wrong products to clean eyewear, it can compromise their quality over time, which leads to more costs down the road.

To keep your glasses clean without ruining them, it’s best to use cleaners that don’t have “alcohol, harsh chemicals, perfumes and scents,” says Sheena Taff, an optician and business owner at Optician About Town. “The smell is usually a great indicator, lens cleaner shouldn’t have an obvious odor to it.”

For a step-by-step tutorial on the best way to clean glasses — and the best products to do it — I asked Taff and other eyewear experts for their guidance, which I share below.

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Before we get to the steps, we want to make sure you have the right products to get your eye glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses and other specs in top shape. Aside from water and mild soap (which works well for this task), there are other easy options to try. Below I’ve listed several highly-rated lens cleaners for you to consider.

If you prefer a portable and tech-safe cleaning spray (it also cleans camera lenses without damaging them), consider this option from Koala. The alcohol- and ammonia-free formula is a mix of water- and plant-based ingredients that help eliminate smudges and debris. It also comes with a microfiber cloth so that you don’t resort to using a paper towel that could scratch your lenses.

Besides glasses, these square-shaped microfiber cleaning cloths can be used to clean a range of screens, including your phone, television, laptop, camera or tablet. Each one measures a decent 6 x 7 inches, and you can get them in packs of two, six, 13 or 30.

These moistened wipes are great for cleaning glasses, especially ones with excessive debris,dust or residue. Each wipe is 5 x 6 inches and, since the-alcohol based solution in the wipes dries extremely fast, they don’t leave streaks on glasses, according to the brand. They come individually wrapped so you can always keep one on you and clean your specs while on the go.

This lens-cleaning care pack comes with two 8-ounce bottles of spray and two microfiber cloths that are 6 x 7 inches each. Use it to wipe away fingerprints, dust, oil and more without leaving streaks or scratches on the lenses or frames. Like other options, you can also use it to clean other items with lenses and displays, such as cameras, sunglasses and binoculars.

This set has two 4-ounce bottles of cleaning spray and two microfiber cloths that are 6 x 3 inches. You can use them to clean eyeglasses and sunglasses as well as TV screens, cameras, tablets, phones and more.

As obvious as it sounds, you should clean your glasses when they’re dirty or become hard to see through. With that said, glasses can take on varying degrees of dirtiness. Overall, if you notice any smudge or haziness on any part of your lenses, they need a good wipe down.

Additionally, it might be worth trying out an ultrasonic cleaner for cleaning your glasses more thoroughly. “Even the cleanest looking glasses release hidden oil and residue once put into an ultrasonic cleaner,” says Taff.

“The best option is a spray solution that is specifically made for cleaning glasses. This is often available at optical stores or other retail outlets that sell glasses,” says Joy Harewood-John, associate professor of optometry at SUNY College of Optometry. “If that is not available, then regular water can suffice.”

Another option is to use a diluted mixture of dish soap and water. Also, a microfiber cloth is always best compared to a paper towel, which can leave small scratches on lenses, according to Taff. These products are always recommended over alcohol-based cleaners, which strip lens coating, according to Harewood-John.

Most glasses cases come with a small microfiber cloth. This is a good place to start when wiping down your lenses. Use that cloth to gently buff out any smudges. However, more stubborn streaks and dirt may require a more in-depth cleaning. For the best method, Taff recommends these steps:

At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Bethany Heitman is a commerce editor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, wellness, home and lifestyle. She’s written about the best body wipes, polarized sunglasses and treatments for back pain. For this story, she interviewed eye experts, including optometrists, on how to clean your glasses.

Cory Fernandez is a commerce editor at NBC Select, who writes about home, kitchen and lifestyle. He contributed additional reporting to this story.

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