Knowing how to clean glasses properly is the difference between lenses that stay crystal clear for years and lenses that develop micro-scratches within months. Pakistan's dusty environment — from Lahore's construction haze to Karachi's sea air — means your glasses collect more grime faster than in most countries. Most people clean their glasses wrong: using shirt fabric, tissue paper, or dry cloths that grind dust particles across the lens surface like sandpaper. Here's the correct method that opticians recommend.
The Correct Way to Clean Glasses — Step by Step
- Rinse under lukewarm running water. This washes away dust and grit particles that would scratch the lens if rubbed dry. Use lukewarm — never hot — water. Hot water can damage lens coatings.
- Apply a tiny drop of dish soap. Use a plain, lotion-free dish soap (Lemon Max, Vim liquid, or similar). Rub gently across both sides of each lens, the nose pads, and the temples with your fingertips.
- Rinse thoroughly. All soap residue must be washed away — any left behind will cause smearing.
- Shake off excess water. Gently shake the glasses to remove large water droplets.
- Dry with a clean microfibre cloth. Blot and gently wipe. The microfibre cloth should be one that has been washed recently — a dirty cloth carries old grit particles.
This entire process takes 60 seconds and should be done at least once daily if you wear glasses full-time.
What NOT to Use on Your Glasses
| Cleaning Method | Why It's Bad | Damage Caused |
|---|---|---|
| Shirt / dupatta fabric | Clothing fibres are coarse; embedded dust acts as sandpaper | Micro-scratches that accumulate over weeks |
| Tissue paper / paper towel | Wood fibres are abrasive even when wet | Visible scratches, especially on coated lenses |
| Window cleaner (Colin, etc.) | Contains ammonia that strips anti-reflective coating | Permanent coating damage, hazy lenses |
| Hand sanitiser / alcohol | Dissolves lens coatings and acetate frames | White marks on lenses, frame discolouration |
| Saliva | Contains enzymes and bacteria | Doesn't actually clean; transfers bacteria |
| Dry wiping without rinsing | Drags dust particles across the surface | Cumulative scratching |
Cleaning Different Lens Types
Anti-Reflective (AR) Coated Lenses
Anti-reflective lenses show smudges more visibly than uncoated lenses because the coating reduces reflections that normally mask fingerprints. Clean more frequently (twice daily) using the dish soap method. Never use alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners.
Blue-Cut / Blue Light Filter Lenses
Blue-cut lenses have a special coating that reflects blue light. Clean the same way as AR lenses. The slight blue/green reflection you see on the surface is the coating working — it should not be scrubbed off.
Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized lenses have a polarizing film sandwiched inside or on the surface. Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive heat (don't leave them on the dashboard). The dish soap method is safe for all polarized lenses.
Photochromic (Transition) Lenses
Photochromic lenses are sensitive to UV exposure. Clean normally, but store in a case when not in use — continuous UV exposure (even from fluorescent lights) can gradually reduce the lens's ability to transition back to clear.
Caring for Your Frames
- Acetate frames: Wipe with a damp microfibre cloth. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners that dry out the material. Acetate can become brittle if exposed to high heat (car dashboards, direct sun).
- Metal frames: Wash with soapy water to remove sweat and skin oils that cause corrosion. Dry thoroughly, especially around hinges and screws.
- TR90 frames: The most forgiving material. Wash with soapy water. TR90 resists most chemicals and doesn't absorb sweat odours easily.
Storage Tips for Pakistani Climate
- Always use a hard case when not wearing glasses. Pakistan's dusty environment means loose glasses collect grit constantly.
- Never leave glasses in a car — interior temperatures can exceed 70°C in Pakistani summers, warping frames and damaging coatings.
- Place lenses facing up when setting glasses down without a case. Placing them lens-down guarantees scratches.
- Keep a spare microfibre cloth in your bag or car — they're available at Chashmaywaly for PKR 100–200.
When to Replace Your Lenses
- Visible scratches in your central viewing area
- AR coating peeling or developing cloudy patches
- Photochromic lenses that no longer darken or clear fully
- Lens tint fading unevenly
- Prescription change (check annually)
Related Guides
- Glasses Frame Price in Pakistan
- Prescription Glasses Price in Pakistan
- Anti-Glare Glasses Price in Pakistan
- Sunglasses Price in Pakistan
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use hand sanitiser to clean my glasses?
No. Hand sanitiser contains alcohol and other chemicals that dissolve anti-reflective and blue-cut coatings. It can also damage acetate frames, causing discolouration and surface cracking. Use only dish soap and water.
How often should I clean my glasses?
Once daily for full-time wearers — ideally as part of your morning routine. In dusty Pakistani cities, you may need to rinse them a second time in the evening. Quick rinses under running water (without soap) are fine throughout the day.
Why do my glasses still look smudged after cleaning?
Most likely causes: the microfibre cloth is dirty (wash it weekly), you didn't rinse all the soap off, or you're using a cleaning product that leaves residue. Switch to plain dish soap and a freshly laundered microfibre cloth.
