When wearing glasses, it is inevitable that the lenses become filled with dust, smudges and halos. Fortunately, it's easy to make a DIY cleaner that will help remove all dirt residue. You can use isopropyl alcohol or witch hazel water to make a bottle of cleanser - a handy format you can take with you at all times. If you are concerned that alcohol will damage the protective coating of the lenses, wash them with soapy water and dry them with a microfiber cloth.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Prepare an Isopropyl Alcohol-based Eyeglass Cleaner
Step 1. Take a spray bottle with a capacity of 60ml and pour water into it until it is half full
Remove the cap from the vial and pour 30 ml of water into it. You can use cold tap water to prepare the cleaner.
If you don't have a 60ml container, use whatever small spray bottle you have and adjust the water and alcohol doses accordingly
Advise:
to be able to fill the vial more easily, pour the water with the help of a small funnel.
Step 2. Pour the alcohol into the bottle until it is almost full
Add an equal dose of isopropyl alcohol or witch hazel water. If you use a bottle with a capacity of 60ml, you will need to use approximately 30ml of isopropyl alcohol.
- Use alcohol-free witch hazel if you prefer a natural cleanser.
- This type of alcohol is also called 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Step 3. Add 1 drop of dish soap and shake the bottle with a twisting motion until the ingredients are mixed evenly
Take a mild dish soap. Squeeze 1 drop into the spray vial and screw the cap on. Shake the bottle to make sure the isopropyl alcohol and detergent mix well with the water.
Avoid shaking the detergent vigorously, otherwise the dish soap may cause foaming
Step 4. Spray the solution on the lenses and wipe them with a microfiber cloth
Spray the cleaning solution on both sides of each lens. Then, take a microfiber cloth with which to rub them gently until they are dry and clean.
- Microfiber is softer than other fabrics and will not leave lint on the lenses.
- If you want, you could spray the solution on the microfiber cloth instead of the lenses.
Step 5. Store the cleaner at room temperature
The eyeglass cleaner should last you for a few months, as long as you use isopropyl alcohol that is not close to expiration. Make sure the cap is screwed on tightly and store it at room temperature.
Shake the bottle lightly before using it to make sure the detergent has not settled on the bottom of the bottle
Method 2 of 2: Wash the Glasses with Soapy Water
Step 1. Fill a large bowl with warm water and dish soap
Place a large bowl in the sink and pour 2 or 3 drops of a mild dish soap into it. Then, turn on the lukewarm water tap and let it run into the bowl until it is almost half full. Shake the water with your hands to distribute the detergent.
- The soapy water should be foamy.
- Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the protective coating of the lenses over time.
Step 2. Put the glasses in the bowl and rub the lenses with your fingers
Place the glasses in the soapy water so that they can be submerged. Then, gently rub your fingers on both sides of each lens to loosen the dirt.
If the rest of the frame is clean, you can simply put the glasses in the water
Advise:
if you want to clean the frame too, take a soft-bristled toothbrush and dip it in soapy water. Gently scrub the hinges of the frame to remove dirt residue.
Step 3. Rinse your glasses with warm water
Remove them from the soapy water and turn on the tap. Rinse both sides of each lens with warm water to remove all detergent residue and dirt.
Remember not to touch the lenses after rinsing them, otherwise there will be streaks
Step 4. Dry the lenses with a microfiber cloth
Instead of wiping them with a T-shirt or towel, take a microfiber cloth and rub it on each lens until it's dry. Microfiber cloths do not leave lint, so they are great for drying glasses.
Although it is possible to dry them in the fresh air, the water may leave stains on the lenses during drying
Advice
- It is important to dry the glasses with a clean microfiber cloth. If it's dirty, you risk scratching the lenses.
- Keep the clean glasses in the special case when you are not using them. This can help prevent them from being scratched.
