Scratches on the lenses of sunglasses prevent good vision and can compromise the polarity of the glasses you use for sports, such as golf or skiing. There are several remedies to remove these minor damage, including applying baking soda, toothpaste, or oily substances that polish or fill in scratches.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: With Toothpaste
Step 1. Purchase a non-abrasive white toothpaste
Choose a product that does not contain mint, gel, or other whitening ingredients. Regular toothpaste is the most effective for cleaning glass lenses, since products with other special properties can damage the surfaces; Baking soda cleaners are the best solution, as they clean without the use of harsh chemical ingredients.
Step 2. Apply a pea-sized dose of toothpaste to a cotton ball
Opt for the least amount of cleaner possible to avoid smudging your lenses; cotton balls are the most effective because they leave no fibers and residues.
Step 3. Rub the cotton on the scratch
Make circular motions for about 10 seconds on each small damage; in this way you "polish" it off the lens.
Step 4. Rinse your glasses
Put them under a steady stream of cold running water to get rid of the toothpaste; rotate them a little under the tap to make sure there are no traces of detergent left. Pay particular attention to debris that gets stuck in the gap between the lens and the frame.
Step 5. Wipe them with a soft, lint-free cloth
Do not use a dirty or rough cloth, as it could leave other scratches; using your thumb and forefinger, rub the fabric on the affected area to remove any traces of moisture or toothpaste. Be especially careful not to exert too much pressure and not risk detaching the lenses from your glasses.
Step 6. Inspect the surfaces
Place the lenses under the light to check that the scratch is gone. Put on your glasses and look carefully to see if there are any visible imperfections; if so, repeat the operations until the damage has disappeared.
Method 2 of 3: With Water and Sodium Bicarbonate
Step 1. Get water and baking soda
The alkaline properties of this substance are perfect for neutralizing any acid residue and restoring the transparency of the lenses; once mixed, the water and baking soda form a thick compound that can be used to remove scratches from glasses.
Step 2. Combine one part of water with two parts of baking soda in a small bowl
The doses to use depend on the size and number of scratches; start with a tablespoon of water and two of baking soda and increase the doses for badly damaged lenses.
Step 3. Mix the ingredients
Work them until they form a thick paste; make sure it is not too watery, otherwise its effectiveness is reduced.
Step 4. Take a cotton ball
Dip it into the mixture; a pea-sized amount of compound is enough for each scratch.
Step 5. Rub the product on the scratch
Take the swab and move it in small circles for about 10 seconds; by doing so, you should smooth and polish the surface.
Step 6. Rinse the baking soda slurry from the lenses
Use cold or room-temperature water to get rid of it, paying particular attention to areas where the lenses fit into the frame or any other areas where the slurry could infiltrate.
Step 7. Polish the lenses with a soft, lint-free cloth
This fabric is essential to make sure your sunglasses don't scratch more during the cleaning process. Purchase a lens-specific microfiber cloth from your optician and use it to scrub away any baking soda residue.
Step 8. Inspect the lenses
Place them under a light source and observe them carefully for residual damage; if you notice any more imperfections, continue polishing the scratches with another swab dipped in the baking soda compound.
Method 3 of 3: With polish, car or furniture wax
Step 1. Get car wax, furniture wax, or a brass or silver polish
These products work on the lenses in the same way they work on other surfaces. They are extremely effective in removing scratches from sunglasses, especially those with plastic lenses; never use acidic or abrasive substances, as they damage the glasses and leave residues that are dangerous for the eyes.
Step 2. Apply a pea-sized dose of product using a cotton ball
You can also use a lint-free fabric for this remedy; avoid rough materials which can only make the situation worse.
Step 3. Rub the wax or polish on the scratch
Carefully spread the liquid product using the cloth or swab following circular trajectories; continue gently for 10 seconds. The wax and polish fill the small incision on the surface.
Step 4. Get another soft, lint-free cloth
Make sure it's dry, as you need to use it to remove polish or wax residue; with the movement of your thumb and forefinger, rub any traces of product off the lenses.
Step 5. Inspect the lenses
Place them under a light source and check for other imperfections. Put on your glasses and check that any incisions have disappeared from the field of view. If you notice any other scratches, reapply the polish or wax with the cotton ball (or the towel), scrubbing gently once more until you are satisfied with the result.
Advice
- Store your glasses in their protective case to reduce the risk of scratches.
- Consider purchasing a warranty or additional insurance to be able to replace them if they become irretrievably scratched.
- Always use soft, lint-free cloths when cleaning your lenses.
