Smudged lenses, sticky fingerprints, dust along the frame – these things show up faster than you think. And when you invest in quality eyewear, like a pair from Treehut, upkeep becomes part of the experience. If you’re wondering how to clean sunglasses properly without damaging lenses or materials, you’re in the right place. This guide covers everything: safe cleaning methods for wooden sunglasses, how to handle scratches, and what makes polarized lenses different.
Read More: Wooden vs. Metal Sunglasses: Which One Should You Choose?
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before reaching for the nearest paper towel or your T-shirt, pause. Not all materials are safe for cleaning. Gather these first:
- Microfiber cloth: Soft enough to avoid scratching, yet effective for lifting oils and debris.
- Lens-safe spray: Avoid anything with ammonia or alcohol. Use a cleaner specifically made for coated optics.
- Mild soap: A tiny drop of dish soap works well when diluted with water.
- Lukewarm water: Never use hot water, as it can warp coatings or frames.
- Clean hands: Wash and dry your hands to avoid transferring oils or grit.
Knowing how to clean sunglasses starts with using the right tools. Anything else may do more harm than good.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Sunglasses Properly
Follow these simple steps to keep your lenses and frames clean without risking scratches or buildup:
- Rinse first: Gently rinse the sunglasses under lukewarm water to remove dust or grit.
- Apply soap or cleaner: Add a drop of mild soap or use a lens-safe spray directly on both lenses.
- Clean with cloth: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the lenses in small, circular motions.
- Check the frame: Wipe down the nose pads, bridge, and arms as well.
- Dry completely: Use a clean part of the cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
If you follow these steps regularly, you won’t wonder how to clean sunglasses – you’ll just do it as part of your routine.
How to Clean Scratched Sunglasses
Unfortunately, no cleaning method removes scratches from lenses entirely. However, you can reduce how visible they are:
- Use a baking soda paste: Mix one part water with two parts baking soda. Rub gently with a microfiber cloth.
- Try non-abrasive polish: Use only polishes made for optical lenses. Test on an inconspicuous spot first.
- Avoid toothpaste: Despite popular myths, it’s often too abrasive and may worsen the damage.
- Clean regularly: Prevent deeper scratches by avoiding buildup and using safe materials.
So if you’re asking how to clean scratched sunglasses, start by minimizing further wear. Prevention always beats a fix.
How to Clean Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized lenses include a special filter that reduces glare. That extra layer needs extra caution. Here's how to clean them correctly:
- Skip household cleaners: Ammonia and alcohol can destroy the polarized film.
- Stick to cold or lukewarm water: Heat can loosen adhesives used in the lens coating.
- Use circular motions: Gentle circles distribute pressure evenly and reduce friction.
- Dry with care: Dab, don’t rub. Let the cloth absorb water instead of dragging across the surface.
Understanding how to clean polarized sunglasses is about knowing what not to do as much as what to do.
Tips to Prevent Damage
Clean lenses won’t stay clean if you store them carelessly. These tips protect your sunglasses between wears:
- Use a hard case: It shields from scratches, pressure, and sudden impact.
- Don’t leave them face down: Even a clean surface can scuff lenses.
- Avoid dashboards: Heat warps frames and weakens adhesives.
- Keep a cloth with you: Quick wipe-downs stop oil buildup throughout the day.
- Check hinges often: A loose screw can turn into a broken frame fast.
Once you know how to clean sunglasses, maintaining that clarity becomes part of how you wear them.
When It’s Time to Replace Them
Even with good care, no pair lasts forever. Here’s how to know when replacement beats repair:
- Scratches obscure vision: If cleaning doesn’t help, the coating is likely worn down.
- Loose or bent frames: If they no longer sit evenly on your face, they won’t protect your eyes well.
- Peeling coatings: Polarized layers can deteriorate over time, especially under heat or chemical stress.
- Discoloration: If the lenses lose their tint or become cloudy, the UV protection may be compromised.
Once damage gets in the way of visibility or comfort, knowing how to clean sunglasses won’t be enough on its own.
Read More: Why Wooden Bamboo Sunglasses Are the Future of Eyewear
Why Treehut Sunglasses Deserve Your Care
Treehut designs sunglasses with real materials and long-term use in mind. From sustainably sourced woods to durable stainless steel, every pair blends function with distinctive detail. Our frames aren’t mass-produced – they’re layered, shaped, and finished by hand.
We build for longevity, but care starts with you. Knowing how to clean sunglasses helps preserve clarity, comfort, and the craftsmanship behind every design. Treehut isn’t just about what you wear – it’s about how you keep it.
Each pair comes with the option to engrave an initial. That makes them more than accessories – they become personal. So when you choose Treehut, you’re not just buying sunglasses. You’re choosing pieces designed to be worn well, cared for, and remembered.
And it all starts with knowing how to clean sunglasses the right way.
