With lukewarm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a clean cloth, you can get your sunglasses clean without scratching the lenses or damaging the frames.
This guide shows you how to clean sunglasses step by step, and points out the everyday habits that quietly wear them down. A minute of the right routine now means a clear view, and lenses that last, for years to come.
Why Cleaning Sunglasses the Wrong Way Causes Scratches
Sunglass lenses sit outdoors, which means they collect a mix of sunscreen, sweat, skin oil, makeup, dust, salt, and fingerprints. Most of those are oily or gritty, and that's the problem: rubbing them around on a dry lens pushes hard particles across the surface.
Many lenses also carry thin coatings, such as anti-reflective, hydrophobic, or mirror layers, plus the polarizing layer on polarized sunglasses. Harsh chemicals or abrasive materials can wear these down over time, leaving hazy spots or streaks that no amount of wiping will fix.
The rule of thumb: never wipe a dry, dirty lens. Rinse first, wipe second.
How to Clean Sunglasses: Step by Step
What you'll need: lukewarm water, a drop of mild dish soap (no lotion), and a clean microfiber cloth. Distilled water is optional if your tap water is hard.
Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Hands
Start with clean hands, using soap without added lotion. Oily or damp fingers just transfer smudges straight onto the lenses you're about to clean.
Step 2: Rinse the Sunglasses with Lukewarm Water
Hold the sunglasses under lukewarm running water, making sure to rinse the frame and both sides of each lens. This washes away loose dust, sand, and grit before anything touches the lens surface. And don't let the water get too hot: heat can damage the special coatings on some lenses, including those on polarized sunglasses.
Step 3: Add a Drop of Mild Dish Soap
Put a tiny drop of dish soap on your fingertips (not directly on the lens) and gently rub both sides of each lens, plus the frame. Your fingertips are soft enough to lift oils and sunscreen without scratching.
Step 4: Re-Rinse the Sunglasses
Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear and no soap film remains. If your tap water is hard, a final rinse with distilled water helps prevent mineral spots. Leftover soap is what causes those cloudy streaks that show up in direct sunlight.
Step 5: Shake Off the Excess Water
Give the sunglasses a gentle shake to remove most of the water. This cuts down on drying time and reduces the chance of water spots.
Step 6: Dry With a Clean Microfiber Cloth
Pat or lightly wipe the lenses with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Use light pressure and gentle circular or side-to-side motions. Then hold the lenses up to the light: if you spot leftover smudges, give them a final buff with the cloth.
A quick note on the cloth: if it's been sitting in a bag with crumbs and dust, it can scratch lenses too. Wash microfiber cloths regularly by hand with mild soap, let them air dry, and skip the fabric softener, which leaves an oily residue.
What to Never Use to Clean Sunglasses
Some of these are so common they seem fine. They aren't.
- Your shirt, napkins, or paper towels. Fabric and paper fibers are rougher than they look, and paper towels are made from wood pulp, which can leave micro-scratches.
- Tissues. Same issue as paper towels.
- Saliva. It doesn't clean well, and it adds oils and bacteria.
- Window cleaner, ammonia, bleach, or acetone. These can strip lens coatings and damage frame finishes.
- Hot water. It can weaken coatings and, on some frames, contribute to warping.
- Household rubbing alcohol on a regular basis. Occasional use won't ruin most lenses, but repeated use can degrade coatings over time. If you want a wipe for on-the-go cleaning, choose pre-moistened wipes made specifically for eyewear.
How to Clean Sunglass Frames and Nose Pads
Lenses get most of the attention, but the frame collects skin oil, sweat, and makeup around the nose pads and temple tips, which is also where bacteria build up.
- Acetate and plastic frames: Wash the same way as the lenses. Pay attention to the areas where the frame touches your skin.
- Metal frames: Gently wipe with a damp cloth and dry immediately to prevent any moisture from lingering near the hinges.
- Wood frames: Skip full rinsing. Use a lightly dampened soft cloth to wipe the surface, then dry it right away. Wood doesn't like prolonged moisture or heat.
- Hinges and screws: Use a soft, dry brush (like a clean, soft toothbrush) to gently clear dust from the hinge area.
Simple Habits for Keeping Sunglasses Clean and Scratch-Free
Cleaning correctly is half the battle. The other half is keeping your sunglasses from getting dirty and scratched in the first place.
Store them in a proper case. Tossing sunglasses in a bag, glove compartment, or pocket is the fastest route to scratches. A padded case keeps lenses away from keys, coins, and other hard objects. If you want something that looks good and holds up to daily use, a vegan leather sunglasses case gives your pair a protective home wherever it ends up.
Never rest them lens-down. Even a clean surface can have grit on it. Set them down with the lenses facing up, or fold the temples and rest them on their back.
Keep a microfiber cloth handy. Tuck a spare in your case or bag so you're never tempted to grab your shirt.
Rinse before you wipe, every time. It's the habit that makes the biggest difference. If you're at the beach or somewhere dusty, a quick rinse with water is better than a dry wipe.
Don't leave them in a hot car. Extreme heat can damage frames and coatings. Take them with you or store them somewhere shaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my sunglasses?
A quick daily wipe (using the proper method) is ideal if you wear them often. A full rinse-and-soap clean once a week, or whenever they look smudged, is plenty for most people.
Can I use eyeglass cleaner spray on sunglasses?
Yes, as long as it's a lens-safe spray made for eyewear and free of ammonia or harsh solvents. Spray it onto the cloth first rather than directly on the lens, then wipe gently.
Is it okay to clean sunglasses with just a microfiber cloth?
Only if you dampen the lenses or the cloth first. Used completely dry, a microfiber cloth drags dust and grit across the lens instead of lifting it off. Rinse the lenses under lukewarm water, or lightly moisten the cloth, before you wipe.
Can scratches be removed from sunglass lenses?
Generally, no. Once a lens is scratched, the damage is permanent, and DIY fixes like toothpaste or baking soda often make things worse by adding more abrasion. Prevention is the only reliable answer, which is why the cleaning method matters so much.
Keep Your Sunglasses Looking New
Knowing how to clean sunglasses comes down to three ideas: rinse before you wipe, use only gentle materials, and store them properly. Do that consistently, and a good pair of lenses can stay clear for years.
If your current pair has seen better days, or you're ready to add a second pair to the rotation, browse the full SUNGAIT sunglasses collection to find your next favorite.
