How to Clean Eyeglasses Properly: The Right Way (and What to Avoid)

The Best Way to Clean Your Glasses (Step by Step)

This method works for all types of lenses — single vision, progressive, bifocal, with any coating. It takes about 30 seconds.

1. Rinse under lukewarm running water. This washes away loose dust and grit that would scratch the lens if you wiped it dry. Lukewarm, not hot — heat can damage lens coatings.
2. Apply one small drop of dish soap to each lens. Regular dish soap (Dawn, Palmolive, any brand) works perfectly. Avoid soaps with moisturizers or lotions — they leave a film.
3. Gently rub both sides of each lens with your fingertips. Also clean the nose pads, the bridge, and the temples. Oils from your skin accumulate everywhere, not just the lenses.
4. Rinse thoroughly under running water. Make sure all soap residue is gone — leftover soap causes streaks.
5. Shake off excess water gently. Then blot (don't rub) with a clean, lint-free microfibre cloth.

That's it. No special equipment, no expensive solutions. Just water, soap, and a clean cloth.

What NOT to Use on Your Glasses

More glasses are damaged by incorrect cleaning than by actual accidents. Avoid these:

Paper Towels and Tissues

Wood fibres in paper products are surprisingly abrasive. They create micro-scratches that accumulate over time, making your lenses look hazy. This is the most common cleaning mistake.

Your Shirt or Clothing

Fabric from clothing (especially cotton blends) isn't designed for optical surfaces. Dust trapped in the fabric acts like sandpaper on your lenses.

Window Cleaner (Windex)

The ammonia in glass cleaners strips anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings. One or two uses might seem fine, but it degrades coatings over time.

Hot Water

Heat can warp plastic lenses and crack or peel lens coatings. Always use lukewarm or cool water.

Saliva

Beyond the obvious hygiene issue, saliva doesn't clean effectively and can deposit bacteria on your lenses.

If your lenses already look cloudy or scratched from past cleaning habits, an optician at Charm Optical can assess whether the damage is to the coating (fixable by replacing lenses) or the lens material itself.

Caring for Specific Lens Coatings

Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating

AR coatings are the most sensitive to harsh chemicals. Stick to dish soap and water exclusively. Avoid any product containing alcohol, ammonia, or vinegar. Many modern AR coatings include a hydrophobic layer on top that repels water and oils — this layer is the first to go if you use the wrong cleaner.

Blue Light Filtering Lenses

These are cleaned the same way as any coated lens. The blue-light filter is either embedded in the lens material or applied as a coating layer. Neither requires special cleaning, but both benefit from the gentle dish soap method. Charm Optical offers blue light lenses with durable coatings designed to hold up to daily cleaning.

Photochromic (Transition) Lenses

The photochromic molecules are inside the lens, so normal cleaning won't affect the darkening function. Clean them like any other coated lens.

Polarized Lenses

The polarizing filter is sandwiched between lens layers. Dish soap and water is safe. Avoid submerging in hot water for extended periods.

Microfibre Cloths: The Right Way to Use Them

A clean microfibre cloth is your best tool for glasses. But a dirty microfibre cloth is one of your worst.

• Wash your microfibre cloth weekly. Hand wash with dish soap or machine wash on gentle without fabric softener. Fabric softener leaves a residue that transfers to your lenses.
• Don't use a microfibre cloth dry on dirty lenses. Always rinse the lenses first. Dry wiping pushes grit across the surface.
• Replace cloths that feel stiff or look discoloured. Microfibre loses effectiveness over time as the fibres break down.
• Keep a cloth in your glasses case. Most frames from stores like Charm Optical come with a microfibre cloth and case — use them.

This is one of the most common questions that comes up during eye exams, and the answer often depends on individual factors that only a professional assessment can evaluate. What works for one person may not be ideal for another — your prescription, daily activities, facial anatomy, and budget all play a role in determining the best approach.

If you're in the Edmonton area, Charm Optical offers comprehensive eye exams that go beyond just measuring your prescription. Their optometrists assess your overall eye health, discuss your visual needs, and recommend lens and frame options tailored to your lifestyle. With direct insurance billing for most Alberta providers and same-day glasses for many prescriptions, getting the right eyewear doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Book online — appointments are usually available within a few days.

Lens Cleaning Sprays: Are They Worth It?

Pre-made lens cleaning sprays are convenient for on-the-go touch-ups, but not all are created equal.

Good sprays: Alcohol-free, ammonia-free formulas designed specifically for coated lenses. Brands like Zeiss and spray solutions sold by opticians are generally safe.

Bad sprays: Anything marketed as a general-purpose glass cleaner. Also avoid sprays that list alcohol or ammonia in the ingredients, even if the bottle says "safe for glasses."

For daily cleaning at home, dish soap and water still beats any spray. Save the spray for when you're out and need a quick clean at your desk or in the car.

Pricing varies significantly depending on where you buy and what lens features you choose. In Canada, the total cost of a complete pair of glasses (frame + lenses) typically breaks down as follows: budget options start at $150-$250 for basic frames with standard single vision lenses. Mid-range options with anti-reflective coating and a name-brand frame run $300-$500. Premium designer frames with progressive or high-index lenses can reach $600-$900+. The biggest variable is usually the lens — a basic single vision lens costs far less than a digital freeform progressive with premium coatings.

Insurance makes a significant difference. Most employer health plans in Alberta cover $200-$500 toward glasses every 1-2 years. Charm Optical direct-bills most Alberta insurance providers — Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Desjardins, and more — so you only pay the difference at the counter. No paperwork, no reimbursement wait. Book an eye exam to get your prescription checked and learn exactly what your plan covers before you shop.

How Often Should You Clean Your Glasses?

Once or twice a day is ideal for most people. Morning is a good time — facial oils transfer to your glasses overnight if you set them on a nightstand near your bed.

Clean more frequently if:

• You work in dusty or greasy environments
• You wear sunscreen or makeup that transfers to the frames
• You live in Edmonton and deal with winter condensation when moving between cold and warm air (those foggy lenses attract dust as they dry)

Regular cleaning isn't just about clarity — it extends the life of your lens coatings. Oils and debris that sit on coatings break them down faster than the cleaning itself ever would.

If you're uncomfortable making adjustments yourself, or if the issue persists after trying these steps, take your glasses to a professional. Optical stores have specialized tools designed specifically for eyewear — household tools like regular pliers can easily crack lenses or snap frame hinges. Most adjustments take less than five minutes in-store and are typically free of charge.

Charm Optical in Edmonton offers free adjustments and minor repairs for any glasses — even if you didn't buy them there. Their opticians can also check whether your frames are still aligned correctly with your prescription, which is especially important for progressive lenses where even small shifts affect vision quality. If your glasses need more than an adjustment, they carry replacement parts for most major brands and can often fix broken hinges, replace nose pads, and resurface temple tips on the spot.

Professional Cleaning and Adjustments

About once every three to six months, bring your glasses to your optician for a professional deep clean. They use ultrasonic cleaners that vibrate debris out of hinges, nose pads, and the tiny crevices between the frame and lenses that you can't reach at home.

This is also a good time to get your frames adjusted. Glasses loosen naturally over time, and a quick tightening ensures they sit correctly on your face — which matters for both comfort and optical accuracy.

Charm Optical offers complimentary cleaning and adjustments. Stop by our Ellerslie location anytime — no appointment needed.

If you're uncomfortable making adjustments yourself, or if the issue persists after trying these steps, take your glasses to a professional. Optical stores have specialized tools designed specifically for eyewear — household tools like regular pliers can easily crack lenses or snap frame hinges. Most adjustments take less than five minutes in-store and are typically free of charge.

Charm Optical in Edmonton offers free adjustments and minor repairs for any glasses — even if you didn't buy them there. Their opticians can also check whether your frames are still aligned correctly with your prescription, which is especially important for progressive lenses where even small shifts affect vision quality. If your glasses need more than an adjustment, they carry replacement parts for most major brands and can often fix broken hinges, replace nose pads, and resurface temple tips on the spot.

When to Visit Your Optician for Professional Help

While many glasses issues can be handled at home, some problems require professional tools and expertise. Bent metal frames need careful adjustment with pliers designed specifically for eyewear — using household tools risks snapping the frame. Nose pad replacement requires the exact size and shape for your frame model. And any adjustment that changes how the lenses sit in front of your eyes can affect your vision quality.

Most optical stores offer free adjustments for glasses purchased from them. At Charm Optical in Edmonton, the opticians will adjust your frames, replace nose pads, tighten screws, and check your lens alignment at no charge — even if your glasses weren't purchased there. This kind of ongoing service is one of the biggest advantages of buying from a local optical store versus ordering online.

If your lenses are scratched, foggy, or the coatings are peeling, it's time for new lenses rather than a repair. Many lens types are available for same-day glasses at Charm Optical at Charm Optical, and their direct insurance billing means you can use your benefits toward the replacement. book an eye exam online to get your prescription checked while you're there — it may have changed since your last visit.

The Bottom Line

The best next step is always a professional eye exam. Your optometrist can evaluate your specific needs and recommend the right combination of lenses, coatings, and frames for your lifestyle and budget. In Alberta, most employer insurance plans cover comprehensive eye exams, and children under 18 and adults over 65 receive coverage through Alberta Health.

Charm Optical at 5035 Ellerslie Rd SW in South Edmonton offers thorough eye exams with experienced optometrists, a selection of over 500 designer frames from brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Versace, and same-day glasses for many prescription types. They offer direct insurance billing for most Alberta providers, so you only pay the difference at the counter — no upfront costs and no claim forms to submit afterwards.

Whether you're buying your first pair of glasses, upgrading to progressive lenses, or just need an adjustment on your current frames, having a trusted local optician makes the entire process smoother. Book an appointment online — most appointments are available within a few days, and walk-ins are welcome for adjustments and frame browsing.