Being a glasses-wearer comes with many perks – not least of which is the fact that they allow us to – you know – see. But negotiating certain problems comes with the territory. Like when you’ve given yourself a stunning manicure, go to take your specs off before your nails are dry and leave a glob of glue on one of the lenses. Doh!
Don’t worry, though. What may seem like a major disaster need only be the mildest of inconveniences. Below we’ve got a basic guide to keeping your glasses clean and crystal-clear, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to remove three of the major offenders when it comes to stuff that gets on your specs.
How to Clean Your Glass – A General Guide
Eyewear manufacturers and retailers such as GlassesUSA know that following a cleaning schedule with your spectacles is vital to keep them in great condition and even extend their life. Here’s what you should be doing on a regular basis to keep your glasses shiny and continuing to provide you with great vision.
Step One: Rinse
Start by rinsing your specs under a gently running stream of tap water. This will remove dust and other debris that could otherwise scratch the lenses during the cleaning process.
Step Two: Add Soap
Next, put a small amount of dishwashing liquid onto each lens and very gently clean every part of your glasses, including the nose pads and the temples, where buildup can accumulate.
Step Three: Rinse Again
Carefully rinse both sides of your spectacles. Any traces of soap left will otherwise result in smears on the lenses. Once this is done, gently shake off excess water.
Step Four: Dry Thoroughly
Finally, use a soft cloth (a lint-free microfiber option is best) to thoroughly dry your glasses, getting into all the nooks and crannies.
Following this cleaning process once or twice a week will help keep your glasses streak-free and shiny and prolong their life.
Hot to Remove Nail Glue from Your Glasses
False nails look fabulous – but if you wear glasses, you may have had to deal with the issue of nail glue on your spectacles. If you’re facing this problem for the first time, don’t worry! Below are two ways to remove the nail glue without harming your spec lenses.
Soaking
Add a little soap to warm water, and soak your glasses briefly. This is the gentlest method to remove the glue, as it should loosen the adhesive, allowing you to peel it away from the lens. You may need to repeat the soaking a few times.
Glue Remover
Nail glue removers can usually be found in the same aisle as the nail glue itself, and they are another good option to get rid of any glue that’s accidentally adhered to your glasses. Although these types of removers are generally designed not to harm surfaces, it’s worth applying a small amount to an inconspicuous area of your glasses to check this is the case before fully applying it.
Last Resort: Acetone
Acetone may damage some plastics, so only consider using nail polish remover containing acetone if the above steps have failed. And don’t forget to apply using a cotton swab so you don’t risk removing your manicure!
How to Clean Hairspray Residue from Glasses
Anyone that uses hairspray regularly knows the struggle is real. There’s a constant haze on your lenses from the dried-on product that seems impossible to remove. But there is a way!
Begin by giving your glasses a little clean with warm water and a squirt of washing-up liquid or non-moisturizing soap. Dry them thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth, and then add a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to the lenses to remove any remaining hairspray residue. It’s important to use sparingly and only infrequently, as regular use may damage the lenses.
Alternatively, take your glasses along to your eye care practitioner, who will probably be able to remove the haze for you.
How to Remove Sweat Stains From Frames
It’s not just your glasses lenses that can get stained – the frames can also get in the line of fire! Sweat stains, in particular, can build up on frames, causing annoying, unsightly patches, which may show up as areas of milky white oxidization. The answer: distilled white vinegar!
All you need to do is mix together one cup of water with one cup of distilled white vinegar. Put the solution in a spray bottle, and spritz it evenly over your glasses frames. Use a microfiber cloth to dry and buff your specs to a spectacular, sweat-stain-free shine! For an even deeper clean, dip a cotton swab in the solution and use this to get into the tricky-to-reach places where the lenses meet the frames.
Best Practice Tips for Keeping Your Specs Shiny and Clear
Use the cleaning guide at the top of this post to keep your glasses clean and clear. Doing this will also help them stay comfortable and last as long as possible. And if there’s an unexpected nail glue, hairspray, or sweat stain issue? You know what to do now, too!
