How to Take Care of Your Glasses: Avoid These Common Mistakes
If you wear glasses, you probably don’t think much about how you handle them—but small habits can make a big difference in how long they last. From scratchy lenses to warped frames, lots of us make easy-to-fix mistakes. Let’s break down what not to do, plus the best ways to keep your glasses in great shape.
Common Mistakes That Damage Your Glasses
Be honest—do you do any of these?
Using one hand to put them on or take them off
Grabbing just one side to yank them on or off might seem quick, but it bends the temples (the side arms) over time. That throws off the fit, making your glasses sit lopsided—and if the lenses aren’t aligned right, it can even strain your eyes.
Wiping lenses with your shirt or paper towels
We’ve all done it: A smudge appears, so you rub it with the corner of your shirt or a paper towel. Bad move. Those materials are rough, and they scratch resin lenses (which most glasses have). Scratches blur your vision and make glare worse.
Leaving them in hot spots
Glasses hate heat. Lenses have special coatings (for scratch resistance, UV protection, or to repel water/oil), and hot cars, saunas, or even hot water can make those coatings bubble or peel.
Setting them down carelessly
Tossing them on the table lens-down? That’s a surefire way to scratch the lenses. Even “soft” surfaces like couches can have dust or grit that grinds into the glass.
Skipping cleanings (or using harsh cleaners)
Dirt, oil, or makeup on lenses doesn’t just look gross—it blurs your vision. But using window cleaner, bleach, or even alcohol? Those chemicals eat away at lens coatings.
Ignoring warped frames or worn-out lenses
Bent frames dig into your nose or ears. Worn lenses (scratched or faded) make your eyes work harder to see, which can tire them out. If your glasses feel “off,” don’t wait to fix them.
The Right Way to Care for Your Glasses
Taking good care of your glasses is easy—just follow these steps:
Always use both hands to put them on/take them off
Hold both temples (the side arms) when sliding them on or off. It keeps the frames balanced, so they fit right and don’t warp. If one ear sits higher than the other, gently adjust the temple to even them out.
Store them in a case when you’re not wearing them
Fold the left temple first, then the right, and set them in the case with the lenses facing up (so they don’t touch the bottom). For long-term storage, wrap them in a soft lens cloth first. Keep the case away from chemicals like hairspray, makeup, or cleaning products—they can ruin frames and lenses.
Keep them away from heat
Skip hot water when cleaning, and never leave them in a car on a sunny day (temperatures inside can hit 150°F+!). Saunas or hot tubs? Take your glasses off first.
Clean them the right way
Start by rinsing with cool (not cold, not hot) water to wash off dust and grit.
If there’s oil or makeup, add a tiny drop of mild dish soap (like Dawn) or lens cleaner. Gently rub the lenses with your fingertips.
Rinse again to get rid of soap, then dry with a soft, lint-free cloth (like a microfiber lens cloth). Wipe in one direction—no circular scrubbing!
Never “dry wipe” (rubbing without water) — that’s how scratches happen.
Be gentle with sticky gunk
Got a smudge that won’t come off? Don’t scrape it with your nails, a pen, or a toothpick—that’ll scratch the lens. Instead, soak it in cool water for a minute, then use a little dish soap to loosen it.
Skip glasses for intense sports
Basketball, hiking, or biking? Lenses can shatter on impact, which could hurt your eyes. Swap in contacts or sports-specific glasses (they’re built to be tough).
Replace or adjust when needed
If your frames feel bent, or your lenses are so scratched you can’t see clearly, get them checked. Opticians can adjust warped frames, and replacing worn lenses will save your eyes from extra strain.
FAQ: Taking Care of Glasses
Q: How often should I clean my glasses?
A: Ideally, once a day—more if they get dirty (like after eating or sweating).
Q: Can I use hand sanitizer to clean lenses?
A: Nope. The alcohol in sanitizer breaks down lens coatings. Stick to dish soap or lens cleaner.
Q: My lenses have a scratch—can I fix it?
A: Small surface scratches might fade with a tiny bit of toothpaste (non-whitening) rubbed gently, but deep scratches usually mean it’s time for new lenses.
Final Thought
Your glasses work hard to help you see—taking a little time to care for them will keep them working (and looking) great for longer. Small habits, like using both hands or storing them in a case, go a long way!
