Wait—You’re Not Supposed to Use Eyeglass Cloths to Clean Lenses? Here’s Why

If you wear glasses, you’ve probably done this a hundred times: A smudge appears, so you grab that little cloth that came with your frames, breathe on the lens, and wipe. But here’s a surprise—those cloths aren’t actually meant for cleaning. In fact, using them the wrong way can scratch your lenses. Let’s break down why, plus how to properly clean your glasses.

So, What Are Eyeglass Cloths For?

That soft cloth in your glasses case? It’s not a cleaning tool—it’s a protector. Its real job is to keep your lenses from scratching when your glasses jostle around in the case (like if they bump against the frame).

Why can’t you use it to clean? Dirt, oils from your skin, and tiny bits of dust (that you can barely see) stick to both the cloth and your lenses. When you wipe dry, those particles grind against the lens—like rubbing sandpaper on glass. You won’t notice the damage right away, but after 6 months or so, your lenses will get covered in tiny scratches, making them look cloudy.

These “Cleaning Hacks” Are Ruining Your Lenses

We all have go-to ways to clean glasses, but some of them are doing more harm than good:

Myth 1: Alcohol wipes are safe

Modern lenses have special coatings—anti-glare, anti-fog, anti-blue light, and scratch-resistant. These coatings are often delicate, and alcohol (a strong solvent) can break them down. Over time, this can make coatings peel, scratch, or cloud up—ruining how well you see. Skip the alcohol wipes.

Myth 2: Hot water is fine for rinsing

Hot water is bad news for plastic lenses (most glasses use plastic these days). When the water is 104–140°F (40–60°C), the plastic lens expands—but the coating on top doesn’t. This mismatch can crack the coating over time. Once cracked, lenses get uneven, mess with how light bends, and might even make your vision worse (like worsening nearsightedness or astigmatism).

Stick to room-temperature or cool water, and keep your glasses away from hot cars, saunas, or direct sunlight.

Myth 3: Tissues or shirt corners work in a pinch

Nope—tissues have rough fibers, and shirt fabric (even soft cotton) traps dust and lint. Wiping with them is just as bad as using a dry eyeglass cloth: tiny scratches galore.

The Right Way to Clean Your Glasses

It only takes 30 seconds, and it’ll keep your lenses scratch-free:

Rinse first: Fold the arms (temples) of your glasses, then hold them under cool running water. Pay extra attention to the corners (where dirt loves to hide). This washes off loose dust and grit—so you don’t grind them into the lens later.

Add a little soap: Put a tiny drop of mild dish soap (like Dawn) on your fingertips. Gently rub both sides of the lenses, plus the frame and nose pads (they get oily, too!).

Rinse again: Make sure all the soap is gone—suds left behind can dry into streaks.

Pat dry: Use a soft, lint-free tissue (or a clean microfiber cloth—but only if it’s fresh and clean!) and blot the lenses dry. Don’t rub back and forth—patting avoids scratches.

FAQ: Cleaning Glasses & Eyeglass Cloths

Q: Can I ever use the eyeglass cloth?

A: Sure—if you first rinse the lens with water to remove dirt. But even then, it’s better to use a clean microfiber cloth (they’re gentler than the ones that come with glasses).

Q: How often should I clean my glasses?

A: Once a day, or whenever they feel smudged. The more you let dirt build up, the harder it is to remove without scratching.

Q: Will scratches on lenses hurt my eyes?

A: They won’t damage your eyes, but they can make vision blurry or cause glare (especially when driving at night). Bad enough scratches mean it’s time for new lenses.

P.S. Does Wearing Glasses Make Your Prescription Worse?

Nope—there’s no science to back that up. In fact, wearing properly fitted glasses (with the right prescription, where the lenses line up with your pupils) can slow nearsightedness from getting worse.

Skipping your glasses makes your eyes strain to see, which can speed up prescription changes. So keep those glasses on (except when sleeping!)—and clean them the right way to keep them working their best.