Most sunglasses get ruined not from wear, but from wrong cleaning habits. If you have ever wiped lenses on your shirt or left glasses face-down on a table, this guide is for you.
The right way to clean sunglasses
Follow these 6 steps every time, which work for all lens types, including polarised and polycarbonate.
- Rinse under cold water to remove dust and grit before wiping.
- Add one drop of mild soap (Vim, Pril, or plain hand soap, no moisturiser).
- Rub gently with fingertips across lenses, nose pads, and hinges.
- Rinse thoroughly, as soap residue left behind causes smearing.
- Shake off excess water gently.
- Dry with a microfibre cloth using light circular motions. Never press hard.
What to use and what to never use
✓ Always use
- Microfibre cloth (clean)
- Cold or lukewarm tap water
- Mild dishwashing liquid
- Lens cleaning spray
✗ Never use
- Your shirt, kurta, or dupatta
- Paper towels or tissues
- Colin, Dettol, or sanitiser
- Hot water or toothpaste (on coated lenses)
How to store sunglasses correctly
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Always use a hard case - every XFORD pair comes with one. Use it every time.
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Never place lenses face down on any surface.
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Keep out of your bag without a case, keys and coins scratch lenses instantly.
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Never leave items on the car dashboard 70°C+ summer heat melts coatings and warps frames.
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Don't hang on your neckline, it widens the frame and loosens hinges over time.
Frame care by material
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Acetate frames: Clean with soap and water. Avoid prolonged heat - can become brittle.
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Metal frames: Dry completely after washing to prevent rust on the hinges. Tighten screws at an optician if loose.
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TR-90 (flexible nylon): Most forgiving - just clean with water and soap normally.
Can scratched lenses be fixed?
For uncoated plastic lenses, a tiny amount of plain white toothpaste in small circular motions can reduce minor scratches. Rinse well. Do not try this on XFORD lenses; the coatings will strip. For coated or polarised lenses, lens replacement is the better option.
