How to Handle Your Glasses Properly
Putting On and Removing Your Glasses with Both Hands
Always use both hands to put on and take off your glasses. Using one hand can bend the frame out of alignment over time, weakening its structure.
If you must use one hand, grip the frame from the center bridge rather than pulling from one side.
Keep Your Glasses on Your Nose, Not on Your Head
It’s a tempting habit, but avoid pushing your glasses up onto your head. Your head is wider than your face, which can stretch the arms and cause a loose fit.
Keeping them on your nose is the best way to extend their useful life and maintain that perfect fit.
How to Store Your Glasses When Not in Use
Always Use a Protective Case
When you’re not wearing your glasses, their case is their best friend. Despite anti-scratch coatings, lenses don’t stand a chance against keys and coins in a bag.
A hard case offers the ultimate protection, while a soft pouch is great for short-term, safe storage.
Safely Setting Down Your Glasses
If you need to set your glasses down, always close the temples first. Rest them upside down or on their side arms to protect the lenses and frame finish from surface damage.
How to Clean Your Eyeglasses: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
First things first: wash your hands. This simple step prevents transferring oils and dirt directly onto your lenses.
Step 2: Rinse Your Glasses Under Lukewarm Water
Give your glasses a gentle rinse under a stream of lukewarm—never hot—water. This removes any surface dust or debris that could cause scratches during cleaning.
Step 3: Apply a Small Drop of Mild Dish Soap
Use a tiny drop of lotion-free dish soap. Gently rub both sides of the lenses and the entire frame, paying special attention to the nose pads where oils build up.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse away all the soap. Any leftover residue can leave streaks or attract more dust, undoing all your hard work.
Step 5: Dry with a Clean Microfiber Cloth
Gently shake off any excess water. Then, pat your glasses dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
Pro Tip: Your BonLook microfiber cloth is machine-washable. Just be sure to skip the fabric softener, which can leave a greasy film. It's also handy for combating fogged up lenses.
Best Cleaning Solutions and Tools for Eyeglasses
Choosing the right cleaner is just as important as the cleaning technique itself. Here’s a look at what works and what to steer clear of.
Safe Cleaning Solutions
The safest and most effective options are specifically designed for eyewear:
- Eyeglass-specific lens cleaning spray
- A drop of mild dish soap (without lotions) and lukewarm water
- Pre-moistened lens cleaning wipes made for glasses
Wipes vs. Spray: Both are great options. A portable spray and microfiber cloth are reusable and offer a controlled clean, while wipes are perfect for on-the-go convenience.
What to Avoid
Using the wrong products can cause permanent damage to your lenses and frames. Avoid these common household items:
| Item to Avoid | Why It's Harmful |
|---|---|
| Household Glass Cleaners (e.g., Windex) | Contains ammonia that strips away lens coatings. |
| Paper Towels, Tissues, Napkins | Their wood pulp fibers are abrasive and can cause micro-scratches. |
| Your Shirt | Traps dust and debris that can scratch your lenses. |
| Hot Water | Can damage lens coatings and warp acetate frames. |
How to Prevent Scratches on Your Lenses
Even with a scratch-resistant coating, lenses aren't invincible. Keep them looking new with these habits:
- Rinse Before Wiping: Always rinse away grit like sand or dirt with water before wiping. This prevents you from grinding particles into the lens surface.
- Use Only Microfiber: Stick to clean microfiber cloths. Clothing and paper products can cause tiny scratches that build up over time.
- Keep Your Case Clean: Debris inside your case can be just as damaging as keys in your pocket. Give it a quick wipe now and then.
Caring for Lens Coatings and Treatments
Modern lens treatments enhance your vision, but they require gentle care to maintain their effectiveness. Here’s how to protect them.
- Anti-Reflective & Blue Light Coatings: These advanced coatings, including blue light filters, are sensitive to harsh chemicals. Always clean them with approved, ammonia-free solutions.
- UV-Reactive (Photochromic) Lenses: Extreme heat can affect how photochromic lenses transition from light to dark. Never leave them in a hot car.
- Scratch-Resistant Coating: This adds a layer of durability, but it doesn't make lenses scratch-proof. Continue to follow all proper care and storage habits.
Frame Care by Material Type
Just like lenses, different frame materials have their own care needs. Here's a quick guide.
- Acetate Frames: This material allows for vibrant colours but can become brittle with extreme temperature changes. Clean gently and avoid leaving them in direct sun for long periods.
- Metal Frames: While durable and lightweight, metal can corrode if exposed to saltwater or harsh chemicals. Always give them a rinse after a day at the beach.
When to Visit Your Optician for Maintenance
Even with perfect at-home care, your glasses benefit from a professional tune-up. Think of it like a spa day for your frames.
Stop by a BonLook location for a complimentary adjustment when:
- Screws feel loose
- Frames feel crooked or misaligned
- Nose pads need to be replaced
- You need a deep clean with our ultrasonic cleaner
