Let’s face it: Your glasses are going to get dirty. While XP Health’s lenses come with built-in protection — like dust, smudge, water, and scratch resistance — to stand up to the rigors of daily wear, they still need regular TLC. 

Thankfully, a little care and maintenance go a long way. Here’s how to properly clean and care for your glasses.

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How to Clean Your Lenses with Lens Cleaning Solution

If you have a lens cleaning solution, like a spray, use that. These solutions are made specifically for cleaning eyewear. They use chemicals that won’t damage the protective coatings on the lens. Look for something that says good for anti-glare (or anti-reflective) or optical lenses.

1. Spray a small amount of cleaning solution onto each lens.
2. Rub the cleaning solution in one direction using a clean microfiber cloth.
3. Dry using a dry section of that same cloth.

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How to Clean Your Lenses with Soap and Water

If you don’t have a lens-cleaning solution, soap and water will do the trick. Follow these five easy steps.

1. Wet your lenses with warm, not hot, water. Hot water can damage the lens.
2. Add a small drop of liquid dish soap to each lens.
3. Rub the soap in one direction across the lens. If the nose pads are greasy, you can also rub them with soapy water.
4. Rinse with warm water.
5. Dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

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How to Give Your Glasses a Deeper Clean

It’s safe to give your whole glasses a deeper clean every six months or so. This removes grease and grime from areas of the frame that come into contact with oils from your face. It also removes dust lodged in the hinges. 

1. Put a few drops of liquid dish soap into a medium bowl or container. Fill with warm, not hot, water to make a soap bath.
2. Put the entire frame into the sudsy water and let it soak for a minute or two. This allows the soap and water to chip away at the buildup.
3. Lift the frames out of the water and gently scrub all surfaces using your fingers. Avoid using brushes as they might scratch the material.
4. Rinse. Then dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
5. If possible, let air dry for an hour or two to ensure the hinges also dry out.

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More Cleaning and Care Tips

Taking care of your glasses should be relatively easy because we build into the lens scratch, dust, water, and smudge resistance. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Always use cleaners that are safe for eyewear lenses. Make sure they say good for anti-glare (or anti-reflective) optical lenses.
• Don’t use Windex or other cleaners, particularly those containing ammonia. These harsh chemicals can damage the lens.
• It’s fine to use premoistened cleaning towelettes as long as they’re safe for anti-glare optical wear.
• Always apply some moisture before wiping your lenses, even with a microfiber cloth. The moisture helps lift dust from the lens.
• Try to wipe in one direction, not in circles. This reduces smudging and prevents dragging dust around the lens. 
• Wash your microfiber cloth regularly. This ensures you’re not just rubbing dirt and grease back on.
• Treat your sunglasses with the same care and cleaning tips as you do your eyeglasses.
• Always take off and put on your glasses with two hands to avoid bending the frames. 
• And remember, if they’re not on your face, they’re in the case! Store your glasses in their case where they’re safe from getting sat or stepped on and protected from dust and moisture.

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What Not to Do

To extend the life of your glasses, try to avoid the following:

• Never leave your glasses in high heat like your car. The anti-reflective protection cracks and comes apart in long periods of high heat. The lenses will look like they’re covered in scratches. Plus, you’ll lose the vision protection benefits.
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• As tempting as it may be, don’t use your shirt, a paper towel, a napkin, or other such items to clean your lenses. While they may seem soft, the material is actually a bit rough and can scratch the lens. They may also be dirty, transfering lint, grease, or grime back onto the lenses.
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• Don’t try to repair scratches at home. Forget what advice you may find online. Using toothpaste, baking soda, or any other home remedy only worsens the scratches. These materials are abrasive. You’ll only broaden and deepen the scratches in your lens.

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If you do develop scratches or other issues that interfere with your vision, contact Member Support. Email us at concierge@xphealth.co or chat with us online. We’ll work with you to help you see clearly again.