Updated: June 23, 2026
Your sunglasses work hard for you, reducing bright light, cutting down on glare, and pulling every outfit together. But fingerprints, dust, and tiny scratches can dramatically change how they look and perform.
This guide walks you through easy, expert-recommended sunglasses care and cleaning habits that can help keep your favorite pair in good condition over time.
We offer Clip-Ons—available in many sizes and colors—that fit our bestselling frames
With the right sunglasses care and cleaning routine, you may help preserve delicate lens coatings and minimize wear over time. Below, you’ll learn a step-by-step cleaning method, what to avoid, how to store and handle your sunglasses, and how to build a quick daily routine that fits smoothly into your day.
A commonly recommended way to clean lenses that helps reduce the risk of scratching starts before you ever touch a cloth. Many experts suggest rinsing your sunglasses under lukewarm tap water to remove dust and grit that could drag across the surface.
After rinsing, add a tiny drop of mild, lotion-free dish soap to your fingertips. Gently massage the lenses and frames, paying attention to areas that collect oil, like the nose pads and the tops of the rims. Avoid soaps with added moisturizers or harsh degreasers, since these can leave films or affect lens coatings.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap, then gently shake off excess water. Dry with a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth rather than tissue or clothing. Paper products and shirt hems may feel soft, but they can be abrasive enough to leave fine marks over time, as described in some manufacturer care recommendations.
Finish by checking the lenses under good light. If you see streaks, use a dry part of the microfiber cloth to buff them away with light, circular motions. Done regularly, this simple sequence can help keep lenses clear without adding unnecessary wear and tear.
Just as important as a good cleaning routine is knowing what to avoid. Many common household products are not made for modern lens materials and finishes and can shorten the life of your sunglasses.
Glass cleaner, vinegar solutions, bleach, and other ammonia-based sprays are designed for windows, not optical lenses, and may affect anti-reflective or mirror finishes.
Skip paper towels, napkins, and facial tissues, even for a quick wipe. Their fibers and any embedded particles can act like very fine abrasives on plastic and coated lenses. Over time, that wear can build up and affect how your lenses look and perform visually.
Finally, be cautious around hairspray, sunscreen, pool chemicals, and automotive cleaners. Repeated exposure to these kinds of products can cloud coatings, weaken frames, or stain nose pads, as noted in some manufacturer care resources.
Vitually try on frames in the comfort of your own home
Good sunglasses care goes beyond cleaning. Simple daily habits can make a difference in how long your lenses and frames stay in good shape.
Whenever you put on or take off your sunglasses, use both hands to help avoid bending the temples or loosening the fit over time.
Resist the temptation to rest sunglasses on top of your head or hang them from your collar. These positions can stretch the hinges, introduce hair products and sweat onto the lenses, and make it easier for glasses to slip off and fall. Place them directly into a case instead.
Storing your sunglasses well can also help maintain the condition of your lenses and frames. Heavy scratches and scuffs can interfere with clarity and affect how light reflects off the surface. A hard or padded case helps shield your sunglasses from keys, sand, and accidental pressure in bags or glove compartments.
Also avoid leaving sunglasses on a car dashboard or other hot surfaces. Prolonged heat can warp frames and affect adhesives and coatings. Making a habit of rinsing, gently drying, and casing your sunglasses at the end of the day is a small routine that can help your sunglasses look and feel good for longer.
With a few simple habits, sunglasses care and cleaning can become quick, easy, and almost automatic. Rinse with lukewarm water, use a drop of mild dish soap, dry with microfiber, and keep harsh cleaners and paper products far away. Handle frames gently, avoid high heat and harsh chemicals, and store your sunglasses in a protective case when you’re not wearing them.
If your lenses are already heavily scratched or coatings look cloudy, repair or replacement may be a better option so your sunglasses look and function the way you expect. When you invest in a quality pair, it can be worth spending an extra minute a day caring for them.
Try adopting one new habit this week, such as using a microfiber cloth or always using a case, and see how that changes the way your sunglasses look over time. Have a favorite care tip or a question we didn’t cover? Share it or explore related guides to build a complete eyewear-care routine.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This content is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This information should not be used to replace professional medical care or consultation. Individual results may vary significantly. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health, vision, or medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of information you have read on this website.
VISION CARE DISCLAIMER: Vision correction needs vary by individual. Consult an eye care professional for personalized assessment and recommendations.
FDA DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION REQUIRED: Only qualified eye care professionals can provide personalized recommendations for your specific vision needs and health conditions.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or substitute for professional health services. Warby Parker complies with all HIPAA regulations regarding your health information. For personal health questions or concerns related to your vision or eyewear prescriptions, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Clean them whenever you notice smudges, fingerprints, or haze. For many people who wear sunglasses regularly, that can mean a quick rinse and microfiber wipe most days.
One gentle option is to rinse with lukewarm water, use a tiny drop of mild, lotion-free dish soap, gently rub with your fingers, rinse again, then dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Generally, it’s recommended to avoid household glass cleaners on sunglasses, since they’re formulated for windows and may affect anti-reflective or mirror finishes. A lens-cleaning solution made for eyewear or mild dish soap and water is usually a safer choice.
Place sunglasses in a hard or padded case before putting them in a bag or backpack. Avoid tossing them in loose with keys, coins, or other hard objects.
A clean, dry microfiber cloth made for lenses is commonly recommended. Avoid paper towels, tissues, or clothing, which can be abrasive and leave lint.
Categories
