You’ve probably seen commercials for RainX, a product that promises to keep certain surfaces, such as car windshields, clean and clear in even the heaviest rain. But can you use this innovative product on your eyeglasses as well?
Never use RainX on eyeglasses. The active ingredient in RainX is silica, which is known to damage plastic. Over time, it can cause lenses to become cloudy and distort your vision. A better way to keep glasses clean is to use a lens cloth or microfiber cloth to wipe them down.
As you can see, RainX is not a cure-all for any glass surface. Let’s take a closer look at the dangers of RainX and how it can damage your lenses. We’ll also look at some safer alternatives for cleaning your eyeglasses.
Can You Use RainX on Eyeglasses?
No. Don’t use RainX on your eyeglasses. RainX is made with a chemical called silicon dioxide, commonly known as silica. Silica eats away the plastic and metal in your frames, causing them to become brittle and eventually break.
Rain X is a great product for windshields as it causes the water to bead up and roll off, but it should never be used on eyeglasses. If you expose your glasses to rain, a better way to clean them would be by using soap and water.
What About RainX Anti-Fog?
Like regular RainX, the anti-fog version contains silica. The anti-fog properties come from the silicone in RainX, which coats your windshield and prevents water from adhering to it.
While this might seem like it would be good for your eyeglasses, the silicone in RainX causes your lenses to deteriorate and become cloudy. Don’t use RainX anti-fog on your glasses, as it will damage them in the long run.
Alternatives for Cleaning Eyeglasses
Instead of Rain X, here are some more efficient and safe alternatives to use:
Soap and Water
If your glasses get dirty or you expose them to the rain, the best way to clean them is with water and dish soap. Here’s how:
- Wet your lenses with warm water.
- Add a drop of dish soap to each lens and rub it in with your fingers.
- Rinse the soap off with warm water.
- Dry your lenses with a clean microfiber cloth (on Amazon) or lens cloth.
Rubbing Alcohol
If you need to remove fingerprints or smudges, you can use a lens cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol (on Amazon). Just be sure not to use too much, as alcohol can damage the coating on your lenses.
Here’s how to clean your lenses with rubbing alcohol:
- Wet your lens cloth with rubbing alcohol.
- Gently wipe down each lens until the fingerprints or smudges are gone.
- Dry your eyeglass lenses using a clean microfiber cloth.
Shaving Cream
Applying shaving cream to your eyeglasses is a good way to prevent them from fogging. Shaving cream is a moisture repellent that will stop your lenses from fogging up when you go from a cold environment to a hot one.
To use shaving cream in this way, simply apply a thin layer to each lens and wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth. You can also use shaving cream on your bathroom mirror to prevent it from fogging.
Dos and Donts of Cleaning Eyeglasses
Here are a few tips for cleaning your eyeglasses and common mistakes to avoid.
Do
- Wash your hands before cleaning your glasses. This will help to avoid getting oils and dirt on your lenses.
- Use a clean microfiber cloth or lens cloth to wipe down your lenses.
- If your lenses are particularly dirty, you can use mild soap and warm water to clean them.
- Use a lens cleaner (on Amazon) and a microfiber cloth to clean your lenses if they’re only slightly dirty.
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them.
Don’t
- Don’t use Rain X to clean your eyeglasses. It will harm your lenses and distort your vision.
- Don’t use paper towels or regular fabric to clean your lenses, as this can scratch them.
- Don’t use saliva or tap water to clean your lenses to avoid damaging them.
- Avoid using spray cleaners like Windex or aerosol lens cleaner directly on your lenses.
- Don’t put your glasses on without first wiping them down, as this can transfer dirt and oils onto your lenses.
- Don’t place your glasses on a counter or table with the lenses facing down. Instead, store them safely in their case.
- Avoid wearing your glasses in the rain.
The Final Word
To sum it up, never use RainX on your eyeglasses, as it will damage them. It’s a great product for windshields, but you should avoid using it on your eyeglasses.
If you need to clean your glasses, either soap and water or rubbing alcohol will do the trick without damaging your lenses.
Be sure to dry your lenses afterward with a microfiber cloth.