Scratched lenses can compromise the polarity of shades used for outdoor activities and sports and can even strain your eyes, causing eye strain and headaches. Plus, deep scratches can damage the layers on your eyewear, reducing their ability to filter harmful UV. The good news is that there are plenty of tricks to get rid of scratches from eyewear.
A microfiber cloth is the right way to remove shallow scratches on your sunnies. Commercial products such as glass cleaning spray and scratch removal kits come in handy in removing deep scratches. You can also use homemade tricks like baking soda and water blends, toothpaste, and baby wash.
The lenses of most sunglasses are made from plastic rather than glass. Considering the frustration that scratched eyewear can cause, it’s crucial to know tricks to eliminate these scratches. Check these insightful tips about cleaning scratched sunglasses.
What is the Best Way to Get Rid of Scratches on Sunglasses?
There’s a right way to get rid of scratches on your sunglasses and a wrong way. For starters, always ensure you clean your eyewear lenses and frames daily. While some people blow the lens with condensed vapor from their mouth and then use their shirts to clean their lenses quickly, they may do more harm than good.
The vapor from the mouth doesn’t help; instead, it spreads dirt through the entire lens. Using your hander kerchief or shirt to wipe your lens can also cause tiny scratches.
The proper way to clean your eyeglasses is to use a microfiber cloth (on Amazon). Microfiber cloth is incredibly soft and doesn’t leave lint on your lenses. The recommended cleaning solution would be best when removing scratches from your sunglasses.
What are the Best Commercial Products?
Here are commercial products you should be using to ensure you get rid of scratches on your sunglasses:
Brash Polish Method
Get rid of scratches on your sunglasses using brash polish. This method comes in handy in removing deep scratches, and you can also use it to remove shallow scratches and debris adhered to the sunglass.
Ensure the brass polish is acetone free. Acetone can damage your lenses.
Glasses Cleaning Spray
Glass cleaning spray (on Amazon) is famous for cleaning TV, laptop, and computers. These types of cleaners are gentle and very effective. You can also use glass cleaners to remove scratches from your lenses.
Sprinkle a stroke or two of the spray on your lenses, then wipe them with a microfiber cloth. Ensure the spray you use is a gentle and ammonia-free spray.
Car Wax
If your sunglasses have shallow scratches, car wax can work. However, only use a small amount of wax to avoid damaging your lens.
Use a microfiber cloth or water to scrub your lenses. After scrubbing it off, you may need to wash the lenses later, and this method effectively removes shallow scratches.
Scratch Removal Kit
Scratch removal kit (on Amazon) is a commercial solution for removing scratches from your lenses. You can buy this kit from an optical shop.
What are the Best Household Products?
Here are homemade tricks for removing scratches from your eyewear:
Toothpaste
You can use toothpaste to make your lens look bright and clean. Take little toothpaste in your hand, massage it for a few seconds, then apply it to your lenses.
Using a glass cleaning cloth, gently wipe the lens. This method easily removes all the shallow scratches from your sunglasses. However, if the scratches are deep, you may have to repeat this process 4 to 5 times.
When using this method, ensure you rinse the toothpaste properly. Otherwise, it can layer your lenses.
Baking Soda and Water Blend
Blended baking soda and water are common homemade tricks in cleaning lenses. First, use a microfiber cloth to clean the lenses. Next, mix the baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply this paste on the entire lens, ensuring none gets on the frame. Finally, clean your lenses with careful pressure.
Using Baby Wash
Baby products are made with extreme care for the kids. Use these mild agents (on Amazon) to remove shallow scratches from your lenses.
Apply baby shampoo on your lenses, then use lukewarm water to rinse them off. When cleaning the lenses, only use a microfiber cloth.
Using Vinegar
Vinegar is a home solution that removes shallow scratches from your lenses. For the perfect use of lenses, you can use water and baking soda. If your lenses are plastic, replace the water with vinegar. Vinegar will give your lenses a brighter and more transparent look.
Liquid Dishwashing Soap
Liquid dishwashing soap is an effective homemade trick for cleaning your sunglasses. Apply the dishwashing liquid to your lenses and then use lukewarm water. Please wait for the lenses to dry, then gently clean them with a glass cleaning cloth.
Sunscreen Lotion
Sunscreen lotion (on Amazon) can be the perfect solution to removing scratches from your lenses. Use a soft cloth to apply sunscreen on your lenses, then rub gently until you get a polished look. Only use this solution only if you have plastic lenses.
Baby Oil
You can also use baby oil to remove scratches from your lenses. First, apply a drop of the baby oil on your lens, gently rub it, and then rinse it with lukewarm water. Next, use a soft cloth to wipe off the water. This process will remove shallow scratches.
Use of Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol can also be a good agent in removing shallow scratches. However, don’t pour alcohol directly into your lenses. Instead, mix alcohol with a gentle, non-abrasive product such as baking soda, then apply the mixture to your lenses using a microfiber cloth.
Using an alcoholic abrasive can be effective in removing scratches from the lenses. It’s a straightforward process that can be done from the comfort of your home.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Sunglasses
Here are signs you need a new pair of lenses
Scratched Lenses
Scratched lenses may seem a non-issue, but you shouldn’t underestimate them. Scratches alter the treatment of your lenses, reducing how successfully they correct your vision. In addition, they constantly bother your eyes, making it difficult for them to focus on the view.
Problems Reading
If you have to take off your eyeglasses to see better, something is off, and it’s probably the lens. Your glasses should help you read better. If hard to read or see, go to your optician.
Blurred Vision
Blurred vision when wearing sunglasses could be due to tarnished lenses or fatigue. When your lens’ surface has suffered extensive damage, it can alter your vision. At this point, your glasses are no longer functional, so it’s time to change.
Less Vision at Night
When your lenses start to fail, it starts to affect your night vision. So if you feel like your vision at night is reducing, it’s because it’s time for new lenses.
Headaches and Eye Strain
If the headaches persist, especially when you wear eyewear, it’s time to see an option. Also, when your eyes start to strain, it’s because your lenses aren’t quite right.
Ways to Protect Your Sunglasses from Scratch
Here are tips to protect your eyewear from scratch
Consider Buying Scratch-Resistant Sunglasses
Although it’s difficult to find glass or plastic lenses that are 100% scratch-resistant, some lenses come with a special coating that helps them remain scratch free. These types of sunglasses are labeled scratch-resistant.
The scratch-resistant layers are applied to the lenses during the manufacturing process.
Get a Case for Your Sunglasses
Since it’s nearly impossible to stay with your eyeglasses on at all times, get a specialized case to protect them from scratches. Keep the protective case and the sunglasses in a secure place where they aren’t likely to experience shock.
Storing your eyewear with a protective case (on Amazon) exposes the lenses to scratches from rough surfaces or sharp items.
Proper Handling
Removing your eyewear with one hand might look okay, but that may cause more harm than good to your sunglasses in the long run. Improper handling of your glasses makes the joint on the frame weak and the lenses more susceptible to scratches.
Use both hands when wearing or removing your glasses.
Removing Your Sunglasses When Engaging in Some Activities
When playing with kids, taking a nap, or enjoying moments with your pet, your eyeglasses may end up scratched. Thus, before engaging in activities, you feel may damage your glasses, take them off for safe storage.