Sunglasses are designed to be more durable than everyday glasses since they’re usually worn outdoors. However, if you wear your favorite pair of sunglasses regularly, they may get scratched after a while. So, how do you remove scratches from sunglasses?
One of the easiest methods to remove scratches from sunglasses is to use glass cleaners. You can also use baking soda or vinegar to remove hard scratches. Other effective methods include using toothpaste and car wax to minimize the effect of the scratches.
Want to learn more? If so, let’s discuss several ways to remove scratches from your sunglasses and how to prevent your sunglasses from getting scratched in the first place.
Methods for Removing Scratches from Sunglasses
One of the easiest methods to remove scratches from sunglasses is to use a commercial glass cleaner. You can also use baking soda paste, vinegar mix, or toothpaste as effective solutions.
Let’s dive into more detail about using these methods:
The Glasses Cleaner Method
Commercial lens-glass cleansers can be an easy and affordable option to remove scratches from your sunglasses. Make sure to buy a non-abrasive glass cleaning product.
Some of the most common glass cleaning products include:
- Rolite Medium Cut Scratch Remover (on Amazon)
- Novus 2 Scratch Remover (on Amazon)
- Oakley Lens Rectangular Eyeglass Cleaning Kit (on Amazon)
These products contain gentle chemicals that help remove scratches without leaving streaks on your sunglasses’ surface.
Applying commercial cleansers on your sunglasses is safer and easier than making your own cleaning mix. However, remember that these cleaners won’t remove hard scratches.
The Baking Soda Method
Combined with fresh water, baking soda can effectively remove the scratches from your sunglasses. It also has alkaline properties, which can remove stains and grime residue from the glasses. This method may also be more cost-efficient, as you may already have the ingredients in your home.
Here’s how to use baking soda to remove scratches from sunglasses:
1.) Mix Water and Baking Soda
Take 1 teaspoon of water and mix it with 2 teaspoons baking soda in a bowl. Stir the mixture until it forms a paste-like texture.
Make sure to add more baking soda if the mixture is still watery, as it won’t be effective against scratches.
2.) Clean the Sunglasses’ Surface
Once the baking soda paste is ready, use a clean cloth to remove dust from the sunglasses’ surface. Preferably, use a microfiber cloth because it doesn’t contain abrasive properties that may damage your sunglasses.
3.) Apply the Mixture
Once the sunglasses are clean, it’s time to apply the baking soda mixture. Dip a cotton ball into the mix and rub it on your sunglasses in a circular motion. Keep applying the mixture until you are satisfied that the scratches are gone.
During this process, ensure not to rub too hard, as it can damage the sunglasses. Also, cover the sunglasses’ frame with a paper tissue because it can fade if exposed to baking soda.
4.) Rinse with Cold Water
Use fresh water to rinse away the baking soda mixture. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage plastic sunglasses.
5.) Use Microfiber Cloth to Dry the Lenses
A microfiber can perfectly absorb the moisture on your sunglasses, giving them an excellent finish. Also, make sure to remove any remaining paste with the cloth.
The Vinegar Method
Vinegar is another effective way to remove scratches from your sunglasses if the marks are too hard. You can make a vinegar solution at home by mixing clean water, vinegar, and natural oil.
Here’s how to use a vinegar solution to remove scratches from sunglasses:
1.) Pour Vinegar Solution into Cold Water
Mix a few teaspoons of vinegar in a few tablespoons of water. The water needs to be cold, as hot water can damage your sunglasses, especially if they’re plastic glasses.
Start with a low vinegar concentration and add more if the scratches don’t come off easily.
2.) Stir the Solution
Stir the solution until the vinegar is dissolved correctly. Add more water if the solution is paste-like, or add more vinegar if the solution is waterier.
3.) Apply the Solution
Soak a cotton ball into the solution and gently rub your sunglasses in a circular motion. You can also spray the vinegar solution and rub it with a cotton ball.
Make sure to rub the glasses evenly so you avoid adding more scratches. During this stage, don’t put more pressure on the glasses, as you may damage the lenses.
4.) Rinse and Dry the Sunglasses
Use cold water to rinse the vinegar solution off the glasses. Then, use a microfiber cloth to remove any remaining solution on your sunglasses. It’ll also give your lenses an excellent finish.
The Toothpaste Method
One of the easiest methods to remove mild scratches from your sunglasses is toothpaste. Toothpaste is mildly abrasive and can buff the sunglasses’ surface.
You should be careful to use toothpaste that contains no whitening chemicals, as it may cause further damage to your lenses. Regular white toothpaste works best as it doesn’t contain abrasives that will cause your sunglasses’ lens to fade.
Follow these steps to remove scratches from your sunglasses with toothpaste effectively:
1.) Put a Small Amount of Toothpaste on a Cotton Ball
Place a small amount of toothpaste on a cotton ball. How much you should use depends on the sunglasses’ size and the nature of the scratches. Avoid using excessive toothpaste on the sunglasses’ surface.
2.) Apply the Toothpaste
Use the cotton ball to apply the toothpaste to the sunglasses. Gently rub it in a circular motion and take care not to crack the lens. Let it sit there for 5-10 minutes before wiping it off.
Rinse and Clean Your Sunglasses
Use cold water to rinse the toothpaste off your sunglasses. Then, use a microfiber cloth to clean and absorb the remaining moisture.
The Car Wax Method
Car wax is usually used to clean and polish glass surfaces, but it can also work to remove hard scratches from your sunglasses. Avoid using abrasive or acidic wax cleaner, as it can cause more scratches on the sunglasses’ surface.
Using car wax is simpler than applying baking soda or vinegar. Use a cotton ball, and apply a car wax of your choice thoroughly over the sunglasses’ surface.
Then, gently rub it in a circular motion without using excessive force that may damage the lenses. Use cold water to rinse your sunglasses, and gently clean them with a microfiber cloth.
How to Prevent Glasses from Getting Scratched
While some cleaning solutions may help remove mild scratches, it’s best to prevent your sunglasses from getting scratched in the first place.
Here are some tips to prevent sunglasses from getting scratched:
- Store them at room temperature, as excessive heat may cause the lens to fade and scratch more easily. This is especially true for plastic sunglasses.
- You can also avoid getting scratches on your sunglasses by setting them the right way after taking them off. The correct way to place sunglasses is to put them upside down, so the lens doesn’t touch any surface.
- Wash them regularly to remove dust and dirt particles on the glass surface that may cause scratches. While washing or cleaning your sunglasses, use non-abrasive lens cleansers, as they can give you a fine finish.
- Always use a microfiber cloth to clean your sunglasses, as a paper tissue or a regular towel can also scratch them.
- Also, remember to clean your sunglasses when they get wet, as wet glass is more likely to get scratched.