Scratched Lenses Too Soon? Mistakes You're Making While Cleaning Sunglasses
Sunglasses are, without a doubt, the most fashionable and useful summer accessory available. You must have sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glaring sun and to look fashionable at the same time. However, there is a good chance that you are not taking proper care of your sunglasses if they are merely decorative and do not improve your vision in the sun because they are scratched and foggy.
Whether they realize it or not, people frequently make mistakes and wind up complaining about their broken sunglasses and placing the blame on the manufacturer. There are instances when how you treat something matters more than what you purchased.
Here, we are going to look into the mistakes people are making while taking care of these glasses.
1. Cleaning the sunglasses: Cleaning your sunglasses is something is has to be done for good vision, and you might not see what the problem is here. While the problem is not cleaning your sunglasses but the way you clean them, it is extremely important to stick to the towel that comes with the sunglasses to wipe the lenses. Wiping the lens quickly with the shirt you are wearing, a tissue, or the edge of a towel might seem very accessible and fast, but these are the major reasons behind most of the scratches on the sunglasses. Although they seem clean, they are actually packed with dust particles that act as sandpaper for the lens. Keeping the microfiber towel you use to wipe the lenses clean is also highly recommended.
Now, before you wipe the lenses, make sure they are rinsed first.
2. Skipping the rinse before wiping: If you think wiping the lenses of your sunglasses is enough, then you are wrong. In fact, it is extremely bad for the glasses. It is like rubbing more dust onto the lenses, and that too intentionally. The small dust particles can cause damage to the lens. Therefore, it is highly recommended to rinse the glasses with running lukewarm water so that all the dust stuck can be removed. You can always use a lens-safe spray to clean your glasses if you are outside. During any trek or hike, pack this spray along with your trekking socks.
3. Using household cleaning supplies: Do you clean your sunglasses with glass cleaner or dish soap? If yes, then stop right away. Unbeknownst to you, these cleaners are actually the worst thing for your sunglasses. You may think they will make them shine the best. Your eye protection usually consists of an anti-glare coating or UV protection in your glasses. But the whole point of sunglasses is negated when they are exposed to such harsh chemicals because they degrade. Make use of lens-specific cleansers instead. They are gentle on the coatings and clean the lenses as well. Keep your glasses protected since they are very necessary and work wonders when paired with caps in the hot weather.
4. Not drying properly: Air drying sounds the best when it comes to drying your sunglasses. But it can leave water spots that can attract more dust. Moreover, paper towels are also rough on the lens. Instead, use a microfiber after rinsing. While using it, make sure to pat the lenses and never rub.
5. Storage: You risk causing irreversible damage if you leave your sunglasses in your car, purse, or bag without any protection. Always keep your sunglasses in a hardshell cover or in a microfiber pouch when not in use.
Conclusion
Although purchasing high-quality sunglasses is a wise decision, neglecting to maintain them can cause damage to even the best pair. Sunglasses are the best accessory one can own, along with caps and beanies, and therefore, do not let yours get damaged easily. Follow the above-given tips and instructions to make sure your sunglasses last longer than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
1. What are some reasons behind the sunglasses getting scratched frequently?
Most of the scratches come from using an improper cloth to clean the lenses of the sunglasses. Apart from this, wrong cleaning techniques cause the scratches.
2. Why can't I use soap or glass cleaner to clean the lenses of my sunglasses?
Soaps and glass cleaners have harsh chemical which can damage the anti-glare layer of the sunglasses. Moreover, it can also mess with the UV protection layer.
3. What do I do if I want to clean the lenses of my sunglasses but i am outdoors?
The best way to clean your lenses when you are outdoors is to carry a lens cleaner along.
4. What are the ways I can dry the lenses?
Before getting onto the ways you can dry your lenses, you should know how not to. Do not air-dry the lenses since it can leave watermarks, which can attract more dust. Drying the lenses with a microfiber cloth is always recommended by patting them and not by rubbing them.
5. What do you have to say about the storage of the sunglasses?
It is strictly not advised to keep your sunglasses in bags and purses without any protective cover. Instead, look for a hardshell cover to keep your glasses in, or a microfiber pouch also works.
6. Can rubbing lenses dry cause damage?
Yes. Even with a microfiber cloth, rubbing can grind in particles. It’s better to rinse first, then pat dry gently to avoid pressure and friction.
