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Ixi develops glasses with autofocus
by David Lee
Professional tips on how to clean your glasses properly
13.1.2026
Translation: Elicia Payne
There’s nothing more annoying than grimy glasses. Apart from a scratch, perhaps. That’s why I interviewed an expert from Optikschweiz (Swiss optometry association) to find out how you can win the battle for clear vision and which mistakes are risky.
It was last week when I was in a video call that I watched my colleague take his new glasses off, spray them with a bottle and begin polishing them attentively. I, too, have the pleasure of looking through slightly older glasses that have seen better days. A scratch here, a cloudy spot there – same rubbish, different day.
Am I doing something wrong? Do I need some kind of magical potion? What affects the coating the most? One call to the industry association Optikschweiz (link in German) later and I’ve got all the answers. Media spokesman Dominic Ramspeck explains to me what’s important and what I can confidently ignore.
Let’s start with the most important question: what mistakes do most people make when cleaning their glasses?
Dominic Ramspeck: That they resort to inappropriate means. Many people like to use a tissue or, worst of all, toilet and kitchen roll when they’re out and about. Most glasses have sensitive coatings. The more you scratch the surface with hard fibres, the more it suffers. The best tip for cleaning is to make it part of your daily routine.
Source: zvg
And what should daily eyewear maintenance look like?
The most gentle way to clean your glasses is to first rinse them under lukewarm water. We recommend this because harder dust particles also sit on the glass and they can be very small and aggressive. If you rub them away with a cloth, scratches will appear.
That sounds all too familiar ...
That’s why it’s important to rinse the glasses well first. This will remove dirt and also clean the nose bridge and temples. These shouldn’t be forgotten about, either. Although they’re mainly colonised by your own bacteria, which isn’t so bad, they also attract germs from the environment.
So I can’t really go wrong with rinsing?
For wooden spectacles or models made of very special materials, you should be given care instructions when you buy them. Plastic or metal can be rinsed well as long as you avoid hot water or a moisturising soap. This will smudge the glasses again. Normal soap or washing-up liquid is sufficient. And don’t rub too hard. This won’t do them any good. The same applies to drying: only work with moderate pressure and use very soft fabrics. Cleaning cloths for glasses made of microfibre or an old cotton T-shirt are ideal.
If I don’t get the chance to rinse the glasses beforehand, is it best I don’t wipe them at all?
In theory, yes. Blowing away dust or breathing on the glasses at least brings some moisture to the surface so that it smears and scratches less when wiped. But that’s how micro-lesions form and these reduce the lifespan.
In autumn and winter, I often arrive somewhere with rain or snow on my glasses. What’s the best way to clean them if I don’t have a cloth with me?
If no one’s watching, I take my T-shirt and clean the glasses with it. I’ve had my cotton shirts for years, the fibres are nice and soft. (laughs)
That’s good to hear, because that’s what I do. And how should I wash my microfibre cleaning cloths?
If possible, without fabric softener. Just hot water will do.
Lots of cloths we sell are supposed to have an anti-fog effect. For example I’ve seen «super-hydrophilic nanotechnology» in the descriptions. Is there something to this or do you advise against it?
These cloths were created during the pandemic, when masks caused more condensation on glasses. Though, these will basically smudge the glasses. It’s another layer you’ll have to rinse off at some point, so isn’t recommended – unless foggy glasses are a big nuisance to you.
Something similar is also available as a spray ...
That’s grease times two.
Then, of course, there are the ultrasonic cleaning devices for home use. Are they useful or is there a chance I’ll do something wrong?
Good devices are useful, but they’re often a bit overrated. Depending on where you got your glasses, you can also visit your optician again. They’ll check the glasses and do a thorough cleaning in an ultrasonic bath.
Cleaning products
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Bio-chem Eyeglass cleaner with pump sprayer
Finally, do you have a tip you feel specs wearers should be more aware of?
Yes, be careful when dealing with high heat. Opening the oven briefly and standing in the hot air won’t do any harm. But if you stand near embers and fires for long periods of time or stand by the barbecue in summer, this affects the coating. One absolute no-no is leaving your glasses on the dashboard of the car in blazing sun.
How do you clean your glasses? I look forward to reading your comments through my freshly polished lenses.
Header image: Michael Restin
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
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