Sunglasses are an essential summer accessory, adding an instant dose of style to any outfit and protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays at the same time. But let’s face it: if you’re not taking proper care of your shades, the hot sun isn’t the only thing you’re limiting your visibility to.
Clean your sunglasses with a microfiber cloth and warm, soapy water. Additionally, store them in a protective sunglass case when not in use to prevent scratches and damage.
Dust, dirt, and streaks can compromise the quality of your shades, leaving you with a hazy view of the world in front of you. If maintaining clear vision is of the utmost importance to you, it’s time to get serious about taking care of your sunglasses. Check out these easy steps that will keep your shades in stellar condition.
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Protecting Your Sunglasses from Sun Damage
When it comes to protecting your sunglasses from sun damage, one of the most important considerations is the lenses. Sunglasses can potentially be exposed to intense UV radiation on a daily basis and over time this can degrade the lens. Some recommend using a protective coating such as lens tints or anti-reflective lenses to protect your sunglasses from the sun’s damaging rays.
The pros of using a protective coating are that they reduce glare and may offer better vision in certain settings; they also look stylish. The cons, however, are that they can be expensive and may begin to peel off over time. Additionally, if you use non-UV lenses, you may still be exposed to UV radiation on your eyes which can lead to eye strain and other long-term health problems like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to use an additional coating is up to you; it comes down to weighing the advantages and disadvantages. If you choose not to use a protective coating, make sure your glasses have UVA/UVB protection built into the lenses so that you can remain protected from sun damage at all times.
It is important to also ensure that you properly store your glasses in a hard case when not in use. This will help keep them clean and safe from scratches and abrasions that occur when they rub against other surfaces such as clothes, bags, and furniture. Keeping your sunglasses out of sunlight whenever possible will also help prolong their life span by reducing exposure to bright sunlight and other potential sources of damage such as sand and wind.
With these steps taken, you can help protect your sunglasses from sun damage and extend their life. In the next section we will discuss what makes UV Rays harmful for our eyes and how wearing glasses with proper UV protection can keep our eyes safe.
UV Rays and Your Sunglasses
The sun emits harmful UV rays which can affect our eyes and skin by burning, prematurely aging, and causing other serious problems. Fortunately, sunglasses help protect us from these rays. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all sunglasses are created equal. In order for sunglasses to properly protect the eyes from the damage of UV rays, they must be made of materials that reflect and absorb certain amounts of UV radiation. If your sunglasses are not sufficiently equipped to protect you from UV rays, it could cause more harm than good.
When shopping for sunglasses, it’s essential to also look out for UV ratings on frames. Anything rated 400 – 100 means that enough protection from extreme UV light is present. Be sure to look at the information written on or near the sunglasses’ frame to make sure they have adequate protection against ultraviolet radiation. Additionally, lenses with polarized protection provide an added layer of eyewear protection by managing impactful glares off reflective surfaces like water or snow.
As a result, not all sunglasses would provide proper protection against UV rays, so it's critical that you do your research before buying a pair of eyeglasses. Now that we’ve gone over the importance of UV ray protection when selecting sunglasses, let's move onto the next step: cleaning your sunglasses.
Cleaning Your Sunglasses
Cleaning your sunglasses is key to keep them looking and functioning at their best. The lenses should be regularly wiped with a microfiber cloth or lens cleaning solution that is free of ammonia and alcohol, as these agents will damage the lenses. Remember that if your sunglasses are too dirty, wiping them with any material or liquid can cause minor scratches in the lens coating. Do not use tap water to clean your lenses because the minerals in the water can accumulate on the surface of your sunglasses and become difficult to remove without damaging the lenses
When it comes to cleaning solutions, there are two sides of the argument - using cleaner specifically formulated for eyewear and using an all-purpose cleaner or dishwashing detergent. Cleaners made specifically for eyewear don't contain harsh chemicals, so they're safer than other detergents. However, many people find that dishwashing detergent gives a better clean and better result overall. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference.
It’s important to note that no matter how you choose to clean your sunglasses, never use solvents like acetone or gas as it can ruin both the frames and lenses. Now that you’ve learned how to clean your sunglasses correctly, let’s take a look at what materials are best to do so in our next section on “The Right Cleaning Supplies”.
The Right Cleaning Supplies
When it comes to taking care of your sunglasses, the right cleaning supplies are essential. It’s important to use only cleaning solutions and materials that were specifically designed for sunglasses or prescription eyewear. Never use any type of household cleaner on your sunglasses as this can damage their coatings and frames.
Many optical shops, specialty retailer and online stores offer specially formulated cleaners for eyewear. When choosing a cleaner, make sure it’s rated for the coating of your specific lens and make sure you don't overuse the solution. For regular lenses, mild dish soap and warm water should be used sparingly. If you need additional cleaning power after rinsing with soap and water, opt for a commercial cleaner made specifically for eyeglasses.
Windex and other household solutions are not recommended when caring for your glasses because they often contain harsh chemicals which can cause buildup on delicate coatings. This can leave permanent marks or residue which will permanently ruin your lenses.
In addition to using the right cleaning supplies, it's also important to choose a non-abrasive cloth to clean your glasses with. You can purchase microfiber cloths specifically designed for sunglass lens cleaning which will help prevent scratches during wiping. Never use anything coarse like paper towels, t-shirts or other fabric that might scrape off the protective coating of your sunglasses.
Now that you know the right cleaning supplies to use when taking care of your sunglasses, moving onto proper storage is the next step in protecting them from wear and tear caused by exposure to dust and dirt particles.
Key Takeaway
To properly clean your sunglasses and protect them from wear and tear, it is essential to use the right cleaning supplies specific for eyewear. Avoid using Windex or other household cleaners as these can contain harsh chemicals that can damage their coatings. It is also recommended to use a non-abrasive cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, when cleaning your glasses to prevent scratches. Proper storage of your sunglasses is also important to protect them from dust and dirt particles.
Storing Your Sunglasses
When it comes to storing your sunglasses, there are a few options. For those who prefer to keep their sunglasses on display or in use ad hoc, an easy storage solution can come in the form of an accessible eyewear frame. These frames will offer ample protection and provide easy access to your sunglasses on a daily basis. Alternatively, you might opt for a dedicated glasses case which will help ensure you don't accidentally break or scratch your favorite pair of sunnies.
From a practical standpoint, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to storage. Some might argue that an eyewear frame offers little to no protection against dust or other dirt particles; however, by rotating and cleaning your sunglasses after each wear you can help keep them in top condition. On the flip side, personalizing your case is important to make sure you never forget where you put your shades when not in use—something which can become difficult when traveling. Ultimately, the option you choose should be tailored to suit your lifestyle and preferences.
To further ensure that your favorite pair of sunglasses stay in optimal condition, utilizing cases and cloths for protection is essential. In the next section we will discuss how cases and cloths add another level of protection when taking care of your sunglasses.
Cases and Cloths for Protection
It is important to invest in a good case and cloth to ensure your sunglasses are kept protected while they are not in use. Cases come in a range of options from basic, inexpensive plastic cases to more luxurious leather or fabric-lined cases. With most sunglasses, you want the case to be slightly larger than the actual frame, allowing for room for padding within the case for extra protection. A fabric-lined or leather case should provide adequate protection but also be easy to open and close if you plan on taking your sunglasses with you wherever you go. The type of case that you choose will ultimately depend on your own personal preference and lifestyle.
When it comes to cleaning cloths, there are two types available: microfiber or an untreated cloth. Microfiber cloths are designed to safely remove dirt particles and smudges without causing damage or scratching to the lenses of your sunglasses. On the other hand, untreated cloths apply more abrasion which can weaken your sunglasses over time if used too frequently. Ultimately, it's best to err on the side of caution and opt for a microfiber cleaning cloth that is specifically designed for sunglass lens cleaning.
Now that we have discussed how to properly care for and protect your sunglasses, let’s take a look at a summary of all the key points we have gone over in this article so far, starting with our section about “Summary of Sunglasses Care Tips”.
Summary of Sunglasses Care Tips
Maintaining the life and quality of your sunglasses should always be a priority. To get the most from your eyewear, here is a summary of key tips for taking care of your sunglasses:
- Store correctly - Be sure to store your glasses in their protective pouch or hard case when not in use. Not only will this keep them safe from scratches and abrasions, but it will also help to prevent dust buildup.
- Avoid potential damage - Always take extra caution when handling sunglasses with sharp or pointed objects, as this can easily scratch the lens coating or cause frames to corrode over time. Likewise, avoid leaving your glasses in places with high moisture levels, such as a humid bathroom or steamy kitchen.
- Clean periodically - It’s important to clean your lenses regularly with specialized eyewear cleaning solution and make sure you rub gently using a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the lens surface. If possible, try to refrain from using paper towels and conventional household cleaners, as these materials may damage the coatings on your lenses over time.
- Don’t touch the inside of the lenses - Your hands are full of oils which can cause smudges that can degrade your vision clarity when sunlight is present. Whenever possible, try not to touch the inside of the lenses unless necessary for cleaning reasons.
- Keep an eye on wear and tear - If you experience any discoloration or bubbling of the frames or lenses, have them looked at by an expert optician immediately; these could be signs of extensive wear and tear which requires professional attention to ensure optimal performance.
By following these five tips for taking care of your sunglasses properly, you'll ensure they are protected against dirt, dust and other potential sources of damage while keeping them looking good for years to come! Now let's transition into our next section about how important it is to take proper care of our eyes as well as our sunglass lenses: Tips for Taking Care Of Your Eyes…
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my sunglasses?
It is recommended that you clean your sunglasses at least once a week. Dirt, dust, grease, and other debris can accumulate on the lenses and frame of your glasses, making it difficult to clearly see through them. To keep them in good condition, make sure to use a soft microfiber cleaning cloth or specialized optical cleaning wipes.
Avoid using harsh chemicals like alcohol or acetone as these can damage the lenses and reduce theirUV protection. Additionally, try storing your sunglasses in their protective case when you're not wearing them to help reduce any dirt build-up.
Are there any tips to keep my sunglasses safe in the summer?
Yes, there are many tips to help keep sunglasses safe in the summer. Here are a few suggestions:
- Always store your sunglasses in a hard case when not in use – the hard casing will help protect against scratches, scuffs, and other damage.
- Never leave your glasses exposed to direct sunlight – this can warp or discolor the frames as well as fade the lenses.
- Don't put them down on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt if you're at the beach or park – these surfaces can scratch them easily! Instead, use a soft cloth or sunglasses pouch.
- When wiping off your sunglasses, use lens wipes that are designed specifically for cleaning sunglass lenses, instead of paper towels, tissue, etc. This will avoid scratches on the lenses and potential buildup on the frames.
- Whenever possible, attach a cord or retainer (like the ones specially designed for glasses) so you can keep them around your neck when you’re not wearing them. This way you won’t risk dropping them or misplacing them!
What is the best way to store sunglasses?
The best way to store sunglasses is in a hard case. This will protect them from dust, dirt, and other debris that can scratch the lenses or damage the frames. Additionally, if your sunglasses have polarized lenses, a hard case will also protect them from glare and UV rays. In addition to using a hard case for storage, it's important to only use cleaning cloths specifically designed for sunglasses when wiping off the lenses. Regular tissues can leave behind small particles that can be abrasive.