Where would we be without our sunglasses?
For a start, they are probably squinting because they protect our eyes from glare and harmful UV rays. Then, of course, they make us look stylish, sexy, and a little bit mysterious. And they are also great at hiding hangovers! So, that is why it’s important to look after your shades as best you can to keep them in perfect condition for years to come.
We’ll show you exactly how to do that by outlining the optimal way to clean, store, and maintain your favourite pair of sunnies.
Why is it Important to Look After Your Sunglasses?
We live in a throwaway society in which eyewear seems to be caught right in the thick of it. According to Earth 911, over 4 million pairs of glasses end up in landfills in the USA, much of which is entirely preventable.
It is amazing how many people spend a tidy sum of money purchasing a good quality pair of shades, such as those available at 1001 Optometry Oroton glasses, and then don’t bother to look after them.
However, sunglasses are made from delicate materials that require gentle handling otherwise, they can become easily compromised. For instance, scratches on the lenses can distort your vision, while damaged frames can affect how well your sunglasses fit and function – which essentially renders your sunnies as useless.
The good news, though, is that with the right maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your favourite pair and avoid unnecessary replacements.
Cleaning Your Sunglasses the Right Way
It is important to clean your sunglasses correctly at least once a week. Here is the best way to do so.
| Category | Details |
|---|
| Cleaning Your Sunglasses the Right Way | Sunglasses should be cleaned correctly at least once a week to maintain their quality. |
| 1. Use a Microfibre Cloth | – Avoid rough materials like paper towels, tissues, or shirts, as they contain fibres that scratch lenses. – Use a microfibre cloth designed to gently remove dirt and smudges without causing damage. |
| 2. Rinse Before Wiping | – Rinse under lukewarm water before wiping to wash away dust and particles that could cause scratches. – Use a drop of mild dish soap for heavy dirt, oils, or grime. |
| 3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals | – Household cleaners like glass cleaners, ammonia, or alcohol-based solutions strip protective coatings. – Use a lens-specific cleaner or mild soap to keep sunglasses in top condition. |
| Storing Your Sunglasses Properly | Proper storage prevents damage and extends the lifespan of sunglasses. |
| 1. Use a Hard Case | – Throwing sunglasses into a bag or pocket without protection can lead to scratches and bent frames. – A hard-shell case offers the best protection against accidental damage. |
| 2. Never Store Sunglasses Lens-Down | – Placing sunglasses face down on any surface increases the risk of scratches. – Always fold them and rest them on the arms, or store them in a case. |
| 3. Avoid Extreme Temperatures | – High temperatures can warp frames and degrade lens coatings. – Extreme cold can make frames brittle and prone to snapping. – Never leave sunglasses in a hot car or expose them to freezing temperatures. |
Storing Your Sunglasses Properly
Cleaning your sunglasses correctly is one thing, but you will also need to store them properly in a way that prevents them from damage.
Here are some useful tips you should follow to do so.
1. Use a Hard Case
One of the biggest mistakes people make is throwing their sunglasses into a bag or pocket without protection, which can lead to scratched lenses and bent frames.
Putting them in a hard-shell case provides the best defence against accidental damage and keeps your sunglasses safe when not in use.
2. Never Store Sunglasses Lens-Down
Placing your sunglasses face down on any surface increases the risk of scratches, so you should never do this.
Instead, always fold them and rest them on the arms, or better yet, as just mentioned, keep them in their case when not in use.
3. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
It is never a good idea to leave your sunglasses in a hot car or expose them to freezing temperatures because this can cause warping or cracking, which can affect their UV Protection.
Additionally, high temperatures can also degrade lens coatings, while extreme cold can make frames brittle and prone to snapping.
Handling Tips
Aside from cleaning and storing your sunglasses, you should be mindful of how you use them.
For instance, taking your sunglasses off with one hand might seem convenient, but over time, this can misalign the frame and cause an uneven fit. For this reason, you should always use both hands to remove and adjust your sunglasses properly.
Often, people wear sunglasses on top of their heads when they are not using them, but manufacturers actually do not recommend this. That is because this action stretches the frames and can cause them to fit loosely over time, which is why you are better off placing them in their case or hanging them on your shirt collar.
When to Replace Your Sunglasses
Sadly, no matter how well you look after them, your sunglasses won’t last forever and will eventually need to be replaced.
While you hopefully won’t be faced with this situation for a long while, if you do eventually notice any of the following signs, it may be time to replace them:
- Scratched or peeling lenses that affect visibility
- Loose or broken frames that no longer fit properly
- Discoloured lenses that don’t provide adequate UV protection