How to clean your glasses
Help your glasses live longer by looking after them with a little tlc, here's our guide to cleaning your glasses and taking care of your eyewear.
Keep your glasses in tip top condition by keeping them clean. They’ll naturally last longer and they won’t need replacing as often, which will make them even more sustainable - here's our top tips to taking care of your eyewear..
shape up
Get your glasses in shape - did you know there’s a right and a wrong way to remove your frames? Whipping them off one handed and wearing them as a handband will result in stretching and before you know it you’re out of shape.
Like many other things in life - it’s better if you use both hands. If you’re guilty of this, head down to your local Opticians and ask for them to be adjusted and reshaped or send them into us.
Keep them in your case - it's their natural habitat and not only keeps dust and dirt away, prevents bending and breakages. Stow in the glove box on a summers day - don't leave them on your dashboard - they just can't take the heat. And always place your precious eyewear lens up - otherwise you’re just asking for trouble.
how to clean your glasses
Cleaning in the wrong way with the wrong tools can damage your lenses and frames, so we’re answering your questions on how to clean and care for your glasses...
What do i clean my glasses with
Clothing is made up of fibres and can contain particles of dirt, both of which can scratch your lenses. Drying glasses lenses with paper towels, tissues, napkins or the end of your top is a big NO NO.
A scratch resistant coating will give you some protection, but even that can’t save you from yourself. Unlike frames, scratching to lenses can’t safely be polished out without danger of removing coatings and they will need to be replaced.
The only thing that’s qualified for cleaning is your glasses cleaning cloth. If you can’t put your hands on your optical cloth, you can come to us and purchase another – ours are upcycled from recycled plastic bottles.
Optical cleaning cloths are also ace at cleaning mobile phones too and you can pop your cloth in the wash at 30° to keep it fresh.
how often should I clean my glasses
Keep your frames and lenses in good condition with regular cleaning.
We recommend a daily lens clean with your optical cloth and at least a monthly deep clean of both frame and lenses.
Upgrade your routine to a weekly deep cleaning regime if you’re prone to perspiring, wear make-up daily or have an oily skin type. This will remove the build up of oils, make-up and grime, keeping both your glasses and your skin tip top.
How should i clean my glasses
The best way to clean your glasses is with simple luke warm soapy water and a soft cloth. If you live in a hard water area like we do, use filtered or distilled water instead of tap and use a mild natural soap - avoid detergent, scented soaps or ones containing dyes and alcohol based solutions as they can damage lenses.
You can use a soft bristled toothbrush to get in and around detailing and motifs, but take care not to use on your lenses.
Adding a bit of the hand soap onto your fingers work it onto the lenses in a circular motion to remove the build up of dirt, dust and oils.
After rinsing, dry your frame thoroughly with a smooth, clean, lint-free cloth like the one you get from us.
Lens cleaners can work well, but you need to make sure they're suitable for coated lenses and they generally come in a plastic bottle so the best choice for planet and pocket is good ole soap and water.
Be sure to avoid harsh chemical cleaners on your frames or lenses to avoid damage and keep them in pristine condition.
what if i’ve scratched my glasses
If you’ve committed one of the spectacle sins and your glasses suffer some scratching or damage don't panic, we’ve got all the solutions with our refurbishing and restoration services…
peep polish
Our polishing service for plastic (acetate and optyl) frames, cleanses and removes scratches and restore lustre for frames in need a of some tlc.
We dismantle and clean in our ultra sonic cleaner ‘Bubbles’, before taking a turn on our buffer where they’re lovingly polished, then they’ll be oiled, re-assembled, heat treated and adjusted, becoming reborn and restored to former glory.
glasses reglaze
If you’ve been cleaning them on your clothes or storing them naked in your handbag and your lenses have sustained some scratching, our reglazing service is for you.
We can replace the lenses in any frame, vintage or modern, prescription or sunglasses.
If your glasses have sustained serious trauma take a peep at our Repair Services. We can repair and restore most things but if they’re beyond help check out our range of sustainable, planet friendly vintage and preloved glasses and sunglasses.
For more info, take a peep at our article on what to do with your old glasses.
Just remember to keep it clean!
Jo
Easy on the Eye
It's National Eye Health Week and the perfect time for an eye MOT, here’s how to keep eye healthy
Photo by Max-Jakob Beer
It's National Eye Health Week (24-30 September) and if you haven't had your eyes tested recently, Autumn's the perfect time to do it. Two million people in the UK are living with sight loss, and half this sight loss is avoidable. A report this year from the British Journal of Ophthalmology revealed eyelid cancer is on the up. Let’s get those peepers tip top in time for party season.
SIGHT TESTS
Not just to check your vision and see if you need glasses, sight tests are an important MOT for your eyes, detecting serious eye conditions, some of which scarily show no symptoms.
A sight test can also detect other health conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes. To keep your eyes healthy in between seeing your optician, here's some remedies to everyday eye ailments...
blink of an eye
Sore, dry and irritated eyes could be a touch of Screen Dry Eye. If you use a screen for long periods minimise the symptoms of Screen Dry Eye by practising the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds, to give your eyes a break. Warm compresses are soothing and don’t forget to blink!
dry your eyes
Constantly watering eyes or super dry eyes that worsen throughout the day could spell Dry Eye. Environment can be a cause from changes in temperature or humidity to brightness. Heating, air conditioning, computer work and hours spent on social media can all cause Dry Eye as they disrupt the eye’s lipid layer.
Sunlight can also have a drying effect on the eyes and my own personal nemesis Autumnal winds! Cover up with sunglasses, which along with UV protection, will prevent gales and dust hitting your eyes. Help yourself by upping your Omega 3 fatty acids while artificial tears and eye ointments can soothe and lubricate the eye.
Photo by Pedro Mamoré on Unsplash
Red eye
Lack of sleep, swimming, pollution and time spent in dark smoky bars bring about bloodshot eyes.
Artificial tears, eye ointments or refreshing eye drops can help to soothe the eye - stay away from brightening drops as they use vasoconstrictors to narrow the blood vessels in the eye and this won't help.
Gritty and Sticky
Eyes can mean conjunctivitis – an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin, transparent layer that lines the inner eyelid). Your immune system can usually handle this however, over-the-counter remedies can speed up recovery. Warm compresses are your friends.
Blepha what Now
Irritated red eyelids, itching, burning, sticky eyelids or a sensitivity to light, may be a sign of Blepharitis. People who suffer from dry skin conditions seem prone. Good eye care is essential to prevent recurrence. To ease, gently cleanse the eye. In severe cases, an antibiotic ointment or eye drops may save the day.
make hay
Itchy, swollen and watery eyes - you could have an allergy or hay fever. Start by reducing exposure to the triggers. If you’re allergic to pollen - keep house and car windows closed, wear wrap-around sunglasses and avoid cutting grass.
Tea bags (cooled in the fridge) used as a cold compress help reduce swelling and bring relief. Help yourself by popping in the shower to remove any pollen. Antihistamines are effective at treating allergy symptoms, especially if taken early.
If in doubt make an appointment with your optician.
An Apple a day
Photo by Kira Kira on Unsplash
Healthy eyes need a good lifestyle - poor diet, smoking and alcohol abuse can lead to optic atrophy which can cause problems with vision and damage to optic nerve cells.
A balanced diet is key. Plenty of leafy green veg, Omega 3 and zinc are your eye health go-to’s.
Then there’s the sun protection and that’s where we come in. Don’t be fooled by an overcast sky, Autumn and Winter UV radiation can make eyes more prone to degenerative eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, periocular skin cancer and macular degeneration.
Check out our range of Vintage Sunglasses or create your own from our Frame Only range and stay eye healthy.
Jo
The history of sunglasses
Take a trip down memory lane and check out the history of sunglasses as we celebrate International Sunglasses Day
It's International Sunglasses day and we think that's a day worth celebrating. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and check out the history of sunglasses…
Ocean vintage sunnies
Sunglasses or 'suncheaters' have a colourful history, from the Roman Emperor Nero who viewed gladiator matches through an emerald, to the Inuits ingenious snow goggles design, featuring small slits to limit the suns access and prevent snow blindness.
Inuit wooden snow goggles
The Chinese were known to use pieces of smoky quartz as vision aids. Known as Ai Tai, meaning ‘dark clouds covering the sun’, the scrolls say they were worn in court to conceal their facial expressions during trials - handy!
The first tinted sunnies 'Goldoni Glasses' appeared in Venice, Italy in the late 18th century. Named after the famous playwright Carlo Goldoni, they were worn by gondoliers on the sunny canals of Venice. At the same time 'eye preservers' were popular in Britain with peeps that suffered from light sensitivity.
In the 1920s sunglasses were sold off the Atlantic City boardwalk by Sam Foster and became a fashion staple amongst the rich and famous. Actors and actresses loved them as they shielded their eyes from the blinding movie set lights. Off screen sunglasses were perfect for remaining incognito.
During World War II, the military designed spectacles for pilots that would enhance vision and reduce glare at altitude. The US Army Air Corps enlisted the help of eyeglasses maker Bausch & Lomb, who developed the iconic Ray-Ban Aviator in 1939. They went on to use ground breaking plastic molding technology in the 50’s and the Wayfarer was born.
In the 60s and 70s everything got supersized and we have Jackie O to thank for making oversized sunglasses a thing - and the rest as they say is history (of sunglasses).
Photo by Hust Wilson on Unsplash
Sunglasses are so important for blocking the sun's ultraviolet light. Exposure to light and UV radiation is linked to serious eye conditions... cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis (corneal sunburn), and cancerous growths of the eye... ouch!
Protect your peepers by investing in quality sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB radiation. It's not the colour of the lenses, it's the percentage of UV protection that counts. Go for 100% every time. Although tiny 90s glasses are enjoying a revival, it's oversized or wraparound sunglasses that block the most sun, especially when those rays are bouncing off sand and sea.
Stay safe and celebrate those sunnies!
Check out our latest summer styles here.
Jo
You Say You Want a Revolution
It’s Fashion Revolution Week and we’re questioning how and where we source our clothing, read on to get involved…
"We all want to change the world
You say you got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan"
Revolution, The Beatles 1968
In the words of the fab four we all want to change the world and Fashion Revolution Week is the perfect place to start.
Lets start a revolution
All week long events are taking place across the UK and globally to raise awareness and celebrate Fashion Revolution Week 23-29 April. Making us question our attitude to fast fashion, how and where we source our clothing. We want to know that the clothes we buy don’t come at the cost of people or the planet.
The manufacturing of clothes uses up massive amounts of water, energy and land with so much of our clothing ending up in landfill. "The average British woman hoards £285 of clothes they will never wear, the equivalent of 22 outfits left hanging in valuable wardrobe space, or, £30 billion of unworn clothes. That’s a lot of unloved clothing" Fashion Revolution.
Stats by Fashion Revolution
Our Fashion Love Story
Begins with vintage denim - the look, the feel, the tones. A little 80s stonewash, a lotta denim on denim. Pull it out the closet, ease it on and greet it like an old friend. The more you wear this classic, the softer the feel - it just gets better with age.
The perfect denim jacket can last a lifetime, will never date and can take you anywhere. The journey of my well-loved vintage jacket has seen me through boogie nights and babies, pairs beautifully with my grandad's ancient paisley scarf and my recent Pucci style vintage day dress (best find ever) and even shows up in our latest Spring/Summer campaign. Source a vintage treasure and you'll never look back. Cool wash and hang dry for best results.
be the change
Sign the Manifesto, Ask a brand #WhoMadeMyClothes or do a Fashion Love Story like us.
Let's make a difference and #BeTheChange
Jo
Coral ... shades of summer
The sister of blush and part of the new neutrals family, Coral slots right in amongst our wardrobe staples. It's our go-to colour and summer in a shade...
The sister of blush and part of the new neutrals family, coral slots right in amongst our wardrobe staples. Summer in a shade, this pretty colour casts pink overtones and orange undertones, calming down high energy colours and adding a pop to whites and denims.
We're loving the corals in this Algae Illustration by Miss Capricho
Easy to wear and flattering to almost every skin tone, coral looks perfect with sunkissed skin (from a bottle or with a dollop of UV protection of course) - it's our go-to for summer lips, nails and sunglasses.
Our version is a beautifully made, original late 60s sumptuous optyl frame, by Italian brand Correna. Oversize vintage style with delicate peaches and cream tones and sculpted detail.
Coral was crying out for peach tinted lenses, we've added an anti reflection coating to give a little extra in the UV department. See them modelled by the delectable Caroline Jones from Knickers Models Own.
Best of all - now you can win your very own pair of vintage sunglasses in our competition to take home Coral - check out our Peep meets Knickers Competition and enter here.
Good luck peeps!
Jo
Peep Meets Knickers
Big news for all peep lovers! Caroline Jones of Knickers Models Own is a big peep fan! She's been spotted sporting some of our sunglasses and here's how you can win your own...
Big news for all peep lovers! Caroline Jones of Knickers Models Own, vintage devotee, fashion blogger and author of beautiful coffee table book 'A year of frugal fashion' (with photography by the talented Rankin), is a big peep fan!
the delightful Caroline Jones sporting Carrie
Caroline rocking our Coral sunnies - this could be you!
Head on over to our Instagram page to enter or sign up to our lovely newsletter to win Coral - your summer sunglasses, or do both and double your chances!
Don't get your knickers in a twist... on Instagram simply like and follow, comment with the hashtag #peepatknickers and tag in a friend. The more friends you tag, the better chance you have of winning!
The competition closes at 8pm Friday 23 June 2017. See below for the Ts and the Cs.
After losing her mother to cancer in 2014, Caroline was determined to raise money for Cancer Research UK, where her mother volunteered, and in 2015 embarked on a solo fundraising project, styling herself in a different outfit each day for a year.
Only pre-loved clothes found in Cancer Research UK shops were permitted (knickers model’s own!). Each day Caroline posted a photo on social media asking for donations to fund her campaign. She topped this off by taking home the JustGiving Creative Fundraiser of the Year Award.
"I've always felt entirely comfortable wearing other people’s unwanted clothes, mixed alongside those of my own. Inherited items, charity finds and brand new treat-to-self purchases, all blending together to make my tightly edited wardrobe ‘sweat the asset’.
With the support of followers, brands, the media and donors my campaign went on to raise £63,000 and become part of the slow fashion conversation."
The girl done good!
