How to clean your glasses

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

How to care for your glasses + make them last longer

Glasses and sunglasses can last a lifetime if looked after - so treat those babies well. Grow your collection and keep your glasses lasting longer with some tender loving care. The most sustainable items are the ones we already own, so here's our tips on how to care for your eyewear...

Store in a case

Keep them in the case, it's their natural habitat (after your face) and not only keeps dust and dirt away, it prevents bending and breakages. A hard case is great for travelling or storage and soft pouches are great for beach days and picnics. Stow in the glove box on a summers day - don't leave them on your dashboard - they just can't take the heat.

the right way to wear glasses

Whipping frames off with one hand or sporting as a headband (guilty) will result in stretched hinges and your glasses becoming out of shape. If you’re taking your glasses on and off why not opt for a glasses chain and store safely about your person.

Your body naturally changes over time (also hello lockdown gains), so the shape of your frames may need adjusting from time to time to accommodate these changes.

Equally if frames are slipping from your face it’s time for an adjustment to the bend behind your ears - this is done by heat treating and manipulating the frame until it’s fits your head perfectly. Head to your local Opticians and ask for them to be adjusted or chat to us about getting back into shape.

Got a screw loose?

Your glasses go on and off your face many times over their lifetime, causing the screws to loosen over time. It’s worth investing in a glasses repair kit or mini screwdriver to carry out some simple glasses care and keep your sides secure. Cup the frame in your hand and gently tighten, being careful not to overtighten the screws. Tighten in tiny increments - small movements can make a big difference.

Cleaning your glasses

Wiping your glasses lenses with paper towels, napkins or the end of your top is a big no no. Fibres and particles of dirt can scratch your lenses and, unlike glasses frames, scratched lenses can’t be polished and will need replacing.

Regular weekly cleaning of your glasses will keep them sparkly clean and the best way to clean your glasses is with simple warm soapy water and a soft cloth. If you live in a hard water area like me, use filtered or distilled water instead of tap and use a mild soap - avoid detergent, scented soaps or ones containing dyes as they can damage lenses.

After rinsing, gently dry your frame with a smooth, clean, lint-free cloth like the one you get from us (they can be popped in the wash at 30 to freshen). If you can’t put your hands on your optical cloth, you can purchase another – ours are upcycled from recycled plastic bottles.

Take a peep at our article on how to clean your glasses the right way

Restoration services

If your lenses sustain some trauma or just natural wear and tear over time, take a look at our restoration services to bring them back to life and make them last longer..

Glasses Repairs

If your eyewear’s in need of a little tlc, you’ve come to the right place. Be sustainable and prolong the life of your glasses with our repairs services.

We now offer hinge repairs, replacement nosepads and tips, and if it’s something a little more complex like vintage pinned hinges, just get in touch and we can chat intricate repairs.

PEEP POLISH

Our polishing service for plastic (acetate and optyl) frames, cleanses and removes scratches while restoring lustre for frames that have lost their mojo.

We dismantle and cleanse in our ultra sonic cleaner ‘Bubbles’, before taking a turn on our buffer where they’re lovingly polished, before being oiled, re-assembled, heat treated and adjusted, becoming reborn and restored to former glory.

GLASSES REGLAZE

If your lenses are scratched, damaged or have completely broken, 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 and there’s no going back, recycle them with us and check out our range of sustainable, planet friendly vintage glasses and sunglasses.

The more tlc we show our eyewear, the longer they will last us. Keeping glasses in action and out of landfill we can do our bit to stay planet friendly.

Jo