How to Clean Your Eyeglasses Cloth the Right Way

We often hear the question, “Are glasses clothes reusable?” Absolutely, yes!

Most glasses cloths can be washed, cleaned, and used again and again. It can be confusing, as some packaging has microfiber glasses cloths wrapped individually. This creates the impression that they’re disposable. Don’t let this deter you from trying to make it last!

A dirty cloth can cause smudges or even damage your lenses because debris can trap itself in the cloth over time. If this happens, it’s very possible that you could scratch your lens or damage the lens coating.

Your lenses are important, and replacements can be pricey. With this in mind, a little TLC for your glasses cloth can go a long way.

What do you need to clean a glasses cloth?

You don’t need much to properly clean a microfiber cloth:

• Mild Detergent
• Bowl or Basin
• Warm Water

That’s it! While microfiber-specific cleaning solutions are available, many dish soaps will do the trick. Just aim to use something that’s gentle and fragrance-free.

Pro Tip: Many people prefer distilled water for cleaning microfiber. It won’t leave residue or minerals behind as the cloth dries. Of course, you’ll be perfectly fine using filtered water from the tap, if distilled water is not on hand.

Using your tap will also make rinsing much easier.

Warning: Don’t use hot water! This can harm the material of the cloth. It may shrink or even change in texture, making it less soft.

Follow these steps to clean your microfiber eyeglasses cloth

Step 1: Fill a bowl or basin with warm water, mixing in a small amount of mild detergent.

Step 2: Submerge the eyeglasses cloth in your water/detergent mixture.

Step 3: Swish it around in the water, gently working the cloth to clear out any dirt or oils.

Step 4: Let the cloth soak for about five to 15 minutes.

Step 5: Remove the cloth from the water and rinse it thoroughly.

Step 6: Carefully wring out any excess water.

Step 7: Hang the cloth somewhere to dry.

How often should I wash my glasses cloth?

This depends on how often you use your glasses. It also depends on how dirty they get. If you use multiple cloths or any cleaning chemicals, that matters, too!

Usually, you can easily tell when your glasses cloth needs a wash. It might not work as well, leaving streaks and marks on your glasses instead of cleaning them. It may also be visibly dirty. In either case, stop using the cloth immediately to avoid any risk of damaging your lenses.

If you use your eyeglass cloth routinely, you’ll likely need to wash it once every week or two.

What if I don’t have time to wash my glasses cloth?

It happens! We get busy. We travel or aren’t in a position where we can thoroughly clean a glasses cloth.

If it’s not too bad, you can try using a lint roller or simply shaking out any debris

Unfortunately, that won’t do much if the cloth is grimy or dirty. A thorough cleaning is necessary, should that be the case.

Can I wash glasses cloths in the washing machine?

Yes, you can clean many microfiber glasses cloths in a washing machine. However, it’s important to use a gentle or low cycle with a mild detergent.

Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or fabric softeners. Fabric softeners, in particular, can leave a waxy or oily residue on the cloth. This may make the cloth ineffective for cleaning your glasses lenses.

That said, it’s actually much better to handwash microfiber cleaning cloths.

Can I dry microfiber cloths in the dryer?

You can, but you’ll want to use a low or air-dry setting. Typically, hanging the glasses cloth and allowing it to air dry is much safer. Heat can damage microfiber cloths, which manufacturers often make from synthetic materials that heat can easily damage.

This means a dryer can shrink or even melt some microfibers.

If you insist on drying them in the dryer, skip dryer sheets. They can leave a residue on the cloth which will ruin their effectiveness.

Can I use fabric softener when washing microfiber cloths?

No. As mentioned, you should avoid fabric softeners when cleaning microfiber eyewear cloths. Fabric softeners typically leave a residue behind that can make the cloth ineffective at cleaning at best. At worst, it can ruin the cloth or potentially damage your lenses.

Why does my glasses cloth not work well after washing?

If your glasses cloth does not work well after washing, you may have used a strong chemical or fabric softener by mistake. It’s also possible you didn’t wash it thoroughly enough.

Follow the cleaning steps again, using a mild detergent or cleaner specifically for microfiber cloths. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to replace the cloth.

How do I keep my glasses cloth from getting dirty?

The easiest way to keep your eyeglass cloth clean when not in use is to stow it away in your glasses case or pouch. Of course, since it’s made to clean your glasses, it’s going to get dirty. That’s just how it goes!

Are disposable glasses wipes better than an eyeglass cloth?

Some people may prefer disposable glasses wipes. However, they can be expensive. Likewise, anyone who cares about sustainability or waste reduction may prefer to avoid or minimize their use.

In other cases, you might keep a few disposable wipes on hand for times where a standard glasses cloth just won’t cut it. These wipes often have a small amount of alcohol, which can help remove more stubborn gunk that dry microfiber can’t.

Shop sustainable eyewear from Yesglasses, and receive a free microfiber cleaning cloth and glasses case with every frame purchased.