Most glasses-wearers have done this: after a day of wear the lenses collect fingerprints, dust and oil, so you breathe on them and wipe with whatever is handy — the cloth from the case, a paper towel, or even a shirt corner. Today let's clear up the correct way to clean your lenses.
The myth: “the cloth in the case is for cleaning”
Many of the small cloths bundled with budget eyewear cases are actually storage protectors — they sit between the folded temples and the lens to prevent scratching in the case. They're often low-GSM polyester blends that are too thin and too dirty to safely clean a coated lens.
The correct method
- Enjuague the lens under lukewarm water to flush away grit.
- Dot a drop of neutral lens soap on each lens.
- Wipe with a clean, dedicated 200+ GSM microfiber cloth, center-outward.
- Dry by patting with a clean section of the cloth.
Why your shirt is the worst option
Cotton shirt fibers are 15–30 microns thick and carry dirt, sweat and fabric softener. Wiping a dry coated lens with a shirt is effectively sandpaper in slow motion — it haze the AR coating within months.
Invest in a proper microfiber cloth, wash it weekly, and your lenses will stay clear for the life of the prescription.