Quick Answer

Clean sunglasses by rinsing with lukewarm water, applying a drop of mild dish soap, gently rubbing with fingertips, rinsing again, and drying with a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid paper towels, clothing, or harsh chemicals.

Why Lens Coatings Are Fragile

Modern sunglass lenses often have anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, or mirror coatings that are thin and delicate. Even a small grain of dust or a rough fabric can cause micro-scratches that permanently reduce clarity.

Using the wrong cleaning method—like rubbing dry lenses with a shirt or using household glass cleaner—can strip those coatings, leaving lenses hazy or peeling. The trade-off for cleaner vision is taking a few extra seconds to do it right.

Choosing the Right Cloth

Not all cloths are lens-safe. A dedicated microfiber cloth designed for optics is the only safe option. Avoid paper towels, tissues, napkins, or any fabric that feels rough—they contain fibers or abrasives that scratch.

Even a microfiber cloth must be kept clean. Once it picks up dirt or oil, it becomes a sandpaper-like surface. Wash it regularly with mild soap and air-dry it to maintain its effectiveness.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

  1. Rinse with Lukewarm Water: Hold sunglasses under a gentle stream of lukewarm (not hot) water. This washes away dust and grit that could scratch the lenses when you touch them. Skip this step and you risk grinding particles into the lens surface.
  2. Apply a Drop of Mild Dish Soap: Put a single drop of mild dish soap (free from lotion, bleach, or citrus) on each lens. Rub gently with your fingertips for 10–15 seconds, covering the entire lens and frame. Avoid hand soap, shampoo, or window cleaner—they often contain moisturizers or ammonia that damage coatings.
  3. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse both lenses and frames completely under lukewarm water until no soap residue remains. Soap left to dry can leave streaks or a film. Check for bubbles or slick spots; those are signs of leftover soap.
  4. Dry with a Clean Microfiber Cloth: Gently pat and wipe the lenses with a dry, clean microfiber cloth. Use a light circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Do not press hard. If the cloth is dirty or you feel resistance, stop and rewash the lenses.

Product Spotlight

  • VELA: VELA sunglasses feature custom titanium hinge plates and threaded tube screw systems, along with 8 mm Japanese acetate temples. High-quality construction like this deserves careful cleaning to protect the acetate finish and delicate hinge hardware from damage.

    VELA

    VELA