I wear glasses every single day, and I know the struggle of trying to keep them clean. Smudges, fingerprints, and dust seem to appear out of nowhere, constantly clouding my vision. Over time, I've been on a quest to find the perfect cloth to keep my lenses crystal clear. I've tried countless options, from the cheap cloths that come with new glasses to specialized lens cleaning solutions, and I've learned a lot along the way. Let me share what I've discovered!
For years, I just used whatever cloth was handy – a corner of my shirt, a paper towel, even a napkin. Big mistake! I quickly realized that these materials were doing more harm than good. They often left behind scratches and lint, making my lenses even worse. I needed a better solution.
I started researching different types of cleaning cloths, hoping to find the perfect one. I tried the standard microfiber cloths, but sometimes they just seemed to smear the dirt and oils around instead of actually removing them. It was frustrating! The smudges would still be there, just slightly less visible.
That's when I stumbled upon something interesting: Koala lens cleaning cloths. These cloths felt different. They were somewhere between a chamois and a microfiber towel. I gave them a try, and the results were amazing! They actually lifted the dirt and oils away, leaving my lenses sparkling clean. However, I quickly learned that microfiber needs special care, as the oils from your fingers and face can build up on the cloth itself, making it less effective over time.
Then, I discovered the importance of cleaning your glasses properly before using any cloth. I realized that any cloth would smear if there were persistent oils on the rims of my frames. This is when I incorporated dish soap into my cleaning routine. Not daily, but a solid cleaning with dish soap every now and then really helped break up those oils, making daily cleaning much easier. Now, I use a two-stage cleaning process: first, a gentle wash with dish soap and water, then a wipe down with my trusted cleaning cloth.
Another great tip I picked up was about the importance of what you wash your cleaning cloths with. I learned the hard way that fabric softener and dryer sheets are a big no-no. They leave a film on the lenses that's incredibly difficult to remove. Now, I wash my cloths separately, using a gentle detergent and skipping the fabric softener altogether.
I also started experimenting with different cleaning solutions. I found a simple yet effective mixture of 1/3 70% rubbing alcohol and 2/3 distilled water in a spray bottle. It works wonders! The alcohol helps to dissolve the oils and dirt, while the distilled water prevents streaks and spots.
During my search, I also learned about Selvyt optical cloths, which are highly regarded among opticians. They are known for their high quality and durability, even after multiple washes. While I haven't personally tried them yet, they are definitely on my list!
While focusing on cleaning cloths, I also realized the importance of having a good pair of glasses to begin with. I've been wearing the YOOSKE Square Anti Blue Light Reading Glasses lately, and I've been impressed.
They’re comfortable for long hours of computer use, and the anti-blue light feature really seems to help reduce eye strain. I feel like I am protecting my eyes while working. They are available on the homepage.
Here's a summary of the tips I've gathered over the years: