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Your sunglasses protect your eyes but are you protecting them? You wouldn’t throw your phone face-down on the pavement or store your favorite sneakers in a swamp (but if they smell like a swamp, then keep ’em out), so why treat your shades any differently?
Proper care isn’t just about keeping them smudge-free and stylish, it also extends their life, saves you from sad, scratched-up lenses, and ensures they keep blocking those harsh rays like the champs they are.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the holy trinity of how to clean sunglasses: cleaning, storage, and maintenance. From the right way to wipe off those mystery smudges (spoiler: your shirt is not the move) to the best ways to store them so they don’t end up a tragic, bent mess at the bottom of your bag – we’ve got the cleaning tips you need to keep your shades in peak performance mode.
When your shades clock in, they clock in! Blocking UV rays, making you look fly, and shielding your eyes from rogue insects. But if you’re out here wiping them with your t-shirt and blasting them with Windex, you’re shortening their lifespan and ability to last for a lifetime. Let’s break down the do’s and don’ts of proper cleaning of your shades:
Before you go all DIY on your lenses, let’s talk about what not to do:
Avoid using paper towels, tissues, or clothing. They seem soft, but they’re secretly tiny little sandpaper factories just waiting to scratch your lenses into oblivion.
Say no to harsh chemicals like Windex or alcohol-based cleaners. These can strip away special coatings like anti-glare and UV protection. (And no, that doesn’t mean more “raw UV power” for your eyeballs, that means messed up lenses!!!)
Don’t rinse with hot water. Extreme heat can damage coatings and warp your frames. Lukewarm water is the way to go.
Now that you know what not to do, here’s how to keep your sunnies squeaky clean the right way:
Rinse with lukewarm water. This helps remove dust and debris before you start rubbing. That way you’re not making tiny mud pies on your lenses.
Use a tiny drop of mild dish soap. Nothing too fancy here, just a gentle, non-abrasive soap to break down the oils and grime of life.
Gently rub lenses and frames with your fingertips. No sponges, no scrubbing, just your soft, loving hands cleaning the lenses.
Dry with a microfiber cloth. This magical little fabric (so magical) prevents streaks and scratches–leaving your shades looking crisp and clear.
Sometimes, you don’t have access to non-abrasive soap, water, and a microfiber cloth (because, you know, life and stuff). Here’s how to keep your lenses clean in a pinch:
Keep a microfiber cloth handy. Stash one in your car, bag, or pocket for emergency smudge situations!
Use lens-safe cleaning sprays. These are specially formulated to clean without damaging coatings. These are perfect for when your shades need a quick refresh, and on-the-go friendly.
Avoid using your breath and shirt to wipe lenses. We know it’s tempting, but unless you want to buff your lenses with tiny, little scratches and leftover taco grease, just don’t do it.
Follow these tips, and your sunglasses will look fresher, clearer, and scratch-free, just like you pulled them straight outta their box, even if you’ve had them for years.
You wouldn’t toss your phone into the abyss that is the bottom of your bag without a proper case, so why do that to your shades? When they’re not on your face making you look like a total legend, always store them in a protective case. Hard sunglasses cases are the best defense against accidental squishing (RIP to all the sunglasses crushed in a tragic sitting incident), but a soft pouch works in a pinch to prevent scratches.
Keeping your sunglasses safe when they’re off your face is the easiest way to make sure they last longer than your latest hobby (we see you, knitting).
Another pro move? Keep your shades out of extreme heat. Leaving them on your car dashboard in the sun is a recipe for warped frames and melted coatings, not exactly the vibe you’re going for. And when you set them down, always place them lens-side up to avoid unnecessary scratches. Because no one wants to peer through a bunch of tiny scuff marks when they’re trying to look chic af.
Listen, we love a dramatic sunglasses removal as much as the next person, but if you’re yanking them off with one hand like you’re in a slow-mo action movie, you’re actually stretching them out. Use both hands when taking them off to keep the arms from loosening over time. And if you’re guilty of pushing them up onto your head? Stop! (We say painfully because we love that look, too.) That’s a one-way ticket to a stretched-out, wonky fit that slides down your nose at the worst possible moments. Talk about a not-camera-ready moment.
Sweat, saltwater, and sunscreen are basically your sunglasses' worst enemies (next to UV rays and getting sat on, of course). Rinse your shades with fresh water after exposure to keep build-up from wrecking the coatings and making your lenses look like a greasy, hot mess. Taking these tiny steps will keep your sunglasses in tip-top shape, so you can keep looking stylish, and actually see yourself doing it.
No one likes to admit when it’s time to let go, but if your lenses look like they lost a fight with a cheese grater or the coatings are peeling like a bad sunburn, it might be time for an upgrade. Loose hinges, deep scratches, and worn-out nose pads are all signs your sunglasses have seen better days. And while we admire your dedication to keeping them alive, there’s a point when they’re hurting more than helping keep the sun out of your eyes.
That said, some minor fixes can extend their life a little longer. If your frames are slightly bent, a gentle adjustment can work wonders. You can invest in a glasses repair kit for back up when you need an extra, but tiny, hand for those loose screws and bent frames. But if they’ve seen better days and you find yourself squinting through a scratched-up lens more than actually seeing through it, it might be time to treat yourself to a fresh pair. Don’t worry, we won’t judge if you take this as an excuse to add another colorway to your collection. Plus, we’ve got lots to offer here to replace your now retired sunglasses (gone but never forgotten).
Taking care of your sunglasses shouldn’t be rocket science, it’s just a few simple habits that keep them looking shiny and functioning like the real stars they are. Clean them the right way (no t-shirt wiping, please and thanks), store them safely (because crushed shades are a tragedy), and treat them with a little r-e-s-p-e-c-t (aka, stop stretching them out on your head when a windy hair moment happens). Whether you’re rocking them for style, sport, or just to avoid eye contact with strangers – these small steps will keep your shades in top shape for the long haul.
You’re now equipped with the knowledge to extend your sunnies’ lifespan, so it’s time to clean up your act and show ’em the love they deserve. Seriously, a little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your favorite pair looking sharp and lasting through all those dance parties. And the better you care for them, the fewer times you’ll have to go through the heartbreak of saying goodbye to a beloved pair too soon.
So, treat your sunnies right, and they’ll keep you looking right, seeing clearly, and avoiding unnecessary squinting for years to come!!!
Check out goodr’s latest collections for a new pair if yours are beyond saving!
THE SUNNIES THAT STARTED IT ALL
THE STORY BEHIND THE SHADES
