How to Clean Your Safety Glasses (The Best Way)
If you want your safety glasses to last, you need to clean them properly. Think of it like washing your car—would you ever just spray and wipe? Of course not! That would turn dust into a fine layer of grit that scratches the surface. The same applies to your safety glasses.
Follow these five steps to keep your lenses crystal clear and scratch-free:
1. Rinse
Before touching your lenses, always rinse them under running water to remove dust and debris. If you're on a job site without a sink, you can use a water cooler. Blowing on them can help knock off the big stuff, but this is just a quick fix—never skip the rinse. Keep the water around room temperature, you don’t want your lenses to go through a sudden temperature change, which can craze your lenses.
2. Soap
Use a simple foaming hand soap that doesn’t contain lotions. Avoid dish soap—it’s too abrasive and can wear down lens coatings over time. Gently rub the soap over the lenses and frame with your fingertips to help remove the dirt and oils.
3. Rinse Again
Thoroughly rinse off all the soap with clean water. Any leftover residue can cause streaking or smudging.
4. Dry
Shake off excess water and use a soft cotton towel or microfibre cloth to pat the lenses dry. Never use paper towels, tissues, or napkins—they contain tiny wood fibres that can scratch your lenses.
5. Polish (If Needed)
Only now should you use a microfibre cloth and lens cleaner spray for that final polish. Never start with this step—it just grinds dirt into the lenses, causing micro-scratches. Over time, this will destroy your nice new lenses.
What NOT to Do:
❌ Never use your t-shirt—it’s full of dust and can scratch your lenses.
❌ Avoid using household glass cleaners (ie Windex); they contain harsh chemicals that can damage lens coatings.
❌ Never use paper towels, tissues, or napkins—they might seem soft, but they can scratch your lenses over time.
By following these simple steps, you'll extend the life of your safety glasses and keep your vision sharp on the job. Take care of them, and they'll take care of you!
Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post by Helio Optometry eye care clinic in West Edmonton is intended solely for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a Licensed Optometrist. No doctor/patient relationship is established through the use of this blog. The information and resources presented are not meant to endorse or recommend any particular medical treatment or guarantee and outcome. Readers must consult with their own healthcare provider regarding their health concerns. Helio Optometry and its optometrists do not assume any liability for the information contained herein nor for any errors or omissions. Use of the blog's content is at the user's own risk, and users are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care based on consultations with qualified professionals.
