How to properly disinfect glasses? A complete guide to hygienic eyewear care

September 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Research has shown that up to 95% of eyeglasses frames can harbor high levels of bacteria. This makes knowing how to properly disinfect glasses a critical part of personal hygiene to prevent eye infections and maintain vision clarity.

Quick Summary

This guide details the safest methods for sanitizing eyeglasses, focusing on mild soap and water, proper drying techniques, and the common pitfalls to avoid for both lenses and frames.

Key Points

Use Mild Soap: Mild, lotion-free dish soap and lukewarm water are the safest and most effective cleaners for most lenses and frames.
Microfiber is Key: Always use a clean microfiber cloth for drying to prevent scratches. Avoid paper towels, tissues, or clothing.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use rubbing alcohol, window cleaner, ammonia, or bleach, as these can damage lens coatings and frames.
Rinse First: Rinse glasses under lukewarm running water before wiping to remove any loose, abrasive particles.
Clean Regularly: Establish a daily cleaning routine to prevent bacteria and oil buildup and protect your eye health.
Target Problem Areas: For grime in crevices like nose pads and hinges, a soft toothbrush with soapy water can be used with care.

The Importance of Clean Eyewear

Your glasses are one of the most frequently touched items you own, making them a prime collection point for bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. These pathogens can be easily transferred from your hands to your face and eyes, increasing the risk of infections such as pink eye (conjunctivitis) and staph infections. Regular, proper disinfection not only protects your eye health but also extends the life of your eyewear by preventing the buildup of dirt and oils that can degrade lens coatings and frame materials.

The Safest Method: Soap and Water

The most universally recommended method for how to properly disinfect glasses is also one of the simplest: mild, lotion-free dish soap and lukewarm water. This approach is effective at removing dirt, oil, and germs without using harsh chemicals that can harm delicate lens coatings or frame finishes.

Preparing to Clean

Wash your hands: Before handling your glasses, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid transferring oils and bacteria back onto your clean eyewear.
Gather your supplies: You will need mild, lotion-free dish soap and a clean, soft microfiber cloth specifically for eyewear. Never use paper towels, tissues, or your shirt, as their fibers can cause microscopic scratches over time.

The Step-by-Step Process

Rinse with lukewarm water: Hold your glasses under a gentle stream of lukewarm (not hot) running water. This rinses away any loose dirt or dust particles that could scratch the lenses during cleaning.
Apply mild soap: Place a tiny drop of dish soap on your fingertips and gently rub it over both sides of the lenses and all parts of the frames, including the nose pads and temples.
Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the glasses again under lukewarm water to completely remove all soap residue.
Shake off excess water: Gently shake the glasses to remove most of the water droplets, which helps prevent streaks and water spots.
Dry with a microfiber cloth: Use your clean microfiber cloth to gently wipe the lenses and frame until they are completely dry and clear. For stubborn spots, a fresh section of the cloth can be used for a final polish.

Specialized Cleaning for Different Eyewear

In addition to the standard soap-and-water method, several alternative options exist, each with its own pros and cons depending on the circumstances.

Lens Wipes and Sprays

Pre-moistened lens wipes and specialized cleaning sprays are excellent for cleaning on the go. They are formulated to be safe for lens coatings and are a quick way to clean and disinfect when a sink is not available. Always ensure the product is approved for anti-reflective or other specialized lens coatings.

Addressing Hard-to-Reach Areas

For persistent grime in the crevices of your frames, such as around the nose pads and hinges, a soft toothbrush and soapy water can be used. Exercise caution and avoid touching the lenses with the brush bristles.

Ultrasonic and UVC Cleaners

For a deeper clean, some opticians offer professional ultrasonic cleaning, which uses sound waves to dislodge dirt. UVC sanitizing chambers are another option, though users should follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Harsh household cleaners: Never use window cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, or other corrosive chemicals, as they can strip away anti-reflective and other protective coatings.
Rubbing alcohol: While some commercial cleaners contain diluted alcohol, using pure rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer is too harsh and risks damaging your lenses.
Abrasive materials: Tissues, paper towels, and clothing fibers are too rough and can cause permanent micro-scratches on lenses.
Using your breath or saliva: Spitting on your glasses or breathing on them only adds more germs and bacteria rather than cleaning them.
Hot water: Excessively hot water can damage lens coatings and even warp plastic frames.

Proper Care vs. Damaging Cleaning: A Comparison


Aspect	Safe/Proper Cleaning	Damaging/Improper Cleaning
Cleaning Solution	Mild, lotion-free dish soap or optician-approved spray	Window cleaner, rubbing alcohol, bleach, harsh detergents
Drying Method	Clean microfiber cloth, air-drying, or canned air	Paper towels, tissues, napkins, clothing
Water Temperature	Lukewarm water	Hot water
Cleaning Technique	Gentle rubbing with fingertips	Hard rubbing, dry wiping
Sanitizing	Soap and water or specific lens wipes	Hand sanitizer, spitting

Conclusion

Maintaining clean and disinfected glasses is a simple yet crucial part of your daily health routine. By opting for a safe and effective method like the classic soap-and-water rinse, you can prevent eye infections, preserve your lens coatings, and ensure your vision remains crystal clear. Remember to use a clean microfiber cloth for drying and to avoid any harsh or abrasive materials. With just a little care, your glasses will not only look their best but also be a shield for your eye health. For questions about specialized coatings or lens materials, consulting with an eye care professional is always recommended.

Resources for Further Reading

A Note on Authoritative Sources

The advice provided herein is based on consensus from established eye care and health organizations. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific health concerns or advice tailored to your needs, consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should not use hand sanitizer. Most hand sanitizers contain a high concentration of alcohol, which can cause significant damage to special lens coatings and frame materials.

No, it is highly discouraged. The fabric fibers on your shirt, paper towels, or tissues are abrasive and can cause microscopic scratches on your lenses over time, permanently damaging them.

For good hygiene, it is recommended to clean your glasses daily, especially if you have been out in public. This helps prevent the accumulation of bacteria and oils.

A mild, lotion-free dish soap is the best choice. Soaps with lotions, heavy perfumes, or moisturizers can leave a hazy film on your lenses.

Yes, hot water can be damaging. The heat can cause certain lens coatings to peel or crack and may warp some types of plastic frames. Always use lukewarm water.

For cleaning stubborn grime in places like nose pads and hinges, you can use a soft toothbrush with lukewarm, soapy water. Be gentle and careful not to scratch the lenses.

Yes, pre-moistened lens wipes are a convenient and safe option for cleaning glasses while on the go. They are formulated to be safe for most lens coatings and are great for quick touch-ups.