Everyday eyewear care
How to clean and care for your glasses in Reservoir
Clear lenses and a comfortable fit start with a few simple habits. Here is a gentle routine for cleaning, storing and looking after your glasses.
Reservoir Spectacles can help you work out whether persistent marks, a loose frame or unclear vision need cleaning, adjustment or a closer look.
A gentle daily routine
Four steps for cleaner lenses
Follow the care instructions supplied with your particular lenses and frame, especially for specialist materials or finishes.
1. Rinse away loose dust
Use lukewarm running water before wiping. This helps remove grit that could otherwise rub against the lens.
2. Wash gently
Use a small drop of mild, pH-neutral liquid soap suitable for your glasses. Gently clean the lenses and frame, then rinse thoroughly.
3. Dry with a clean lens cloth
Use a soft, clean microfibre cloth made for lenses. Hold the frame securely and avoid twisting it or pressing hard on the lenses.
4. Check in good light
If a mark remains, check whether it is a smudge or possible damage. Repeated hard rubbing is not the answer.
Small shortcuts to avoid
Protect the surface and the fit
Skip improvised cleaners
Keep household cleaning sprays, hairspray and perfume away from your glasses. Use products labelled as suitable for your lenses and coatings.
Choose the right cloth
Tissues, kitchen paper and clothing can scratch lenses. Wash your lens cloth regularly without fabric softener, following its care label.
Keep away from heat
Avoid hot water, radiators and a parked car on a hot day. Heat can affect frames and lens coatings.
Use a case between wears
Put glasses in a protective hard case. Avoid resting them lens-down or wearing them on top of your head. Use both hands to put them on and take them off.
Away from the sink
What about lens sprays and wipes?
A lens-cleaning spray or pre-moistened wipe can be useful when you are out. Choose one approved for your lens type and follow its instructions. A household disinfectant wipe is not the same as a spectacle-lens wipe.
Keep a clean microfibre cloth in its own pouch or case so it does not pick up grit in a pocket or bag.
Cleaning has its limits
Scratches, coating marks or a frame that slips?
A scratch will not wash away, and polishing a prescription lens can damage its surface. If marks remain after gentle cleaning, bring the glasses in so we can assess them and explain the options.
A loose or damaged frame
See our glasses repairs information. Avoid bending the frame yourself; what can be adjusted or repaired depends on its condition.
Lenses that may need replacing
Our reglazing guide explains when new lenses in an existing frame may be worth considering.
For comfort and positioning, read choosing glasses frames. If the main issue is reading, our reading glasses and presbyopia guide may help.
When the issue is your vision
Still blurred through clean glasses?
Arrange an eye examination if blur persists or your vision has changed; cleaning cannot correct a changed prescription or an eye condition. Our blurred vision guide explains the next steps.
Do not wait for a routine appointment. If we are closed or cannot see you promptly, contact an urgent eye service or emergency department. See our urgent eye care guidance.
Common glasses-care questions
Can I use my shirt to clean my glasses?
A clean microfibre lens cloth is a better choice. Clothing can carry dust and grit, and repeated rubbing may scratch lenses.
Does a scratch-resistant coating stop every scratch?
No. A protective coating still needs gentle cleaning and careful storage.
Should I keep cleaning a cloudy patch?
If gentle cleaning does not remove it, stop rubbing and have the lens checked. A coating problem or scratch may look like a persistent smudge.
Care guidance
Sources and further reading
ZEISS: cleaning glasses · HOYA: looking after lenses · HOYA: everyday care habits · Healthdirect: eye care.
Care guidance reviewed 23 September 2026. SEO and page presentation checked 11 October 2026. Manufacturer links support general care advice and do not indicate which brands the practice stocks.
Bring your glasses and your questions
Visit Reservoir Spectacles at 2C Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073, or call to discuss the problem. If your vision has changed, book an eye test and bring your current glasses.