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• Part 1 of 2: Cleaning the lenses
• Part 2 of 2: Make sure your glasses stay clean and last longer

Polarized lenses can help you reduce glare and sharpen your vision, especially in bright light. However, the lenses have been specially treated to have this effect and therefore need to be cleaned in a special way to keep working properly and looking good. Not all polarized lenses are the same, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions first. Below are some general guidelines to help you keep your lenses clean and keep them working properly.

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Part 1 of 2: Cleaning the lenses

1. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. Not all polarized lenses are the same, so there is no universal method to clean the lenses. Manufacturers all use different techniques and materials to manufacture polarized lenses, so always follow the specific instructions that came with your glasses.
   • Check the website of your eyewear brand or go to an eyewear store if you want specialist advice regarding your glasses.
   • Regardless of which brand of glasses you have, you can safely assume that the steps below are applicable.
2. Buy a microfiber cloth. Who hasn't rubbed smudges off their lenses with the edge of their shirt, a sleeve or a tissue? Such fabrics may be too rough or be cluttered with dust and dirt particles that can scratch the protective coating on your polarized lenses.
   • Many polarized lenses come with a small microfibre cleaning cloth. If not, you can buy these wipes at almost all eyewear stores and department stores.
   • You can also use a soft, clean cotton cloth, but this is less recommended by manufacturers.
   • Whatever type of cloth you use, make sure it is clean. You can wash microfibre cloths, but do not use fabric softener. Fabric softeners can contain unwanted chemicals and oils.
3. First, use water. Clean warm water is the easiest, cheapest, safest, and often the best way to remove smudges, dirt, and grease from polarized lenses.
   • Before you start cleaning, remove all dust and dirt from the surface by blowing on your glasses and then running them under hot water if necessary.
   • If there is salt residue from seawater or other abrasive particles on your lenses, make sure to rinse them thoroughly with water before rubbing your lenses
   • Rub the lenses with your microfiber cloth while they are still wet from rinsing or while holding the glasses under the tap. Apply only as much pressure as necessary to remove dirt and smudges.
   • The old-fashioned method of breathing warm, moist air onto the lenses and gently wiping them is only suitable if the lenses are only slightly dirty and you want to clean them quickly. Just make sure the lenses are completely damp.
4. Only use glasses cleaner when needed and recommended. Polarized lenses are often expensive, so you may be tempted to clean them without a lens cleaner. You can also use dish soap or glass cleaner, right? The answer is no, especially when it comes to polarized lenses.
   • Soaps, household cleaners and especially commercially available window cleaners can contain chemicals that slowly but surely dissolve the protective coating on your lenses. The lenses will become cloudy and will not protect you from glare as well.
   • Manufacturers of some popular brands of polarized lenses recommend specific things when it comes to using glasses cleaners, such as:
     • Buying a cleanser from the brand itself or choosing a cleanser with a pH value between 5.5 and 8.
     • Buying a self-brand or third-party cleaner, or using another cleaner that contains less than five percent alcohol.
     • Not using eyeglass cleaners at all and just using warm water instead.

Part 2 of 2: Make sure your glasses stay clean and last longer

1. Understand the basics of polarizing. Without going into too much detail, polarization actually works by filtering out horizontal glare. This concerns light that is reflected by water, snow and cars, etc.
   • Because polarized lenses are so good at reducing glare, they are a favorite of skiers, anglers and drivers.
   • The effect is achieved by applying a thin protective layer to the entire surface of the lenses. This protective layer is sensitive to scratches and dissolves when not properly cared for.
2. Protect your glasses. There are cheap polarized glasses on the market, but chances are you have put a considerable amount of money down for your glasses. So always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the lenses, and use these tips:
   • Always keep your glasses in the glasses case that came with them when you are not wearing them. This is one of the easiest ways to avoid scratches and the build-up of dust and dirt.
   • Do not expose your glasses to extreme temperatures, as this can deform the polarized protective layer. For example, do not put your glasses on the dashboard in the car, where they can be baked in the sun, as it were.
   • Never rub anything on dry polarized lenses, even a clean microfiber cloth. The friction caused by very tiny particles of dust and dirt can cause damage if you have not wetted the lenses with water or an approved cleaner.
3. Have your glasses cleaned and repaired by a professional. You may have received a cleaning and repair kit with your polarized glasses. Use this set for regular cleaning and minor repairs. However, go back to the eyewear store or an optician who can clean, check, and fix your glasses, as this can really be to your advantage.
   • High-quality polarized lenses can be quite expensive, and it is well worth the money to have them cleaned and repaired by a professional every now and then. See a professional if there is clearly something wrong with your glasses and the lenses are caked with oil and residue and you are unable to clean them yourself. Also, consider seeing a professional once or twice a year to have your glasses checked.