Taking proper care of your glasses is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of ensuring their functionality. Improper use of products such as alcohol can cause more harm than good . Although cleaning glasses with alcohol seems like a quick and accessible option, this method is harmful to the special coatings and frames, affecting their lifespan.
At Bassol Optics , we will explore in depth why you should not use alcohol and provide you with alternative tips for safely cleaning your eyeglass lenses .
1. Alcohol wears away special coatings
The main problem with cleaning glasses with alcohol is its negative impact on the coatings that enhance the functionality of the lenses . Most polarized glasses include anti-reflective, hydrophobic or anti-UV treatments. These coatings are designed to prevent annoying reflections, protect the eyes from the sun's rays and make cleaning easier.
However, alcohol acts as a solvent that degrades these layers over time, causing the crystals to lose their effectiveness.
Example: Imagine you have new glasses with anti-blue light protection. After several cleanings with alcohol, you will notice that the anti-reflective coating begins to deteriorate, affecting your vision on screens and causing visual discomfort.
2. Damage to the mounts
Eyeglass frames are not only decorative elements, but also serve the vital function of holding lenses in place. Cleaning glasses with alcohol can negatively affect materials such as acetate or specially treated metals. Over time, frames become dry, brittle or lose their original color .
Tip: To avoid this type of damage, use a microfibre cloth to remove everyday dirt and specific products for glasses. Keeping your frames in good condition is essential to take care of your glasses in the long term.
What happens if I clean my glasses with alcohol?
It is common to think that alcohol is an effective method for removing grease or difficult stains. However, in the long term, constant use causes:
- Coating wear.
- Opacity in the crystals.
- Fragility of the frames.
- Possibility of invisible scratches that accumulate over time.
Therefore, the recommendation is to avoid this method whenever possible and opt for safer alternatives to clean eyeglass lenses.
3. Alcohol does not remove scratches
A popular myth holds that wiping glasses with alcohol can "disguise" scratches on glasses. This is actually false. While rubbing alcohol may seem to soften the surface, the scratch is still present and may even get worse .
If you are concerned about removing scratches from your glasses , there are better options, such as polishing pastes specifically for plastic lenses or taking your glasses to a professional optician.
Can you clean glasses with alcohol gel?
Alcohol gel is not a suitable option for cleaning glasses. In addition to alcohol, these gels contain other components that can leave sticky residue on the lenses. Rubbing gel on lenses can cause micro-scratches and, in the long run, damage the frames. If you want to clean your glasses without scratching them , use safer methods, such as wet wipes designed for lenses.
4. Risk of permanent opacity
Constantly cleaning glasses with alcohol can cause irreversible clouding of the lenses, making vision difficult and reducing sharpness . This happens because the coatings degrade with each cleaning, affecting the transmission of light through the lenses.
How to take care of your glasses to prolong their lifespan?
Proper maintenance of your glasses not only ensures their longevity, but also optimal visual performance. Here are some essential tips on how to care for your glasses :
- Store your glasses in a hard case when not in use.
- Clean your glasses regularly using recommended methods to prevent dirt build-up.
- Avoid leaving them on surfaces exposed to the sun to protect the frames and lenses.
- Make periodic adjustments to your optics if you notice that the frame has become loose or misaligned.
5. Alcohol can affect the impact resistance of glass
Another major risk of cleaning glasses with alcohol is that it can decrease the impact resistance of lenses , especially plastic lenses such as polycarbonate . This material is known for its durability and impact resistance, making it a popular choice for sports or safety glasses.
However, repeated use of alcohol can weaken its molecular structure, making it more vulnerable to breaking or chipping upon impact.
Example: If your glasses are designed to withstand drops or bumps, such as those used in outdoor activities, continued use of alcohol when cleaning them may reduce their ability to protect your eyes from potential injury in the event of an accident.
6. Possible allergic reactions
Cleaning glasses with alcohol can leave residue that comes into contact with the skin, causing irritation or allergies in sensitive individuals. This is especially relevant for those who wear glasses all day.
Better to avoid alcohol
Although it may seem convenient to clean glasses with alcohol, the long-term consequences do not justify its use. There are safer and more effective alternatives that guarantee the cleanliness and good condition of your glasses without risk of damage. The key to cleaning glasses lenses without problems is to use specific products and follow the care recommendations.
7. Risk of drying out of the nasal pads
Glasses that include silicone or gel nose pads are more comfortable and help the glasses stay in place. However, cleaning glasses with alcohol can cause these pads to become stiff, lose their flexibility , and in some cases, crack. This not only affects comfort, but can also cause the glasses to slide more easily, causing discomfort to the wearer.
If you also have problems with those annoying marks left by the pads, read our guide with 10 tips to remove and avoid glasses marks on the nose .
8. Damage to hinges and moving components
Alcohol also affects the hinges and small screws that hold the moving parts of your glasses together. While at first it might seem like cleaning glasses with alcohol helps keep the hinges clean, over time the continued contact can cause corrosion or loss of lubrication in the metal components.
Recommendation: Instead of using alcohol to clean the hinges, it is more advisable to go to an optician to have the moving parts checked and adjusted with specific tools. If you notice that the hinges are hard or make noise when opening and closing, you can apply a drop of hinge oil or special lubricant , which will not affect the frame or lenses.
9. Stubborn residue and stains
Alcohol, while a powerful cleaner, can leave residue that sticks to the surface of glass if not rinsed properly. In dusty or humid environments, this residue combines with other particles, causing stubborn stains that are difficult to remove.
In addition, repeated contact with alcohol can cause glasses to lose their ability to repel dirt, requiring more frequent cleaning and creating a vicious cycle of wear and tear.
Tips: To avoid smudges and residue, always use a clean, dry microfibre cloth after cleaning lenses. Make sure not to use paper towels or napkins, as these can leave lint or cause surface scratches. A specific eyeglass cleaning spray is an investment that guarantees a deep, residue-free clean, preserving both lenses and frames.
Safe alternatives for cleaning glasses
Below we give you several options to clean your glasses without using alcohol:
Warm water and neutral soap
It is the simplest and most effective option to clean the lenses of your glasses without damaging them.
Step by step:
- Rinse the glasses with warm water to remove dust particles.
- Apply a drop of neutral soap and rub gently with your fingers.
- Rinse well and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Specialized cleaning solutions
Look for specific eyeglass cleaning products that do not contain alcohol or abrasive substances . These cleaners protect the coatings and ensure a thorough cleaning without risk.
Wet wipes for lenses
Special lens wipes are a great option for a quick clean. These are designed to remove grease and dirt without compromising lenses or coatings.
How to disinfect glasses without alcohol?
Disinfecting glasses is important, especially in situations where they come into contact with potentially contaminated people or surfaces. Here are some safe options:
- Specific antibacterial solutions for glasses.
- Alcohol-free disinfectant wipes.
- Frequent cleaning with soap and water.
These methods ensure effective disinfection without damaging the materials.
Take care of your glasses with the right products
If you have questions about how to clean your glasses without damaging them , or need help removing scratches from your glasses and keeping your frames in optimal condition, go to Óptica Bassol .
Our team of experts is ready to advise you on the best care and products for your glasses. Don't hesitate to visit our physical stores . And, if you are thinking of replacing your damaged glasses, be sure to explore our catalog of prescription glasses and sunglasses . There are thousands of frames that you will love.
