The right way to clean lenses without scratching coatings, plus storage habits that actually extend lens life.
- 1
Rinse before wiping, every time
Wiping a dry lens spreads trapped dust and grit across the surface, causing fine scratches over time. Rinse lenses with water first to remove loose particles before any wiping, especially after dusty trail conditions.
- 2
Use a microfiber cloth, never a shirt or paper towel
Cotton clothing and paper products can carry abrasive fibers or leave lint, and both can scratch coated lenses over repeated use. A dedicated microfiber cloth, kept in the included case, is worth using consistently rather than reaching for whatever's on hand.
- 3
Avoid household glass cleaners
Many glass cleaners contain ammonia or alcohol that can degrade anti-reflective, polarized, or mirror coatings over time. A mild dish soap diluted in water, or a lens-specific cleaning spray, is a safer choice for coated sunglass lenses.
Quick method: Rinse with water, apply a drop of diluted mild soap, gently rub with fingers (not a cloth) to lift oils, rinse again, then dry with a clean microfiber cloth. - 4
Store in a hard case when not worn
Tossing sunglasses loose into a pack or pocket is one of the most common causes of scratched lenses and bent frames. A hard case, even a simple one, prevents most everyday damage during transport.
- 5
Don't leave sunglasses in a hot car
Extreme heat can warp certain frame materials and degrade some lens coatings and photochromic reactivity over time. A hot dashboard or closed car in summer is a common, avoidable cause of premature wear.
Sunglasses With Included Cases and Warranties
| Product | Best For | Lens/Tech | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ombraz Armless Classics | 3mm neoprene case, lifetime warranty | Zeiss Polarized | $160 | 9.5/10 |
| Suncloud Milestone | Microfiber bag, lifetime warranty | Polarized | $60 | 8.7/10 |
| Maui Jim Banyans | 2-year warranty | PolarizedPlus2 | $239 | 9.0/10 |