Just about everyone has a bottle of Windex hidden away in their cabinets, but is it actually the best thing to use to clean all types of glasses? Can you clean glasses with Windex? What about your eyeglasses?
You shouldn’t clean glasses with Windex, especially those with an anti-glare or scratch-resistant coating. You should also avoid using Windex on plastic frames, as it may damage them. If you mistakenly use Windex on your glasses, be sure to rinse them well with water afterward.
Although Windex is specific for glass, you shouldn’t use it on your glasses. In this article, we’ll look at whether it’s a good idea to use Windex on your glasses and the best way to clean them.
Can You Clean Glasses With Windex?
You can clean your glasses with Windex, but you shouldn’t. You should be aware that Windex contains ammonia, which can impair the integrity of your glasses. This is especially the case if you have anti-reflective or other special coatings on your lenses.
When you clean your glasses with Windex, you are actually causing a static charge to build up on the lens. This can attract dust and dirt, which can scratch the lens. Windex can also leave a film on the lens that can interfere with your vision.
Wiping your glasses with a mild, unscented soap and water solution is better.
If you decide to use Windex to clean your glasses, rinse them thoroughly with water afterward. You don’t want any residue from the cleaner on your skin or your eyes.
Why Shouldn’t You Use Windex on Your Eyeglasses
Windex is most commonly used to clean glass surfaces such as windows. While this might seem like the perfect cleaning solution for a pair of glasses, there are a few reasons you should avoid using it:
- Windex is designed for cleaning windows, not glasses. That means it’s a little harsher than some of the other options out there.
- Windex contains ammonia, which can be harmful to the eyes. Ammonia can cause irritation and redness of the eyes. In addition, ammonia can break down the protective coating on the lens of eyeglasses, causing them to become scratched and damaged. Even if your lenses are uncoated, ammonia can damage the lens material itself.
- Windex is a harsh cleaner that can strip away the natural oils from your skin. When these oils are stripped away, it can cause your skin to become dry and irritated. The same thing can happen to your eyes if Windex gets into them.
- That being said, Windex can make your glasses dirtier. The chemicals in Windex typically leave behind a residue that will ultimately alter the effectiveness of your glasses and potentially attract dirt. So even if you think you’re cleaning your glasses with Windex, you may just be making them dirty again.
There are plenty of other ways to clean your eyeglasses, so you don’t need Windex to get the job done.
What Is the Best Thing To Wash Your Glasses With?
The best thing to wash your glasses with is a microfiber cloth and warm water. This type of cloth will remove any dirt or debris from your glasses without scratching them. You should always use warm soapy water or a commercial lens cleaner along with a clean microfiber cloth.
To clean your glasses with a microfiber cloth:
- Start by wetting the cloth with warm water.
- Then, gently wipe your glasses in a circular motion.
- You can also use mild soap on the cloth if you have stubborn dirt or grime on your glasses.
- Rinse the soap off of the fabric.
- Finally, dry your glasses with the clean, dry side of the cloth.
If you don’t have a microfiber cloth, you can use a soft cotton towel or other lint-free cloth. However, you should be aware that using anything other than a microfiber cloth may cause scratches on your lenses.
What Should I Not Use To Clean My Glasses?
When cleaning your glasses, you want to avoid using certain products that can damage the lens. Avoid any solvents, such as acetone or lacquer thinner, as well as harsh chemicals such as bleach. Instead, opt for a gentle solution that won’t leave streaks or scratches on your glasses.
It’s essential to read the labels on cleaning products before using them on your glasses. Some products are safe for glass, but not all of them are, such as:
- Acetone
- Paint thinner
- Lacquer thinner
- WD-40
- Bleach
- Concentrated alcohol
You also want to avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning your glasses. These can damage the lens and cause it to become cloudy over time. Windex is surprisingly one of them!
There are some natural alternatives that you can use, such as vinegar or lemon juice. Just be sure to dilute these before using them on your glasses.
Moreover, you need to avoid scrubbing your glasses too hard. If you’re too rough, you could end up scratching the lens or even breaking it. When cleaning your glasses, be gentle and use a soft cloth.
Is Dawn Dish Soap Safe for Eyeglasses?
Dawn dishwashing liquid soap is safe for eyeglasses, according to some eye experts. As long as you dilute it enough and make sure to wipe off all the residue, it should work fine to clean your glasses.
You can use liquid dishwashing soap to clean your glasses, just like any other type of mild soap. The only difference is that you’ll need to be careful not to leave any soap suds on the lens.
Here’s a quick YouTube video on how to clean your glasses and sunglasses using Dawn dishwashing liquid soap:
Can I Use Alcohol Wipes To Clean My Glasses?
You can use alcohol wipes to clean your glasses, but it’s not typically recommended. However, some alcohol wipes are designed specifically for cleaning eyeglasses. Highly concentrated alcohol isn’t usually a good idea.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using alcohol wipes to clean your glasses:
- Be sure to use a lint-free cloth.
- Don’t scrub too hard – just gently wipe the lenses.
- And finally, make sure to rinse your glasses with water after cleaning them with an alcohol wipe.
Highly concentrated alcohol can damage the coating on your lenses and cause them to become blurry.
Final Verdict
No matter how often you clean your glasses, it seems like they are always smudged. You may be tempted to reach for the Windex when this happens, but is that really the best way to clean your glasses?
It’s not suitable for the lenses and can actually damage the coatings, causing them to become blurry. It is better to use a gentle soap and water solution instead.
There are better options out there that won’t damage your glasses. Take the time to find an alternative that works for you and your glasses.
