The wrong cleaning habits are one of the top causes of avoidable lens damage. Here's the method that actually protects your coatings.
Run lenses under lukewarm water to remove dust and grit before touching them -- this is the step most people skip, and skipping it is the #1 cause of fine scratches.
A tiny drop of gentle, lotion-free dish soap on each lens, rubbed gently with your fingers, cuts through oils better than dry wiping ever will.
Rinse all soap off completely -- residue left to dry can leave a hazy film.
Pat and gently wipe dry with a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid paper towels, tissues, and clothing, which contain coarser fibers.
Contain wood fibers coarse enough to create fine surface scratches over time.
Doesn't clean effectively and can leave residue that attracts more dust.
Ammonia-based cleaners can damage anti-reflective and other lens coatings.
Shirts and sweaters often carry hidden grit from the day, which then rubs directly onto the lens.
Can I use rubbing alcohol on my lenses? +
How often should I deep clean my glasses? +
What's the best cloth to use? +
My lenses look hazy even after cleaning -- why? +
Every Shade Gray order ships with proper lens care in mind -- coatings that hold up when cleaned the right way.