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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Cleaning glasses (the eye kind)

21 replies

lookingforsunshine · 13/10/2015 13:20

I wear glasses most of the time. Whatever I do they end up dirty round the edges. What am I doing wrong? I clean them regularly (once a week) with a cloth and cleaning solution from opticians.

There seems to be grime/ mould (??ew?) in between the frame and lenses.

Occasionally I get them cleaned in the opticians.

They aren't really old (probably had them about 2 years) and I've had this problem before.

Please help!

OP posts:
Whatevva · 13/10/2015 13:24

I clean mine every morning by running them under warm water and drying them with my e-cloth glass polishing cloth Grin It makes them very clear and sparkly.

ShatnersBassoon · 13/10/2015 13:25

I got new glasses a couple of days ago and was told to wash them in mild soapy water. A tiny spot of washing up liquid in a bowl will dissolve the grease.

Basketofchocolate · 13/10/2015 13:28

Washing up liquid.

Tarzanlovesgaby · 13/10/2015 13:29

warm water and washing liquid.

for inbetween glass cleaner wipes (you can get them at lidl)

Pasithea · 13/10/2015 13:31

Oh an optician. Warm soapy water with washing up liquid. Swish them round a bit. Then thoroughly rinse and dry with a lint free cloth careful not to scratch the lens.

lookingforsunshine · 13/10/2015 14:38

Really?!! I'd no idea. Are most people washing their spectacles with washing up liquid. I'm amazed. Thanks everyone.

OP posts:
Whatevva · 13/10/2015 14:43

I used to use washing up liquid but now use water and the microfiber cloth - it is quicker and better. Unfortunately, it is the same one I use for the bathroom tiles - I really ought to buy a special one. The glasses need replacing anyway so I am not worried about them.

WingsClipped · 14/10/2015 07:48

Another using wul here. Gets rid of dirt and grease perfectly

IlPorcupinoNilSodomyEst · 14/10/2015 07:51

I put mine in the sink in warm water and a squidge of wul while I'm in the shower, gives them a few mins to soak.

magimedi · 14/10/2015 08:23

I use warm water & a glasses cleaning cloth. I was told that washing up liquid wasn't good for the non scratch coating.

PigletJohn · 14/10/2015 14:02

You can also wash them with shampoo or bath foam if you happen to be in the bath. If you are in the kitchen, WUL, especially if you are frying. My lens coating lasts a few years.

A cotton vest or similar (must be perfectly clean) is needed to polish off the water. The one you are about to wear will do.

Paper tissues will dull the surface.

Washing them once a week they must be filthy.

nothingwittyhere · 14/10/2015 14:34

I clean mine every day and can also recommend the e-cloth for glass. It's nice and big (so don't need to wash it very frequently) and works just with hot water.
My partner cleans his much less often and I can't understand how he's happy with his smeary lenses!

Sgtmajormummy · 14/10/2015 15:56

Is it a problem of makeup or facecream getting between the lenses and the (plastic) frame? In that case I think you should soak them in water and baby shampoo to dissolve it, then buff with an ecloth.

Get them cleaned regularly by the optician too, as s/he will use heat to expand the frame, pop out the lenses and put it all back together safely.

JimmyCorkhill · 14/10/2015 21:34

I am shocked. I have worn glasses my whole life and have NEVER washed them. It didn't occur to me Blush I just rub them with my t shirt when they get smeary. Washing them once a week they must be filthy. Yes, my current pair (approx 5 years old) are minging. I just thought that was the nature of the beast. And opticians will clean them for you? Shock

DaimYou · 14/10/2015 21:44

I wash mine with warm soapy water (liquid hand soap) and dry with microfiber lens cloth every morning. I have always found the breathe on them and wipe on t-shirt method just makes them worse Grin

I have to admit the coating on my last pair was pretty dreadful by the time I replaced them, but they must have been at least 8 years old.

hugoagogo · 14/10/2015 21:50

I wash them with shampoo and warm water sometimes. If I see ds' specs in the bathroom I give his a quick swish as well.

Mostly I rub them on the bottom of my t shirt.

JimmyCorkhill · 16/10/2015 08:34

I washed them! Lovely sparkling glasses Grin

teacherwith2kids · 16/10/2015 08:39

Don't dry them, is my solution. Wash with a little WUL, then pass them upright through running water slowly until the water runs straight over the lens. A small shake to remove the last water from the bottom of the frame (or blot just the bottom of the frame on a cloth) and you're ready.

Dirtydiana · 17/10/2015 19:01

I work in an opticians. WUL may break down any coatings you have on the lenses eventually as it is too harsh. Hand soap is OK for a good clean under warm water, plus use the lens cleaning sprays along with your lens cloth and the wipes specifically for spec lenses.

lookingforsunshine · 20/10/2015 11:45

Thanks everyone.

Will hand soup be enough to get rid of the mould? It's trapped between the rim and the frame and is luminous green coloured!!

OP posts:
EmNetta · 22/10/2015 00:51

I'd use an artist's paintbrush for cleaning mould, and I usually use wul.

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