Diligent hand-washing is the number one way to protect yourself from the spread of germs and the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), but did you know that disinfecting your glasses plays a crucial role as well? Experts say that maintaining the cleanliness of your eyewear is quite easy to do without damaging the lens coatings or frames.
“The best way to do this is no different than cleaning our hands,” Essilor of America’s eye doctor spokesman, Dr. Ryan Parker, O.D., says.
So what are the specifics of eyewear sanitation? We’re glad you asked.
The Secret to Sanitizing Your Glasses: Keep it Simple!
When it comes to cleaning your glasses, Parker advises, “Using hot water and lotion-free soap will do the trick.”
Soaps with lotion or a heavier consistency can leave behind residue, so these are best to avoid.
“You would want to stay away from soaps that have those abrasive beads in them,” Parker says. “Simple soap and hot water will clean the lenses, remove bacteria and viruses, and be safe for all parts of the glasses.”
So, stick to the basics, and you will get the job done.
What Kind of Solution Can I Use to Clean My Glasses?
Although household disinfectants are great for removing smudges on most surfaces, Parker advises that when cleaning your glasses, it is best to “stay away from household glass cleaners, as they have chemicals in them that can damage certain lens coatings.”
Lens cleaners are available online, but you can also make your own eyeglasses cleaning solution.
“A diluted solution, 70% isopropyl alcohol, is useful,” Parker says. “It should not pose any issues to good-quality lenses, but one should be careful because it can remove some ink and dyes from the frame.”
Drying Your Glasses Also Requires Precaution
Protecting your glasses includes being mindful of what you use to dry them. “It is best to use a soft cloth when drying eyeglasses and to avoid paper products like paper towels and facial tissues,” Parker says.
Soft cloths are best to use to protect your glasses. You also can take pride in the fact that you will not be wasting paper when drying your specs, especially since products like paper towels can be especially hard to find during the coronavirus pandemic.
Wondering how to make sure your glasses stay clean throughout the day? It’s as easy as keeping a microfiber cloth in a clean, easily accessible place, such as a glasses case.
Most importantly, keep those hands clean. This will keep you and your glasses germ-free and safe from other contagions, essentially protecting you from the coronavirus as well.
SEE RELATED: How Did My Readers Get So Dirty?
How to Effectively Wash Your Hands
Diligent hand-washing can be a challenge (it’s easy to forget to spend 20 seconds at the sink after every trip outside, for instance), but it’s the easiest way to make sure you are staying protected from viruses and germs.
Cleaning your hands is especially important before you take off or put on your glasses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend taking the following steps for proper hand-washing:
- Turn water on low — just enough to get your hands wet.
- Apply soap and lather by rubbing your hands together.
- Scrub your hands for 20 seconds — between your fingers, on the backs of your hands and under your fingernails. Try singing a 20-second chorus from one of your favorite songs to keep time.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly with fresh water.
- Dry your hands with a clean towel, then turn off the water using a towel or your elbow.
Once your hands are washed, clean your glasses. Parker’s tips will help ensure that your eyewear is free from germs and coronavirus.
Though we are living in a period of uncertainty, especially regarding our health, proper hygiene practices are the best way to protect ourselves and others from the spread of germs.
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