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Keeping glasses clean is the only way to ensure that they’re doing their job, so choosing a spectacles cleaner that will suit your routines and activities without causing undue damage to your sensitive lenses is important. Dust, oil, hair, and other types of grime are a normal part of everyday life, but nobody is more constantly reminded of the inconvenience they can cause than people who wear glasses. If you or someone you care about is burdened by the constant cycle of smudging and cleaning that comes with owning a pair of glasses, turn to one of the best glasses cleaners on the market to lessen the ache of spectacle maintenance.

Glasses wearers who intermittently reach for a pair of readers or who only put them on at specific times can benefit from a simple solution like glasses cleaner wipes or sprays, while long-term wearers or folks who engage in physically demanding activities may want to opt for a more robust cleaning solution like a microfiber or ultrasonic glasses cleaner. Below, we’ll break down a few types of the best eyeglasses cleaners available to help you find the right option for any situation.

How we chose the best glasses cleaners

Whether we’re wearing blue light glasses, readers, or sunglasses, most of us have experienced a stubborn smudged lens. Sure, you can always try to clean it on your t-shirt, but you always somehow get your fingerprint on the lens when you do that. In order to find the best glasses cleaners, we sprayed, wiped down, and wore our very own prescription glasses to see which contender held up, and which contenders left us besmirched and bothered.

The best glasses cleaners: Reviews & Recommendations

There’s a difference between products that will clean drinking glasses and other surfaces and glasses cleaner. One of our picks should be pocketable to protect your lenses on the go.

Best overall: Zeiss Lens Wipes

Zeiss Lens Wipes

Zeiss

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Specs

  • Form: Individually packaged lens wipes
  • Count: 200
  • Alcohol content: 40-50%
  • Expiration: 3 years from manufacture date

Pros

  • Perfect for on-the-go use
  • Gentle on lenses
  • Can be used on binoculars, cameras, and more

Cons

  • Single-use inherently not eco-friendly

Zeiss Lens Wipes are pre-moistened with an alcohol-based cleaner and come in a package of 200 wipes, making these some of the best glasses cleaner wipes for getting consistent results. Zeiss is a longstanding company that’s well-known for its high-quality optical products, including camera lenses and binoculars, so these wipes are designed to be extremely gentle on the most sensitive surfaces. These wipes are guaranteed to leave eyeglasses streak-free and contain no harsh ammonia-based products or fragrances.

You might want to avoid using them for smart glasses. Most manufacturers of those recommend using a damp washcloth and some mild soap or a non-alcohol-based cleaner.

Best cleaner clip: Peeps Carbon Klean Eyeglass Lens Cleaner

Peeps Carbon Klean Eyeglass Lens Cleaner

Peeps

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Specs

  • Form: Clip cleaner
  • Count: 1
  • Alcohol content: N/A
  • Expiration: 500 uses

Pros

  • Stashable
  • Eco-friendly
  • Cover keeps pads clean

Cons

  • Easy to lose

The Peeps glasses cleaner is small, making it easy to stow in a pocket or bag. It features two carbon microfiber pads situated at the top of the clip opposite one another for quick and easy cleaning and a brush end for disposing of dust and hair. The unit comes with a cover to keep the pads clean during storage and prolong their useful life as well.

Best anti-fog: Optix 55 Anti-Fog Spray

Optix 55 Anti-Fog Spray

Optix 55

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Specs

  • Form: Spray
  • Count: 1
  • Alcohol content: N/A
  • Expiration: 400 pumps

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Can be used on binoculars and goggles

Cons

  • Microfiber cloth not included
  • Not for anti-reflective glasses

Users searching for the best anti-fog glasses cleaner will appreciate that this glasses cleaner spray from Optix 55 is effective at preventing the formation of fog on a variety of optical products, including binoculars and swimming goggles. Simply spray to apply, spread it evenly with your finger, let it dry for one minute, and then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth for easy glasses fog-proofing. It’s hypoallergenic as well, so you can feel good about using it near your face, but be aware that it’s not made for use on AR-coated eyeglasses.

Best cloth: MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

MagicFiber

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Specs

  • Form: Microfiber cloth
  • Count: 6
  • Alcohol content: N/A
  • Expiration: N/A

Pros

  • Hand-washable
  • Not bulky
  • Can use on tablets and phones

Cons

  • A little small compared to other glasses cloths

These MagicFiber glasses cleaner cloths are the perfect solution for everyday glasses wearers who prefer a familiar and affordable way to clean their glasses. The glasses cleaners measure 6 x 7 inches each and come in packs of multiples for long-term convenience. Since they fold up flat, they’re great for storing in glasses cases without adding extra bulk, and they’re hand-washable so that you can get the most bang for your buck. They’re also great for cleaning your laptop screen.

Best ultrasonic: iSonic-D2840 Ultrasonic Cleaner

iSonic-D2840 Ultrasonic Cleaner

iSonic

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Specs

  • Form: Sonic cleaner
  • Count: 1
  • Alcohol content:
  • Expiration: N/A

Pros

  • Can be used with jewelry
  • Quiet
  • Lots of operation options

Cons

  • Might be too rough for delicate jewelry
  • Not portable

The iSonic D2840 is one of the best ultrasonic eyeglass cleaners on the market, delivering thorough performance and deep cleaning unparalleled by cloths and sprays. The unit sports a 1.6-liter tank and includes an interior basket for safe cleaning of your small items. A digital timer that ranges between 90 and 480 seconds allows for precise and controlled operation, and a blue interior LED indicates when the unit is running for peace of mind. This isn’t really a portable solution when compared to the others on this list, but it’s still the best option for getting dust and grime off of every square inch of your glasses. You don’t have to worry about your glasses breaking in an ultrasonic machine, either.

Best budget: BCP Mini Eyeglass Cleaning Brushes

BCP Mini Eyeglass Cleaning Brushes

BCP

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Specs

  • Form: Cleaning brush
  • Count: 12
  • Alcohol content: N/A
  • Expiration: N/A

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Multi-pack to leave one where you please
  • Handy

Cons

  • More frequent replacement compared to other models
  • Hard to reach into the glasses corner

The simple design of this glasses cleaner tool allows it to perform at a high level on a budget. Two microfiber pads sit at the ends of each arm, which attach at a ringed base that allows users to stow the cleaner on a keyring or lanyard. While the microfiber quality combined with the friendly price point makes this one of the best cheap glasses cleaners money can buy, this model doesn’t include any form of carrying case, so it’s likely that it will collect dust and debris faster than other systems, which may necessitate more frequent replacement.

What to consider when buying the best glasses cleaner

The best glasses cleaners come in a variety of forms suited for different environments and lifestyles. Some are portable and built for reusability, while others are disposable and designed primarily for consistency. From glasses cleaner cloths to ultrasonic eyeglass cleaners, here are some of our favorite glasses cleaners currently on the market.

Microfiber glasses cleaner clips

Glasses that are put through low-impact to moderately messy daily activities usually collect a good deal of dust and dirt from being worn on the face and stored outside of a case. Some of the best eyeglasses cleaners for managing the most common forms of surface oil and grime come in the form of compact reusable microfiber eyeglasses cleaner clips. These utilize a portable and easy-to-handle design that allows users to clean both sides of the lens at once while keeping a firm grip on their glasses.

When shopping for a microfiber glasses cleaner, it’s important to choose a design that comes with a cover to keep the cleaner from passively collecting dust and dirt when not in use. A cover keeps the delicate microfiber durable, but it also keeps other harmful debris from lodging in the cleaning pads and potentially scraping your lenses during cleaning. Some models of cleaner clips also include soft brush attachments, which can aid in removing loose powders from glasses in situations where microfiber may spread it around.

Anti-fog glasses cleaner

While eyeglasses get their name straight from one of the most common materials to ever exist, most lenses are actually made of a type of specialized plastic that’s better suited to optical use than traditional glass. Besides being lighter in weight, plastics and polycarbonates are more resistant to shattering from impacts than glass, and they bond much easier with anti-glare coatings. Despite all this, plastic is no less susceptible than glass to collecting moisture, and there’s never a safe or convenient time for your vision to be blocked by unwanted fog. Treating your glasses with an anti-fog glasses cleaner ensures that your lenses will stay sparkle-clear and perform as intended for sustained periods in any weather.

There are many varieties on the market to choose from, but the best anti-fog glasses cleaners generally form a coating on the lens over a period of multiple uses and are applied as a liquid directly to the plastic before being allowed to sit for some time. When shopping for an anti-fog glasses cleaner, you might opt for a model that comes in a spray bottle for ease of portability and quick application. Unlike normal water or alcohol compounds, anti-fog eyeglass cleaners make it harder for moisture to collect in humid environments and ensure that eyewear users can enjoy uninterrupted vision.

Glasses cleaner cloths

When cleaning glasses, not just any traditional cloth or fabric material will do; it’s crucial to select a cloth that’s designed specifically for eyewear to avoid irreversible damage from scratching and abrasion. Cleaning cloths come in many sizes and varieties, but the best glasses cleaner cloths are made from microfiber, an incredibly fine material made of polyester or nylon. A dense construction or weave allows microfiber to wick away grease, hair, and dirt of even the smallest sizes from sensitive and smooth surfaces like eyeglass lenses, making microfiber cleaning cloths an economical and simple solution for keeping glasses free of debris.

Another benefit of well-made microfiber cleaning cloths is their reusability, which makes them cost-effective and a good long-term solution for everyday glasses wearers. Though they are sensitive, many models can withstand hand washings, which can extend their effective life. Glasses cleaner cloths are a good choice for travelers due to their inherent portability, but they may attract dust and debris when stored improperly. For this reason, they work best if you’re open to washing them from time to time.

Glasses cleaner wipes

For fans of a disposable form factor, one-use glasses cleaner wipes are a fantastic way to get lenses sparkling clean quickly. Choosing glasses cleaner wipes over reusable products like microfiber cloths or clip cleaners is ideal in situations where you absolutely have to ensure that the cleaning product is free and clear of dirt and abrasive materials during each use. Because of their disposable nature, the best eyeglasses cleaner wipes will deliver a consistently streak-free finish in a very portable package.

Most spectacle cleaner wipes are folded cloths made of fine tissue that’s been treated with an alcohol-based cleaning solution free of harsh chemicals. It’s important to choose a wipe that’s designed specifically for critical applications over a generic alcohol wipe to prevent accidental scratches or other types of damage to arise during cleaning. Some of the best cleaning wipes on the market can be used for camera lenses, binocular lenses, and other sensitive optical surfaces, and the disposable format further ensures that users achieve the best results every time.

For heavy-duty cleaning: Ultrasonic eyeglass cleaners

Users who want to put their glasses through one of the most thorough and high-tech cleaning processes available should consider adding an ultrasonic eyeglass cleaner to their eyewear arsenal. Ultrasonic cleaning incorporates high-frequency sound and liquid solvents to disrupt and absorb a wide variety of surface contaminants, making it very useful for cleaning eyeglasses as well as jewelry and other everyday wearables. While this may be the priciest option on the list, ultrasonic eyeglass cleaners are still surprisingly affordable, considering that they provide an unparalleled level of clean for every surface and nook on a pair of glasses in addition to the lenses themselves.

When shopping for the best ultrasonic eyeglass cleaner, it’s important to ensure it includes a plastic basket or stand to keep your glasses elevated inside the compartment. Doing so prevents pitting from occurring and ensures that every area on the surface of the glasses is fully cleaned. Some models of ultrasonic cleaners also come with a proprietary solvent that promotes the dissolution of oils and dirt, so take note of the specific solvent type when it’s time to buy a refill.

Buy in bulk to get clean for less

Glasses cleaners are a relatively affordable category of product considering their usefulness, but that fact comes down to their simplicity in design above all else. If you’re looking for a way to clean your glasses on a budget, there are many good options to choose from, but there are some factors to take into consideration. When shopping for the best cheap glasses cleaner, make sure that the model in question doesn’t skimp on softness; cutting corners in cost often makes certain details imprecise, and it’s imperative that your cleaner doesn’t accidentally scratch your lenses by using coarse material. You may have to sacrifice reusability when going for an affordable way to get streak-free glasses, which may also be a limiting factor if you are concerned about creating waste.

FAQs

Q: What causes eyeglasses to become cloudy?

Cloudy eyeglass lenses are most commonly caused by accumulations of oil and dirt that go unaddressed over long periods of time, but they can also be caused by the formation of minuscule scratches from improper storage. To prevent eyeglasses from becoming cloudy, clean your lenses thoroughly and regularly, and store them securely in a case with a soft interior.

Q: Can you wash eyeglass cleaning cloths?

Microfiber eyeglass cleaning cloths can and should be washed to maximize their lifespan and cut down on waste. While these cloths are incredibly resilient and effective, it’s imperative to wash them by hand to prevent the introduction of snags or imperfections that might cause harm to your lenses.

Q: Is Windex good for cleaning eyeglasses?

Windex is a well-known cleaning product due to its ability to aggressively remove dirt and grime from glass, but it accomplishes this through the use of chemicals that are far too intense for use on eyeglasses. If you’re looking for an effective liquid glasses cleaner, stick to anti-fog spray or use pre-moistened glasses cleaner wipes.

Q: How often should you clean glasses?

Every one to two days will suffice. If you’re looking to get into the habit of cleaning your glasses, do so every morning so you can see clearly all day.

Final thoughts on the best glasses cleaners

Using the best glasses cleaners available ensures that your vision remains crystal clear every step of the way, and can even prolong the life of your lenses. There’s no one right way to clean your glasses, but using a mix of microfiber cloths and wipes, anti-fog sprays, ultrasonic cleaners, and microfiber clip cleaners can ensure that both you and your lenses are safe.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

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