The Ultimate Sunglasses Care Guide – Matteo Fiorentino

Key Takeaways

• Always store sunglasses in a case to prevent scratches and bending.
• Use a microfiber cloth for cleaning—never paper towels or clothing.
• Avoid leaving sunglasses in direct heat (like in a car) to prevent warping.
• Handle by the frame, not the lenses to keep them smudge-free.
• Check and tighten screws regularly to prevent loose arms or breakage.

Sunglasses Are More Than Just an Accessory—Take Care of Them Like One

A great pair of sunglasses is a finishing touch to a well-curated look. Whether you’re rocking classic aviators, bold wayfarers, or sophisticated round frames, keeping them in pristine condition ensures they remain stylish and functional.

Scratched lenses, bent frames, or loose hinges can quickly turn premium shades into a worn-out mess. This guide will teach you how to properly clean, store, and maintain your sunglasses so they last for seasons to come.

1. Store Sunglasses Properly to Avoid Damage

Tossing your sunglasses into your bag or pocket is the fastest way to ruin them. Proper storage prevents scratches, broken arms, and bent frames.

Best Storage Practices:

✅ Keep sunglasses in a hard-shell case when not in use.
✅ Use a soft microfiber pouch if carrying them in a pocket.
✅ Place them lens-up on a flat surface—never face-down.
✅ Avoid hanging sunglasses from your shirt collar—this stretches the arms over time.

🚫 Biggest Mistake: Leaving sunglasses loose in a car or bag—this almost guarantees scratches or bent frames.

2. Clean Lenses the Right Way (No T-Shirts!)

Cleaning your sunglasses the wrong way can actually cause more damage than good. Paper towels, tissues, and clothing fabrics can leave micro-scratches that dull your lenses over time.

How to Clean Sunglasses Properly:

✅ Use a microfiber cloth—it’s designed to clean lenses without scratching.
✅ For deep cleaning, use lens-safe cleaner or warm water with a drop of mild soap.
✅ Dry with a clean microfiber cloth, using soft circular motions.

🚫 Avoid These Common Mistakes:
❌ Using paper towels or rough fabrics—they cause tiny scratches.
❌ Blowing on lenses and wiping with your shirt—moisture can contain dust that scratches.
❌ Using household glass cleaners—they contain ammonia, which can strip coatings.

3. Protect Sunglasses from Heat & Warping

Extreme heat weakens frames, warps plastic, and damages lens coatings.

How to Protect Sunglasses from Heat:

✅ Store them in a case in a cool place when not in use.
✅ Keep sunglasses away from direct sunlight when stored.
✅ If your sunglasses feel too hot (like after being in a car), let them cool before wearing—warped frames can become uncomfortable.

🚫 Never leave sunglasses in a hot car—this is one of the top causes of frame warping!

4. Handle with Care: Avoid Smudges & Loose Hinges

How you handle your sunglasses affects their longevity. Constantly grabbing them by the lenses leads to smudges, while rough handling loosens screws and weakens hinges.

Best Handling Practices:

✅ Always pick up sunglasses by the frame, not the lenses.
✅ Use both hands to take them on and off—this prevents stretching the arms.
✅ Avoid excessive bending or twisting of the frame.

Bonus Tip: If your sunglasses start feeling loose, tighten the hinge screws gently with a small eyeglass screwdriver.

5. Check & Maintain Screws & Hinges Regularly

Over time, screws in your sunglasses' hinges can loosen from wear.

How to Maintain Screws & Hinges:

✅ Check hinges once a month for looseness.
✅ Tighten screws gently with a precision screwdriver if needed.
✅ If a screw is lost, take sunglasses to an optical shop for a replacement.

🚫 Avoid overtightening, as this can strip the screw and make repairs difficult.

6. Protect Lenses with a Scratch-Resistant Coating

While no lens is 100% scratch-proof, using a protective coating helps reduce wear over time.

How to Protect Your Lenses:

✅ If buying new sunglasses, opt for scratch-resistant lenses.
✅ Use a lens protector spray to maintain coating longevity.
✅ If scratches appear, consider replacing lenses instead of the entire frame.

🚫 Never try DIY scratch removal hacks like toothpaste or baking soda—these often cause more damage!

Final Thoughts: Treat Your Sunglasses Like an Investment

A well-maintained pair of sunglasses enhances your look and protects your eyes, but only if they stay in top condition. By following these care tips, you’ll keep your shades looking as sleek and stylish as the day you got them.