Scratches on sunglasses can block your view through the lenses and can even interfere with the polarity of sunglasses used for sports such as skiing and golf. There are several ways to remove scratches from sunglasses, such as by using toothpaste, baking soda, or an oily substance to polish or fill in gaps.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Sunglasses with Toothpaste
Step 1. Purchase a non-abrasive white toothpaste
Do not use toothpaste that contains min, gel, and/or teeth whitening ingredients. Plain white toothpaste is the most effective option for cleaning eyeglass lenses. Meanwhile, toothpaste that contains a special formula can actually aggravate lens damage. A toothpaste containing baking soda like Arm & Hammer's is a good choice because it cleans without abrasive chemicals.
Step 2. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the cotton ball
Use just a little so that your glasses don't get stained with toothpaste. Cotton balls are the most effective option because they don't leave much lint after use.
Step 3. Rub a cotton ball on the scratch
Move the cotton ball in a circular motion for about 10 minutes on each scratched area. This movement will help polish the scratches on the lens.
Step 4. Rinse off the remaining toothpaste on the lens
Place the glasses under cold running water to rinse off any remaining toothpaste. Swirl the lens under water to make sure all the toothpaste residue is removed. Pay attention to the remaining toothpaste that sticks especially to the area where the lens and eyeglass frames meet.
Step 5. Wipe off the remaining toothpaste with a soft, lint-free cloth
Do not use a rough or dirty cloth because it can add scratches to the glasses. Gently wipe the cloth with your thumb and index finger to remove any excess water and toothpaste. Be careful not to press too hard on the lens as it may fall off the frame.
Step 6. Observe the lens
Place the lens under the lamp to make sure the scratches are gone. Put your sunglasses back on and watch for any visible scratches. If there are still scratches on the lens, clean the lens with toothpaste and a cotton ball again until the scratches are completely gone.
Method 2 of 3: Mixing Water and Baking Soda
Step 1. Prepare water and baking soda
The alkaline nature of baking soda is effective in destroying acidic residue and restoring lens clarity. When mixed, water and baking soda form a thick paste that can be used to remove scratches as well as clean glasses.
Step 2. Combine 1:2 water and baking soda in a small bowl
The amount of water and baking soda you use should match the size and number of scratches on your sunglasses. Start by mixing 1 tablespoon of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda then add more if there are a lot of scratches on your sunglasses.
Step 3. Mix water and baking soda
Mix the two together to form a thick paste. Make sure the paste is not too runny as it will be less effective at removing scratches.
Step 4. Prepare the cotton ball
Dip some cotton balls in the water and baking soda mixture. You only need a small amount of baking soda paste to remove any streaks.
Step 5. Rub the baking soda paste onto the scratched surface
Take a cotton ball and rub it over the scratched surface in a circular motion for about 10 minutes. This movement will help polish the scratches on the glasses.
Step 6. Rinse the baking soda paste off the lens
Use cold or room temperature water to clean the baking soda paste. Pay close attention to the gaps between the lenses and the frames of the glasses and any small indentations that may be filled with paste.
Step 7. Clean the eyeglass lenses with a soft, lint-free cloth
The type of cloth you use is very important so that your glasses don't get scratched even more when you clean them. Consider purchasing a microfiber eyeglass cleaning cloth at a local optician or pharmacy. Use this rag to remove any remaining paste from the eyeglass lenses.
Step 8. Observe the lens
Place the sunglasses under the light and see if any scratches remain. Continue the cleaning process with a cotton ball and baking soda paste if there are still visible scratches on the lens.
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning with Glossy, Car Wax or Furniture
Step 1. Prepare a car wax, furniture wax, or brass or silver polish
These types of polishes and waxes have the same effect on lenses as on other surfaces. This material is often very effective at removing scratches on sunglasses, especially those made of plastic. However, do not use abrasive or acidic cleaning agents as they can cause damage to the glasses and leave a residue that is harmful to the eyes.
Step 2. Pour a small amount of material on a cotton ball
A soft, lint-free cloth is also suitable for this step. Do not use abrasive tools such as steel fiber, brass fiber, sponge, or plastic fiber as this will only make the damage to your sunglasses worse.
Step 3. Rub wax / gloss on the scratches
Use a soft cloth or cotton ball to gently rub the material onto the scratched surface in a circular motion for about 10 seconds. Glosses and waxes can fill in the gaps in the scratches on eyeglass lenses.
Step 4. Prepare a new soft, lint-free cloth
Make sure the cloth is dry as it will be used to remove any polish or wax from the lens. Wipe the cloth with your thumb and forefinger to remove any remaining polish or wax from the lenses of the glasses.
Step 5. Observe the scratches on the glasses
Place the glasses under the lamp and watch for any remaining scratches. Put the sunglasses back on to make sure there are no more scratches on your field of vision. If scratches are still visible on the lenses, use wax / polish and gently clean the lenses again until the scratches are completely gone.
Tips
- Store sunglasses in a protected case to reduce the risk of being scratched.
- Consider buying guaranteed sunglasses so you can exchange them for new ones if they get scratched and beyond repair.
- Always use a soft, lint-free cloth when cleaning sunglasses.
