Eyeglasses are a necessity for more than half of the population, and an expensive one at that. Buying a pair of glasses is the same as making an investment on the future health of your eyes, but when you scratch those glasses it can feel like the end of the world. And if you have to keep replacing those scratched glasses, it can feel like you’re just wasting money.
Preventing scratches is the most ideal scenario, but when the damage has already been done, there are ways you can remove scratches from your eyeglasses at home. Here are a few of the ones we’ve tried and liked.
Baking Soda
Before you start any sort of scratch removal, you should always clean your glasses. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda with some water – just enough so it makes a thick, white paste. From there, spread the paste over your lenses with a cotton ball or clean microfiber cloth, gently rubbing in a circular motion to buff. Rinse and repeat until the scratches are no longer visible, then clean again before wearing.
Non-Abrasive Toothpaste
Toothpaste must be non-abrasive, or it will create more scratches on your lenses. Gently apply with a clean microfiber cloth, wool cloth, or cotton ball, then rub toothpaste gently in circles for ten seconds or so. Rinse with cold water and repeat until scratches are completely removed. Clean before wearing.
Car Cleaning Wax
Car cleaning and automobile wax is usually used to polish cars, and can be found at most hardware and automobile stores. It does more to fill the scratches than remove them from your lenses, but it achieves the same desired effect. Apply with a soft, clean microfiber or wool cloth, and gently rub into lenses to fill in and buff out the scratches. Because the wax easily adheres to fabric, you’ll probably need a few cloths to get the job done.
Overview
There are lots of ways you can extend the lifespan of your glasses, but these are just three of our favorite ways to remove scratches. To prevent scratches, regularly clean your glasses, and be sure to buy scratch resistant frames from places like Warby Parker.