Oakley sunglasses are known and well-loved for their premium quality, stylish designs, and advanced lens technologies like polarization and anti-reflective coatings. Whether sporting a pair of Oakleys for fashion or functionality, keeping them clean is key to maintaining optimal clarity and extending the sunglasses’ lifespan.
In this blog, we’ll take you through best practices for cleaning Oakley sunglasses, including tips for polarized lenses and caring for your cleaning cloth.
The Correct Way to Clean Oakley Sunglasses (and Other High-End Brands)
When cleaning Oakley sunglasses — or any other high-end eyewear, for that matter — the approach needs to be gentle yet effective. Many lenses, including Oakleys, are built with cutting-edge materials that can easily be damaged if mishandled or cleaned improperly.
Here are the four steps you need to follow to clean your high-end sunglasses properly.
Step 1 — Rinse with Warm Water
Before using any cleaning products, start by rinsing your Oakley sunglasses with warm water. This helps remove dust, dirt, or sand particles that could scratch the lenses during cleaning.
Step 2 — Use a Mild Cleaning Solution
Oakley sells their own lens cleaning solutions, but you can also use a mild soap. Choose a soap without harsh chemicals, alcohol, or ammonia as they can strip lenses of protective coatings.
Step 3 — Gently Wipe with a Microfiber Cloth
After applying the cleaning solution (or soap) wipe your lenses in a gentle, circular motion with a microfiber cloth. Microfiber is best because it picks up lint and dust without leaving scratches.
Step 4 — Dry Properly
After wiping, use a clean section of the microfiber cloth to dry the sunglass lenses thoroughly. Air-drying is also an option, but avoid placing them in direct sunlight for extended periods.
Special Care Tips for Polarized Lenses and Anti-Reflective Coatings
Oakley is known for its polarized sunglasses, which reduce glare from reflective surfaces during activities like driving, fishing, or skiing. Anti-reflective coatings, on the other hand, are designed to reduce light reflections, improving clarity and comfort.
While polarized lenses and anti-reflective coatings offer exceptional benefits for sunglass wearers, they will require special attention when cleaning.
Cleaning Polarized Lenses
• Rinse First — As with standard lenses, always rinse polarized sunglasses before wiping to ensure there are no small particles that could scratch the lenses during cleaning.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals — Polarized lenses have a special coating that can be easily damaged by harsh chemicals. Stick to mild soap or Oakley-approved cleaning solutions.
• Use the Right Cloth — When wiping polarized lenses, always use a microfiber or a lens-specific cleaning cloth. Paper towels or other rough materials can scratch the surface and compromise the polarization.
Cleaning Lenses with Anti-Reflective Coatings
• No Household Cleaners — Avoid using household glass cleaners or vinegar on lenses with anti-reflective coatings. These products can strip away the coating, leading to streaks or reduced performance.
• Be Gentle — Anti-reflective coatings are thinner and more delicate than standard lenses, so it’s essential to be extra gentle when cleaning. Always wipe with soft, microfiber materials in a light, circular motion.
• Inspect for Streaks — Anti-reflective lenses are more prone to streaks, so make sure to wipe them down thoroughly until they are streak-free. If streaking persists, dampen your cleaning cloth slightly and repeat the process.
Taking these precautions will preserve the integrity of your polarized lenses and anti-reflective coatings, ensuring that your Oakley sunglasses perform at their best for as long as possible.
TwoHome Remedies for Cleaning Your Sunglasses
While professional, Oakley-approved cleaning products are the best option for cleaning Oakley sunglasses, there are some safe home remedies you can use if you're in a pinch.
1 — Vinegar
Vinegar is commonly recommended as a household cleaner, and while it can be used for eyewear, it should be done with caution.
For Oakley and other high-end sunglasses, it's best to avoid using vinegar directly on the lenses, especially those with coatings; vinegar’s acidity can degrade these protective layers over time. However, you can use a diluted vinegar solution — one part vinegar to four parts water — on sunglass frames or nose pads to remove grime and oil.
2 — Dish Soap
For a more lens-safe cleaning solution, a drop of mild dish soap mixed with warm water is highly effective. Opt for soaps that do not contain lotions, harsh chemicals, alcohol, or ammonia as these ingredients can affect the lens coatings.
Here’s how to clean your sunglass lenses with dish soap:
• Rinse your sunglasses with warm water.
• Add a drop of mild dish soap to your fingers, then gently rub the lenses and frames.
• Rinse thoroughly with water, ensuring that no soap residue remains.
• Dry with a clean microfiber cloth or air-dry (not in direct sunlight).
Caring for Your Cleaning Cloth
We’ve talked a lot about cleaning solutions, but your microfiber cloth plays just as important a role in keeping your Oakley (and other high-end) sunglasses scratch-free. But, because dirt and oils can accumulate on your microfiber cloth over time, it’s important to clean the cloth regularly.
Using a dirty cloth will not only smear your lenses, but it can scratch them, too!
When washing your microfiber cloth:
• Only use mild detergent
• Avoid fabric softeners and bleach
• Air-dry the cloth to maintain its softness
Do's and Don'ts of Sunglass Maintenance
Maintaining your Oakley sunglasses goes beyond just cleaning the lenses. Proper storage, handling, and overall care are essential to keeping them in top condition.
So, to help you keep your sunglasses in tip-top shape, here are our DO’s and DON’Ts of high-end sunglass maintenance.
DO Store Sunglasses in a Case
When not in use, always store your sunglasses in a hard-shell, soft-lined protective case.
DO Use Both Hands to Remove Sunglasses
When taking off your sunglasses, use both hands to avoid bending the frames.
DO Clean Regularly
Regular cleaning prevents built-up contaminants that can damage your lenses over time.
DO Check for Loose Screws
Periodically check (and tighten) your sunglasses hinges and screws to maintain frame integrity.
DON’T Use Your Shirt or Paper Towels
It’s tempting to quickly wipe your sunglasses on your shirt or a paper towel, but those scratch!
DON’T Leave Them in Hot Cars
Prolonged exposure to heat can warp frames and damage your sunglass's lens coatings.
DON’T Place Sunglasses Face Down
Always rest your sunglasses with the lenses facing up to avoid scratches or other lens damage.
DON’T Use Abrasive Cleaners
Stick to designated eyewear cleaning solutions to avoid irreparable lens damage and abrasion.
Wrap Up
Oakley sunglasses are an investment in both style and functionality, and they deserve proper care and attention. With gentle cleaning methods, specific care for polarized lenses and anti-reflective coatings, and regular cleaning ad storage, you can get the most out of your Oakley (or other high-end brand) sunglasses.
A few simple steps will keep your sunglasses pristine and high-performing for years to come!
