5 Tips for Sunglasses Care
If you look after a good quality pair of sunglasses well, they should last you upwards of ten years.
However, with more than 4 million pairs of eyewear being sent to landfills in the United States every year and Australia and the UK both experiencing high numbers of their own, it's clear that not everyone is doing so.
While this is bad for the environment, it also isn’t great for your bank balance, as a good pair of shades can set you back hundreds of dollars.
So, what steps can you take to ensure your current pair enjoys as long a shelf-life as it can possibly do?
1. Don't lose them
We’ve all been guilty of losing a pair of sunnies at one point or another. However, if you want to keep your favourite 1001 Optometry Prada sunglasses for a long time, you are going to need to make a conscious effort not to do so again.
Lost or forgotten sunglasses is one of the leading causes of why eyewear ends up in landfills. So, it is important to develop habits that will reduce the chances of this happening to you.
For instance, you should always put them in a case and store them in your handbag when out or in your breast pocket as opposed to leaving them on a table. Additionally, at home, try to always keep them in the same place, like your bedside table.
Other things you could do include attaching a neck cord to it, which is handy if you will constantly be taking them off and putting them on again. Alternatively, buying a pair of smart sunglasses will allow you to track their location via Bluetooth.
2. Always put them in their case
Not losing your sunglasses is one thing, but taking care of them is something else completely, which is why you should always put them in their case.
It is easy to just leave them on the bedside table, in the centre console of your vehicle, or loose in your handbag. However, doing so exposes them to a greater risk of scratches and damage, which is why you should always put them in your case.
This simple act will go a long way towards maintaining the longevity of your sunglasses, and once you start to do so, it will become second nature.
3. Wipe them carefully
As sunglasses are worn mainly outside, they are prone to attract grime and smudges from various sources, including dust and dirt, salts or chlorine from the ocean or a pool, oils from our skin or fingers, and general dust and dirt.
Therefore, to keep them in top condition, you must commit to regularly and carefully cleaning them. Doing this should involve rinsing them in warm water before giving them a soft clean with a mild dishwashing solution or soap. Just make sure you have clean hands before you start.
When finished, dry them with a microfibre cloth and not an item of clothing, as the fibres within them can scratch or otherwise compromise the lenses.
4. Don’t clean them with harmful substances
It is important to always use a mild dishwashing soap or solution and never anything like a household cleaner, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol when cleaning your sunglasses because these harmful agents might contain harsh ammonia and chemicals that can damage them.
Lenses are usually constructed from specialist coatings which can easily become compromised by these substances. At the same time, you should refrain from cleaning your lenses with your breath, as doing this will create more smears and smudges.
Here is some more information about how to clean your eyewear.
5. Don't leave them exposed in your car
Another thing we often do that we shouldn’t is leave sunglasses on the dashboard of a car for a prolonged period, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Cars get extremely hot when exposed to the sun, which, of course, is why you should never leave children in them for even a minute. However, leaving sunglasses by the windshield in the car is not recommended because it can cause the lenses to delaminate, which can reduce their performance through the degradation of their mirroring and anti-reflective coatings.
Finishing Up
Taking care of your sunglasses isn’t just about keeping them looking good — it’s about protecting your investment and reducing unnecessary waste.
By building simple habits like storing them in a case, cleaning them properly, and keeping them out of extreme conditions, you can extend their lifespan and keep them in top condition for years. A little extra care means clearer vision, fewer replacements, and a lower environmental impact.
So, treat your sunnies with the same care you would any valuable item, and they’ll continue to serve you well for the long haul. Your wallet—and the planet—will thank you.