You clean them with what????

We like to think we’re not that easily shockable here at EYES on St Albans. We’ve seen the boldest colour choices, the quirkiest frame shapes, and some truly inventive repair jobs. However, one thing we never cease to be surprised at is what people admit to using to clean their glasses.

Now, before we start naming names, let’s be clear: we get it. Smudged lenses are annoying, and when you’re out and about, you’ll grab whatever’s handy. But here’s the thing — some of those “handy” solutions could be slowly destroying your lenses and costing you a small fortune in repairs or replacements.

So, in the interests of both eye health and eyewear preservation, here are some of the worst offenders we’ve heard about (and, yes, people really do these things)…

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Sandpaper
Just… no. We wouldn’t even mention it if it hadn’t actually been done. Sandpaper is for woodwork, not eyewear. Even the lightest touch will scratch the lenses beyond repair.

Toilet roll (or kitchen roll, or napkins)
Better than sandpaper (obviously), but still not a good idea. Paper products tend to spread oil and grease around rather than remove it — and they leave behind that dusty lint that clings to everything.

Your own saliva
Particularly popular with children, and occasionally spotted in desperate adults. It doesn’t clean; it just smears. And it’s… well… gross.

Vinegar and lemon juice
Yes, they’ll cut through grease, but they also strip the protective coatings from your lenses. Those coatings are there to reduce glare, repel dust, and protect your eyes — so removing them is a fast track to blurry vision and premature lens replacement.

Your clothes
The old shirt sleeve polish. Do this in front of Jez and, well, consider yourself warned! Clothing fibres can be surprisingly abrasive, especially if they’ve picked up dust or grit.

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So what should you use?

Pop in and see us for a complimentary bottle of our brilliant Squeaky Clean lens cleaner and one of our equally brilliant microfibre cloths. They’re designed to clean gently and effectively, so you’ll get crystal-clear vision without damaging your lenses.

Because great eyewear deserves great care — and your eyes deserve the best view possible.