No matter how careful you try to be with your glasses, chances are over time; you will accidentally scratch your lenses. This is simply part of owning a pair of glasses. However, while you could make a visit to your local optic store for expensive glasses repair, there are actually ways that you can fix your scratched glasses right at home without paying expensive repair fees.
Depending on how deep the scratches are, there are three main ways to fix your lenses at home. These can deliver pretty significant results. However, if the scratches are still noticeable enough to impair your vision, you will need to go to a professional to get them repaired for your own safety.
The best thing about these solutions is that they can also be used on sunglasses, safety glasses, and sports glasses as well. Here are some of the main ways to fix any pair of glasses right at home.
How to Fix Small Scratches
Small scratches happen to glasses all of the time, no matter how careful you may be or how often you use your case to store your glasses. When minor scratches appear on the lenses, the first thing you should do is run them under warm water. Hold them under the water for 30-60 seconds. Many times, removing debris from the lenses is enough to remove the look of scratches. This process can be used on glass or plastic lenses.
There are other solutions that can work for removing these tiny scratches, such as window cleaning spray and glass cleaning solution. However, it is important that you are careful with the products that you use to clean your lenses. The lens of your glasses has several coatings on it, and if you use chemicals that are too abrasive, they can actually dig away at this coating and eventually make the scratches and imperfections worse.
Do not use soap, hand sanitizers, regular home cleaning products, peroxide, or alcohol to clean your glasses.
After you apply your solution, make sure that you have a soft cloth to wipe your glasses clean. Do not use a shirt tail, paper towel, toilet paper, or any other rough fabric. You should only be using a soft microfiber cloth.
Swipe the cloth back and forth over the lenses to remove the scratches. If you use circular motions, it can create smudges that will make it difficult to see. Take caution when cleaning to make sure that you don’t do any additional damage.
Fixing Deep Scratches With Toothpaste
Standard white toothpaste is your best friend when it comes to dealing with deeper scratches in your lenses. This technique works on both glass and plastic lenses. After you have cleaned off your glasses with a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth, and scratches are still on your lenses, it is time to try a more serious solution to get rid of the deep scratches. Here is how it is done:
- Take your toothpaste and swipe it over the area of the lens with the scratch.
- Take a microfiber cloth and rub the toothpaste over the lens.
- Use a side-to-side motion to continue to rub the toothpaste in. Do not just focus on one area for too long; the toothpaste is actually an abrasive, and if rubbed in too long, it can actually damage the lens.
- Wash off the toothpaste with warm water.
- Gently dry off with a microfiber cloth until all of the scratches are gone.
This process may not be a permanent solution, but it can help eliminate deeper scratches, and the toothpaste, surprisingly, won’t leave behind any visible residue. The small abrasives are gentle enough to buff away the scratch without damaging the actual glass in the lens.
Repairing Stubborn Scratches With Baking Soda
This is another scratch-removal process that works for both plastic and glass lenses. Creating a paste out of baking soda and water works similarly to toothpaste when attempting to remove stubborn scratches. Gently mix two parts baking soda together with one part water until thick paste forms.
Use a soft cotton cloth and gently rub it onto the glasses in a circular motion. Once you have covered the entire lens, rinse off and dry with a microfiber cloth. For stubborn scratches, you may need to repeat the process several times.
Automotive Products for Eye Glasses
Automotive products can actually go a long way in helping remove scratches from both plastic and glass lenses. The first solution is vehicle cleaning wax. Apply with your soft, clean microfiber cloth and work it into the glasses in a circular motion, buffing the lenses. However, the wax can easily adhere to your cloth, so you may need to use several microfiber cloths while removing scratches in this way.
Another automobile product that can be applied in a similar manner as windshield water repellent. While it may not remove deeper scratches as other products can, it can help with smaller, more superficial scratches. As an added perk, it will also prevent your glasses from fogging up during the day.
Fixing Deep Plastic Lens Scratches With Glass Etching Compound
Glass etching compounds are great for removing deep, stubborn scratches on glasses. However, it is only recommended that it is used on plastic glasses as there is a risk that it can harm these types of lenses. While it may work on glass lenses, repeated use can actually permanently damage your glass lenses. The hydrofluoric acid in this compound will actually remove the top layer of the plastic lens and the scratches that appear in this layer along with it.
Here’s how to use this compound:
- Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands and gather several Q-tips in order to apply the substance properly.
- Using your swab, apply the glass etching compound in a thin layer over the top of the glasses. Do not rub or buff it in.
- Do not let the compound sit for long, it only needs to be on for a minute or two. It is very powerful, and the acid in this product can quickly start eating away at the lens.
- Wash the lenses thoroughly with warm water, making sure there is no product left behind.
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe and dry off the lens, rubbing side to side until the lenses are completely clear.
Since this acidic compound is so powerful, it is recommended that you only use this solution as needed. It should not be a regular way to clean or care for your lenses.