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How to remove scratches from glasses in 5 easy steps

We know how to remove scratches from glasses to get your eyes back in focus

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A clean pair of eyeglasses on top of books on a bedsheet.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you wear glasses, it's essential that you know how to remove scratches from glasses to keep your favorite pair of specks around longer. You need your glasses to see, but nothing prevents them from accomplishing that task like scratched lenses. Scratches happen for any number of reasons, from basic handling over time to accidental drops and bumps, but knowing how to remove scratches can help you save money in the long run.

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Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

  • Lens cleaner

  • Microfiber cloth or cotton ball

  • Baking soda

  • Water

We have great tips on keeping your spectacles clear. This method helps with everything from typical everyday eyeglasses to sunglasses to blue blockers. So, no matter which specs you've scratched, this technique will help you handle the situation. The best part? It's a quick fix accomplished in 5 minutes and only uses a few common household items.

Glasses set on a book upside down.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The simple steps

Step 1: Start with clean glasses. Rub your eyewear with a lens cleaner and microfiber cloth to get rid of any dust and debris.

Step 2: Make the magic mixture. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste.

Step 3: Spread the paste. Cover the damaged areas of your lens using a microfiber cloth or cotton ball, rubbing gently in a circular motion with minimal pressure.

Step 4: Do a final once over. After you’ve spread the paste over the damaged areas, rinse your glasses well with water to get rid of remaining residue.

Glasses held up to see
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What not to do

There are two common fixes out there that we want you to be aware of, but also to avoid. Let's go over toothpaste and glass etching solution tricks.

Step 1: Keep the toothpaste in your mouth.

You might see a recommendation to spread toothpaste over your lenses and gently rub it in to remove scratches. While this works, it’s important to keep in mind that you have to use non-gel, non-abrasive, non-whitening toothpaste, or you could make the damage worse.

Step 2: Another trick is to use glass etching solutions to get rid of damaged coating (like anti-glare coating) from lenses.

Technically this will work, but you’re taking a risk here, too. If the solution sits on the lenses for too long, just be aware that you could end up doing far worse damage than a minor scratch—plus, you’ll lose the benefit of having any protective coating on your lenses.

Man wearing a ring and eye glasses
lenetstan/Shutterstock

6 ways to prevent scratched glasses

Save yourself the time and frustration of removing scratches from your glasses by preventing damage from the start. Follow the six tips below to protect them from scratches and keep them in tiptop shape.

  1. Choose scratch-resistant coated lenses.
  2. Regularly clean with a microfiber cloth to avoid smudges and marks.
  3. Use only microfiber cloths and approved products for cleaning to prevent more scratches.
  4. Store in a hard glasses case to protect them when you're not wearing them.
  5. Opt for contacts during vigorous activities to avoid damage. (If you have them and can wear them.)
  6. Always handle with care. Don't toss them around or handle roughly to ensure you maintain scratch-free glasses for years to come. This includes not wearing them on your head.

And there you have it. Don't let the damage keep adding up. In five easy steps, your glasses will go from looking like a pair of Mad Max goggles to something you can clearly see through. If you want to extend the life of your glasses, follow these steps to keep your eye glasses as clear as day. Now, go forth and see!

Nick Hilden
Nick Hilden
Former Contributor
Nick Hilden is a lifestyle and culture writer whose work has appeared in the Washington Post, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Afar…
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