How to Clean and Care for Your Sunglasses
Clean lenses, a frame that sits right and a case that keeps out scratches. Here is how to clean your sunglasses without damaging them, how to adjust the fit and how to store them, plus the Corlin products that make it easier.
How do you clean sunglasses?
Rinse the lenses under lukewarm water to remove dust, then spray them with a lens cleaner or use a drop of mild dish soap. Wipe them gently with a soft lens cloth and let them dry.
Never wipe dry lenses with your shirt or a paper towel. Dust and fibers can scratch the surface. Our Cleaning Kit has a spray and a cloth made for exactly this.
Three habits that keep sunglasses like new
Most damage to sunglasses comes from everyday handling. These three habits make the biggest difference:
Care products from Corlin
Everything you need to clean, adjust and protect your sunglasses.
Sunglasses care
All sunglasses
What's in the Cleaning Kit
The Corlin Cleaning Kit comes with three things:
Common mistakes and what to do instead
These habits are easy to fall into and can damage your sunglasses over time:
| Avoid | Why | Do this instead |
|---|---|---|
| Wiping dry lenses | Dust and grit scratch the surface | Rinse or spray first, then wipe |
| Shirts, tissues and paper towels | Rough fibers can leave fine scratches | Use a soft lens cloth |
| Household or window cleaners | Strong chemicals can damage lens coatings | Use lens spray or mild dish soap |
| Hot water | Heat can affect the lenses and frame | Use lukewarm water |
| A hot car or dashboard | Heat can change the shape of acetate | Keep them in the case, out of the sun |
| Lenses down on a table | The lenses scratch against the surface | Fold them and put them down with the lenses facing up |
| Pushing them up on your head | The temples stretch and the fit loosens | Put them in the case or hang them on your shirt |
Sunglasses that have loosened can be adjusted. See how to adjust the fit below.
How to clean sunglasses step by step
1. Rinse the lenses and frame under lukewarm running water to remove dust and sand.
2. Spray the lenses with lens cleaner, or rub a drop of mild dish soap over the lenses and frame with your fingertips.
3. Rinse off the soap and shake off excess water.
4. Dry the lenses gently with a clean lens cloth, using light circular movements. Wash the cloth regularly, since dirt in the cloth can scratch.
Our Cleaning Kit comes with a cleaning spray and cloth, so you can clean your sunglasses at home or on the go.
How to clean the frame
Skin oil, sunscreen and makeup build up on the frame, especially at the nose and temple tips. Wipe the frame with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, then dry it.
Avoid alcohol, acetone and other strong solvents on acetate frames, since they can dull the surface.
How to adjust the fit
Acetate frames soften with heat, so you can adjust the fit at home. Warm the temples under warm water for 10 to 20 seconds and bend them gently. Bend the temple tips slightly inward for a tighter fit, or outward for a looser fit. Let the frame cool before you try them on.
If the temples feel loose at the hinge, the small screwdriver in the Cleaning Kit lets you tighten the screws. You'll find step-by-step instructions in our size guide.
How to store your sunglasses
Every pair of Corlin sunglasses comes with a faux-leather case and a carton box. Keep your sunglasses in the case when you're not wearing them, especially in a bag or pocket.
Need an extra case for your car, bag or a second pair? The Black Pouch is made from soft PU leather with a soft lining that protects against scratches and dust.
Questions about sunglasses care
How often should I clean my sunglasses?
Clean the lenses whenever they look dirty or smudged, and give the whole frame a wash with lukewarm water and mild soap every week or two.
If you've been at the beach or used sunscreen, rinse them the same day. Sand and salt can scratch the lenses if they dry on.
Can I clean sunglasses with water?
Yes. Lukewarm water is the best way to start, since it removes dust and sand before you wipe. Avoid hot water, which can affect the lenses and the frame.
For grease and fingerprints, add a lens spray or a drop of mild dish soap, then dry the lenses with a soft lens cloth.
Can I use my shirt to clean my sunglasses?
It's better not to. Fabric collects dust and grit, and rubbing it over dry lenses can leave fine scratches over time.
Use a soft lens cloth instead, ideally after rinsing or spraying the lenses. The cloth in our Cleaning Kit is made for this.
Can scratches on sunglasses be removed?
No, scratches in the lens can't be polished away at home without risking more damage. The best protection is to clean the lenses the right way and keep them in the case.
If a lens is badly scratched, contact our customer service and we'll help you find out what your options are.
What's included in the Corlin Cleaning Kit?
The Cleaning Kit includes a cleaning spray that removes stains and keeps the lenses clean, a cleaning cloth for the lenses, and a small screwdriver for tightening or loosening the temples.
Do Corlin sunglasses come with a case?
Yes. Every pair comes with a faux-leather case and a carton box.
If you want an extra case, the Black Pouch is sold separately. It's made from PU leather with a soft lining inside.
Why do my sunglasses feel loose?
Temples stretch over time, especially if you push your sunglasses up on your head. Acetate frames can be adjusted at home with warm water, and loose hinges can be tightened with a small screwdriver.
You'll find instructions in our size guide, and the screwdriver is included in the Cleaning Kit.