How to Clean and Store Prescription Safety Glasses

Quick answer

Clean your prescription safety glasses daily with lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap, then store them in a hard case when not in use. This prevents scratches, keeps lenses clear, and extends the life of the frame.

Step-by-step cleaning and storage routine

1. Rinse with lukewarm water: Hold your glasses under a gentle stream of lukewarm water to wash away dust and grit. This prevents scratching when you apply soap. Common mistake: using hot water can warp acetate frames like Lola and Carly; always use lukewarm.
2. Apply mild dish soap: Put a tiny drop of mild dish soap (free of lotion or moisturizer) on each lens. Gently rub with your fingertips for about 20 seconds, covering the entire lens and frame, including the nose pads and temples. Checkpoint: avoid soaps with lemon, alcohol, or abrasive additives — they can damage coatings over time.
3. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse both sides under lukewarm water until all soap is gone. Shake off excess water gently. Common mistake: leaving soap residue can cause streaks and attract dust.
4. Dry with a microfiber cloth: Use a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth designed for eyewear. Pat dry rather than wiping in circles to avoid smearing. For wraparound styles like Nico, wipe along the lens curve. Checkpoint: never use your shirt or paper towels — they contain fibers that scratch.
5. Inspect and adjust: Hold the glasses up to a light to check for smudges or missed spots. If needed, repeat steps 1–4. Also inspect the frame for loose screws or bent parts. Common mistake: skipping this step can lead to unnoticed debris or frame damage that worsens over time.
6. Store in a hard case: Always place your safety glasses in a rigid case when not in use. Keep the case in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or car dashboards. For Nico cycle glasses, the case should be large enough to accommodate the wraparound shape without pressure. Common mistake: leaving glasses on a desk or in a pocket invites scratches and frame misalignment.

Products mentioned in this guide

• Lola Prescription Safety Rectangle Glasses: The Lola Prescription Safety Rectangle Glasses have a 24-gram acetate frame with lens width 55 mm and height 32 mm. The lightweight acetate frame is easy to handle during cleaning, but the rectangular lenses have flat edges that can trap debris — use a soft brush to dislodge particles before wiping.

  

• Carly Prescription Safety Oval Glasses: The Carly Prescription Safety Oval Glasses have a 25-gram acetate frame with lens width 52 mm and height 41 mm. The larger oval lenses provide more surface area, so take extra care to clean the entire lens evenly and avoid streaks.

  

• Nico Prescription Safety Cycle Glasses: The Nico Prescription Safety Cycle Glasses feature motorcycle-grade shatterproof lenses and over 98% UV protection. The wraparound style and shatterproof lenses benefit from a thorough rinse to remove road grime; UV protection remains intact if you avoid abrasive cleaners.