How to keep your eyewear scratch & smudge free during summer
Summer is the perfect time in the year for outdoor fun, whether that’s BBQ’s, beach trips, hikes, road trips, or lounging by the pool. If you’re likely to be heading abroad for a summer holiday, your sunglasses are probably likely to be exposed to sand, saltwater, or heat and humidity. To help protect your eyewear from these hazards, follow our top tips below:
Use a protective case
Always try to store your eyewear in a hard-shell sunglasses or glasses case when not in use. This can help reduce the chances of scratching or bending if you accidentally dropped your frames, especially when you are doing an excursion or walking along a hotel lobby with tiled floors. They are also helpful for when stored in your suitcase, as they can minimise the chances of your sunglasses getting squashed.
Soft pouches are also a great alternative if you require something lightweight and portable. These are normally lined with microfibre for additional lens protection. As they lack impact resistance, it might be a good idea to instead take a soft pouch for when you are seated, such as in restaurants.
If you happen to lose your case abroad, you can pack your sunglasses inside a sock within a hard container or shoe.
Pack your eyewear in hand luggage
Some of us like to minimise how much we carry in our hand luggage or go hands-free completely. But when flying, it’s always advised to pack your glasses and sunglasses in your hand luggage rather than in your checked baggage. This can help prevent them from being crushed or damaged due to rough handling, and if your luggage goes missing, you haven’t lost your sunglasses or glasses.
If you wear contact lens and you experience flight delays, you have the option to switch them out for glasses to ensure your vision is clear and comfortable during the flight. You may also want to pack your sunglasses or glasses in a front pocket or near the top of your bag, so that you can easily pull them out. If you do need to pack your eyewear inside your checked luggage, then you can store them between your clothes for additional protection.
Wear a sunglass strap or chain
A frame chain or sunglass strap can be worn around the neck, making them accessible for when you are reading directions, food menus or exploring a city. They come different materials such as these glasses accessories. This makes them a great carry option and can help minimise the chances of them being dropped or damaged in between putting them on and into their case.
Try to rinse your lenses before wiping them
If you have access to tap water, it’s good to rinse your sunglass or glasses lenses under some warm water before wiping your lenses. This is because your lenses may have dirt and dust particles stuck to them, particularly if you are at sandy beaches, sight-seeing or in busy cities. By not rinsing your lenses first, they may be at risk of getting scratched as you try to wipe them.
Clean your eyewear with a microfibre cloth
Eyewear can get very dirty during summer adventures. You might use sun cream throughout the day or have oily skin after having relaxing treatments. Sometimes, these products can cause your lenses to get greasy and have dirt stick to them. It’s best to avoid using paper towels or your top to wipe your lenses because they can leave small scratches on your lenses. Instead, opt for a microfibre cloth. It’s always handy to have an extra cloth in your travel bag too. For more help, read our top tips on maintaining your glasses and sunglasses.
Keep your hands clean
Keeping your hands clean during the summer months can be difficult due to sweat, sunscreen, and saltwater. Plus, when at the beach, excursions or exploring new cities, you might find that access to clean water is limited or you may not know where they are. This can cause your lenses to be smudged so, if possible, carry a lens-safe cleaning solution with you. There are toilet finder apps available which might help you find one too. For extra tips on how to keep your hands clean at the beach, read our guide.
Consider anti-scratch and anti-reflective coatings
Scratch resistant and anti-reflective coatings on your glasses or sunglass lenses can help to increase durability. These coatings can help keep your sunglasses clearer and more durable as they may help to repel dirt. This can help reduce the need for frequent wiping, which may cause scratches. Plus, as glare from bright road surfaces and water is minimised with anti-reflective coatings, you might be less tempted to clean your glasses or sunglasses incorrectly due to better vision.
Store and place your eyewear lens-side up
It can be easy to forget, but try to ensure you place your eyewear with the lenses facing upward to help reduce the chances of scratches on rough surfaces. This can be frequent, especially on poolside loungers or café tables when dining at your hotel or restaurants. Some people dip their frames in the pool water to give their lenses a quick clean but try to be cautious of exposing your lenses to saltwater and chlorine as they can damage the lens coatings and frames. It might be better to consider using a less valuable pair for when you are swimming.
Regular maintenance and check-ups
Try to regularly inspect your eyewear to check for loose screws or worn-out nosepads, as it might cause your frames to slide down your face or even fall off - especially in the summer months as may swear more. If you are away on holiday, consider bringing a small repair kit with you, for quick fixes. You can read more on how to quickly fix your sunglasses here.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your summer adventures—whether abroad or at home—whilst keeping your eyewear scratch and smudge-free. You may want to consider taking out glasses cover for extra peace of mind – read more here.
