Dish soap loosens up any buildup, like dust or sweat, that might coat your lenses. A microfiber cloth won’t get lint on your glasses or smudge them. When you use it to dry your glasses, it’ll be a lot easier to see the scratches on your lenses.

Baking soda has a low abrasiveness—or roughness—rating, so it can remove scratches without damaging your lenses.

Use white or clear toothpaste that won’t stain your lenses. Steer clear of any advanced formulas that whiten or remove plaque from teeth as these abrasive varieties can create even more scratches.

If you still see scratches, repeat this process multiple times until your lenses are clear. Car wax usually comes in either spray bottles or tubs, but either variety will work. The wax fills in the scratches and wears off over time, but you can reapply it to maintain the quality of your lenses.

When you use metal polish, you strip off the scratched-up coating on plastic lenses. Metal polish won’t work on glass lenses because they don’t have the same coating as plastic lenses. Avoid using metal polish on your prescription glasses so you can keep the UV coating on them.

Use etching cream only for your plastic lenses. If you put etching cream on glass lenses, you’ll cause them to “frost,” or permanently fog over and crack.

Water and soap remove any small particles still on your lenses. Room temperature water is best because it won’t fog up your glasses or warp your lenses.

Try to use a new microfiber cloth every time you polish your glasses. A used microfiber may have dust or dirt on it and scratch your lenses again.

You can also place your glasses in a microfiber, suede, leather, or plastic pouch.

The padding inside a case will provide an extra layer of protection. When you store your glasses in a case, your lenses won’t rub up against hard objects or rough surfaces and you won’t crack your glasses if you drop them. While you’re wearing your glasses, you can wear an “eyewear retainer,” a band that keeps your glasses on your face so they don’t fall off and get scratched. [11] X Expert Source David Felsted, DOComprehensive Ophthalmologist Expert Interview. 12 August 2021.

You’ll extend the life of your glasses when you’re proactive and clean them as soon as possible.