How to Clean Glasses Without Scratching Them
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👓 Why Clean Glasses Matter—Especially for Pickleball Players
If you're serious about pickleball, you know vision can make or break a point. Whether you're dodging a spin serve or dinking at the net, blurry lenses, smudges, or micro-scratches cost you real points.
That’s why understanding how to clean your glasses without scratching them is essential—not just for performance, but also for longevity.
At Blinded Wear, we build sport-first glasses, both prescription and non-RX, designed to take a beating—but even they deserve some TLC.
⚠️ The #1 Mistake: Dry-Wiping Your Lenses
Most damage to lenses comes not from sports—but from cleaning them the wrong way.
Never use:
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Your shirt
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A paper towel
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Tissues or napkins
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Random cloths from your gym bag
These materials trap microdust and debris. Wiping them across your lenses—especially dry—can cause micro-scratches, reducing clarity over time.
Better Option: Use a microfiber cloth and proper spray—or lukewarm water + a dab of gentle soap.
🧪 Tip: If you don’t have official spray, a drop of diluted dish soap + distilled water works in a pinch.
🪞 How to Clean Glasses Without Scratching Them: Step-by-Step
1. Wash Your Hands First
Use soap and water to remove oils and particles that could transfer onto lenses.
2. Rinse the Lenses
Hold your Red Shine RX or Crystal Wave II RX under lukewarm water to flush away grit.
3. Apply a Tiny Drop of Soap
Rub gently with your fingers using circular motion. Never press hard.
4. Rinse and Shake
Thoroughly rinse lenses. Gently shake off excess water.
5. Pat with Microfiber
Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Pat lenses dry—don’t rub aggressively.
🧴 Bonus: What About Lens Sprays?
Use only sprays labeled safe for anti-reflective coatings. Avoid household glass cleaners (like Windex), as they contain ammonia, which strips protective coatings.
Try our included cloth and spray in every order—or keep a microfiber on hand in your paddle bag.
🔥 Best Practice: Carry an Emergency Cleaning Kit in Your Pickleball Bag
Include:
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1 travel microfiber cloth
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1 mini bottle of lens-safe spray
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1 backup Blinded Wear Sleeve
💡 Related read: What to Pack in Your Pickleball Tournament Bag
🛑 How NOT to Clean Your Glasses
Let’s bust some myths:
| ❌ Myth | ✅ Reality |
|---|---|
| Use hot water | Heat can warp frames/lenses |
| Use breath and shirt | Introduces moisture, scratches |
| Use alcohol or Windex | Strips coatings, reduces lifespan |
| Use dish towel or napkin | Fiber is too coarse, causes micro-abrasion |
🧠 Why Lens Protection Still Matters—Even If You Clean Perfectly
Your cleaning technique is just one part of the puzzle.
That’s why we offer a lifetime 50% replacement voucher on any pair of Blinded Wear sunglasses—RX or non-RX—through our Protection Plan.
👟 Our Most Durable & Easy-to-Clean Picks
Here are our top scratch-resistant favorites, handpicked for players who clean gear obsessively:
🧊 Gray Wash RX
Neutral lens tone that hides dust and smudges. Cleaned mine daily for a year—no scratches.
🔴 Red Shine RX
Anti-smudge coating + sport wrap. A reviewer from CA said:
"I’ve been cleaning these 3x a week for 8 months. Still look brand new." – Anita G., CA
🟡 Silver Line RX
A go-to for players who sweat—easy to wipe, dries streak-free.
🎯 Cleaning FAQs (Blinded Wear RX & Non-RX)
Q: How often should I clean my glasses?
A: After each use, ideally. Especially if you play in dusty or humid environments.
Q: What if they’re smudgy but I don’t have spray?
A: Rinse under lukewarm water and air dry. Use fingers gently with a drop of dish soap in a pinch.
Q: Can I use wipes made for electronics?
A: Only if labeled safe for anti-reflective coatings.
Q: Are Blinded Wear lenses scratch-proof?
A: No lens is truly scratch-proof, but ours feature high-grade hard coating and 1.61 index lens protection (for RX).
Explore the difference 1.61 lenses make.
🧼 Cleaning Tips for RX vs. Non-RX Glasses
| Feature | RX Glasses (Like Havana Melt RX) | Non-RX Glasses (Like Sparkfire) |
|---|---|---|
| Coating Sensitivity | Higher—be gentle | More flexible, but still avoid dry wiping |
| Cleaning Frequency | After every game | Can go 1–2 games without, but clean regularly |
| Carry a Case | Always—scratches = Rx remake | Stronger, but still store safely |
✅ Final Call: Keep Your Glasses Clean. Keep Your Vision Sharp.
Cleaning your glasses isn't just about hygiene—it’s about performance.
Your vision should enhance your reaction time—not get in the way of it.
🔗 Take the Pickleball Vision Quiz
📦 Backed by our Protection Plan
🕶️ Shop Blinded Wear RX + Non-RX Eyewear
⭐ Verified Reviews
“I used to clean my glasses with a napkin—big mistake. Since switching to Blinded, I follow their method and haven’t scratched a lens in months.”
– Kyle R., AZ
“The included cloth is actually great. It stays in my paddle bag. Easy wins.”
– Shantel M., FL