How to Properly Care and Store Sunglasses: The Ultimate Guide
Care Guide
How to Properly Care and Store Your Sunglasses
Your sunglasses go through a lot - sun, sweat, bags, dashboards, beach sand. A good pair deserves better. The way you care for and store them directly affects how long they last and how good they look.
In this article
- Clean your lenses the right way
- Store them properly
- Handle frames with care
- Keep screws and hinges tight
- When to get them serviced
The most common mistake
Wiping lenses with whatever is nearby - a t-shirt, tissue, or paper towel. All of these scratch polarized and UV400 coated lenses over time. This guide shows you what to do instead.
01Clean Your Lenses the Right Way
The correct method:
- Rinse lenses under lukewarm running water first to remove dust and grit
- Apply a small drop of lens cleaning solution to a clean microfiber cloth
- Wipe lenses gently in a circular motion from center to edge
- Never wipe dry lenses - always rinse first
What to avoid:
- X Tissues and paper towels (too abrasive)
- X Hot water (warps frames and damages lens coatings)
- X Household glass sprays (strip UV and anti-glare coatings)
- X Shirt fabric (carries dust particles that scratch lenses)
02Store Them Properly
Most lens scratches happen during storage, not wear.
- Always use a hard case when not on your face - every Rawbare pair comes with one
- Never leave sunglasses on a car dashboard - heat above 60 degrees Celsius warps frames and degrades coatings
- Do not toss them loose into a bag - friction against keys or a phone leaves permanent marks
- Keep away from direct sunlight when stored - UV exposure yellows frames over time
03Handle Frames with Care
- Always use both hands to put on and take off sunglasses - pulling from one side loosens the hinge
- Do not push sunglasses up on your head as a headband - this stretches the temples over time
- Avoid resting them lens-side down on any surface, even briefly
04Keep Screws and Hinges Tight
The small screws at the hinge loosen with regular use. A tiny eyeglass screwdriver is all you need. Check every 2 to 3 months. A loose hinge left unattended eventually snaps.
05When to Get Them Serviced
- Lenses deeply scratched and affecting vision - time to replace lenses or the pair
- Frame bent out of shape - visit an optical shop, most straighten frames for free
- Nose pads worn out - replaceable at any optical store
The bottom line
Taking care of your sunglasses is not complicated - it is just consistent. A microfiber cloth, a hard case, and a few good habits will keep your Rawbare pair looking sharp for years.Ready to find your next pair? Explore the full Rawbare collection.
Key takeaways
Always rinse before wiping - never wipe dry lenses
Hard case every time - most scratches happen in bags
Never leave on a car dashboard - heat warps frames
Two hands on and off - one-handed use loosens hinges
Check screws every 2 to 3 months with a tiny screwdriver
Optical shops straighten bent frames for free
Frequently asked questions
Q1 How should I clean sunglasses lenses correctly?
Always rinse lenses under lukewarm water first to remove dust and grit. Then apply a small drop of lens cleaner to a clean microfiber cloth and wipe gently. Never wipe dry lenses - the grit scratches the coating.
Q2 Can I leave my sunglasses on a car dashboard?
No. Dashboard temperatures in Indian summer regularly exceed 70 degrees Celsius, enough to warp frames and permanently degrade lens coatings. Always store in a hard case away from direct heat.
Q3 How often should I check the screws on my sunglasses?
Check the small hinge screws every 2 to 3 months. A tiny eyeglass screwdriver is all you need. A loose hinge left unattended will eventually snap.
Q4 What should I avoid using to wipe sunglasses?
Avoid tissues, paper towels, and shirt fabric - all are too abrasive and carry dust particles that scratch coatings. Also avoid hot water which warps frames, and household glass sprays which strip UV and anti-glare coatings.
Q5 How do I store sunglasses properly?
Always use a hard case when sunglasses are not on your face. Avoid tossing them loose in a bag where keys or a phone can scratch the lenses. Keep away from direct sunlight even during storage.
