How to Remove Scratches from Sunglass Lenses

Purchase white toothpaste without abrasive ingredients. Choose a toothpaste that does not contain mint, gel, and/or whitening agents. Regular white toothpaste is the most effective for cleaning sunglass lenses, while toothpaste with special additives may further damage the lenses. Toothpaste containing baking soda, such as Arm & Hammer, is an excellent choice for cleaning lenses as it lacks harsh chemicals.

Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto a cotton ball. Use only a small amount to avoid smearing excess toothpaste on the lens. Cotton balls are ideal as they leave minimal streaks or fibers.

Gently rub the cotton ball over the scratch. Use circular motions for about 10 seconds per scratch. This action helps polish the scratched area of the lens.

Rinse the toothpaste off the lens. Hold the glasses under cool running water to wash away the toothpaste. Rotate the lens under the water to ensure all residue is removed, paying attention to any toothpaste trapped in the crevices between the lens and frame.

Dry the lens with a soft, lint-free cloth. Rough or dirty cloths can cause additional scratches. Hold the cloth with your thumb and index finger, carefully wiping around the scratched area to remove any remaining water or toothpaste. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent accidentally dislodging the lens.

Inspect the lens. Examine the lens under light to check if the scratch is gone. Put the glasses back on and see if any scratches are still visible. If the scratch remains, repeat the process with the cotton ball and toothpaste until the scratch is no longer noticeable.

Use baking soda and water. The alkaline nature of baking soda is ideal for removing acidic stains and restoring the clarity of the lenses. When combined, water and baking soda form a paste that can be used to clean and eliminate scratches.

Mix 1 part water with 2 parts baking soda in a bowl. The amount of water and baking soda needed depends on the size and number of scratches on the lenses. Start with 1 tablespoon of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda, adjusting as necessary if the lenses are heavily scratched.

Combine water and baking soda. Stir the baking soda and water until a paste forms. Avoid adding too much water, as a runny mixture will be less effective.

Find a cotton ball. Dip the cotton ball into the baking soda and water mixture. You only need a pea-sized amount of paste to treat each scratch.

Apply the paste mixture to the scratch. Use a cotton ball to rub the scratch in circular motions for about 10 seconds. This action will help polish and remove the scratch from the lens.

Rinse the baking soda mixture off the lens. Use cool or room-temperature water to wash away the paste. Ensure you clean the paste from the crevices between the lens and frame or any small areas where the mixture might have settled.

Dry the lens with a soft, lint-free cloth. A soft, lint-free cloth ensures no additional scratches are caused during cleaning. You can purchase a pack of microfiber cleaning cloths from a supermarket to wipe away any remaining paste residue on the lens.

Inspect the lens. Hold the lens under light and carefully check if any scratches remain. Continue rubbing the scratch with another cotton ball dipped in the baking soda and water mixture if scratches are still visible.

Purchase car wax, furniture polish, or brass/silver polishing compounds. These products work on lenses similarly to other surfaces and are often highly effective in removing scratches from sunglass lenses, especially plastic ones. Avoid using abrasive or acidic cleaners, as they can damage the lenses and leave harmful chemical residues.

Apply a pea-sized amount of polish to a cotton ball. A soft, lint-free cloth is also suitable for this task. Avoid using rough materials like steel wool, sponges, or plastic mesh pads to prevent further scratching.

Gently rub the polish onto the scratch. Use a soft cloth or cotton ball to apply the polish in gentle circular motions for about 10 seconds. The polish will fill in the scratches on the lens.

Wipe the lens with a soft, lint-free cloth. Use a dry cloth to remove any excess polish from the lens. Hold the cloth with your thumb and index finger, gently wiping away any streaks of polish.

Inspect the scratches. Hold the glasses under light to check if any scratches remain. Put the glasses on to ensure no scratches are visible in your line of sight. If scratches persist, reapply the polish and gently buff until they disappear.

• Store your glasses in a case to minimize the risk of scratches.
• Consider purchasing a warranty for your sunglasses to replace lenses if scratches become irreparable.
• Always use a soft, lint-free cloth when cleaning your glasses.

• Sunglasses often feature scratch-resistant lenses, meaning scratches that do appear may be deep and difficult to fix. Remember that only minor scratches can be repaired using the methods described in this article; for deep scratches, you may need to replace the lenses through the manufacturer.

• Cotton balls
• Soft, lint-free cloth
• Toothpaste
• Baking soda
• Water
• Brass or silver polishing compound
• Car wax
• Furniture polish