How to Wash a Microfibre Glasses Cleaning Cloth

Many ordinary microfibre glasses cloths can be washed and reused. Check the cloth's care instructions, use a small amount of mild detergent, rinse thoroughly and let it air-dry. Skip fabric softener: a freshly washed cloth should help remove smears, not leave another film behind.

If wiping your glasses seems to move the marks around, the cloth deserves a look before you assume there is a problem with the lenses.

Check which kind of cloth you have

This advice is for an ordinary washable lens-cleaning cloth. A specialist cloth supplied with an anti-fog treatment may have different care instructions. Keep its packaging or look up the exact product before washing it.

Also check that the cloth is intended for optical lenses. The word “microfibre” on a household cleaning cloth does not tell you whether it is the right choice for your glasses.

A simple washing routine

Follow the maker's instructions if they differ from this general routine:

1. Wash gently. Use lukewarm water and a little mild liquid detergent. Work it through the cloth by hand. If machine washing is permitted, keep it separate from fabrics that shed lint.
2. Leave out fabric softener. Avoid adding dryer sheets or bleach, too.
3. Rinse well. Remove the detergent rather than leaving soapy residue in the cloth.
4. Air-dry in a clean place. Let it dry fully before putting it away.

ZEISS's lens-cleaning guidance advises washing microfibre cloths at no more than 40°C and avoiding fabric softener because it can lead to streaking. Cleaning-product maker Z Clear's cloth-care instructions also describe gentle washing, thorough rinsing and air-drying.

Keep the clean cloth clean

A cloth collects material as it cleans. Carry it in a clean pouch or case rather than loose in a pocket or bag. If you drop it onto a dirty surface, set it aside for cleaning instead of immediately using it on your lenses.

There is no need to wait for a particular date if the cloth is visibly dirty or starts smearing. Having a spare makes it easier to wash one without reaching for a shirt sleeve in the meantime.

When should you replace the cloth?

Replace it if it is frayed, worn or still leaves lint and smears after appropriate washing. Do not try to compensate for a poor cloth by pressing harder on the lenses.

The lenses need suitable care as well. Follow their cleaning instructions, remove loose grit before wiping, and use a lens-compatible cleaner. Our lens coatings and care guide explains why even easy-clean finishes still need gentle handling.

What if a mark on the lens remains?

A cleaner cloth cannot repair a scratched lens. If a mark remains after appropriate cleaning, stop repeated rubbing and have the glasses inspected. Our guide to scratched glasses lenses explains the separate repair question.

For lenses ordered from Dr. Lens Change, ask our team about the recommended care and include your order number if you have it. A smearing cloth alone is not a reason to order replacement lenses.