Cleaning spectacle lenses

[kriskwery]

A small spray of cleaning fluid costs �3.50. Can anyone suggest a cheap, safe alternative?

[pinus]

My optician swears by warm tap water

[thewillow]

Your T-shirt?

[andy hughes]

if they are particularly greasy, a dab of washing up liquid and some warm water will clean lenses and frames just fine.

[rekstout]

Diluted vinegar degreases brilliantly but you must rinse thoroughly or it may corrode the frames.

[rekstout]

Forgot to mention - microfibre cloths (Boots etc) will clean without any liquids and are also brilliant at getting greasy marks off. They are a couple f quid but can be washed again and again (just leave it in your pocket when you wash your clothes).

[Quizmonster]

I once heard that Johnson's Baby Shampoo was just as effective for cleaning contact lenses as any of the more expensive lotions offered by opticians. I'm sure it would work on specs as well.(Obviously, one had to be especially thorough with the lens-rinsing! That shouldn't be a problem with glasses, though.)

[PaulB]

I cannot beleive that I'm about to disagree with Andy Hughes... *Deep Breath* Washing up liquid is an abrasive that will scratch your lenses, warm water is fine but nothing else unless it is special spectacle cleanser. (Sorry Andy)

[Kev_UK]

I would say a warm soapy water solution then rinsed off.. The important part is to use a soft dry cloth or tissue to dry them.. certain materials may scratch the lenses.

[Toffee]

Well, I for one will be going to Aldi on Thursday to buy their Specswipes at 79p for 50; and they're good. Unfortunately they don't stock them all the time.

[Gef]

Andy is correct. Either let them dry naturally or use kitchen towel. Sorry PaulB but what is "Deep Breath"? I think I'll stick to Fairy Liquid.

[kriskwery]

Never did I expect so many responses! I've largely used the T shirt approach but, as a bus driver, am plagued with exhaust filth coming into the cab via the "fresh air" vents. It makes my glasses misty, so I dread to think what it does to my lungs. Pity I don't have an Aldi locally - that sounds like a sensible price option which is readily portable. Cheers, folks.

[PaulB]

Gef I was taking a deep breath to disagree with our Andy Hughes! NO Not Washing up liquid, I said, it's an abrasive liquid it does Scratch lenses!!!!

[fly258]

Aldi wipes are excellent but make sure you rinse your lenses under warm running water BEFORE wiping them. If not you may rub small particles of grit into them and severely scratch them.

[patsyquinn]

Saliva and a microfibre cloth to dry. Saliva is free and the cloth will last for ever - and it works brilliantly!

[Francis Asis]

Betterware do a microfibre gadget for �2.99 that you can carry in your pocket. It's about the size of a keyring and cleans boths sides of the glass at the same time. My husband wouldn't be without his.

[Ouisch]

By "cleaning fluid", do you mean glass cleaner, like Windex? 3.50 is awfully expensive! Do you have the equivalent of a Dollar Store in the UK? You can find off-brands of glass cleaner for 99 cents or a dollar (about 55p or so). Always rinse your glasses with water first, and use a soft cloth (an old diaper works well).