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How to Fix Scratched Sunglasses at Home – 5 Tips & Tricks

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woman holding her sunglasses

Are you frustrated that your trusty set of shades got scratched while they were loose in your bag or car? Do you want to know what’s necessary to get rid of the abrasions so you can maximize your favorite eyewear? Well, this is an excellent place to start! This guide will teach you some household hacks and basic steps to get them to look like new again, as well as some bonus tips at the end so you can prevent this from occurring in the future.

How to Fix Scratched Sunglasses at Home – The Top 5 Tips & Tricks to Try

Before You Start

Cosmetic scuffs can sometimes be deceiving. Before you try these steps, blow on the lens to remove loose dust and dirt and wipe it with a microfiber cloth. This often removes the pseudo scratch completely. If that doesn’t work, then don’t fret. We still have some last resorts below.


1. Use Sunscreen

Sunblock is best used on a beach day for both you and your lenses. Take a little bit of this and rub it across your glasses. It may change the tint or color of the lenses though, so be careful. It may take several applications to see results.


2. Baking Soda

Image By: NatureFriend, Pixabay

Baking soda is the perfect household item to fix scratched lenses. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water until a paste forms. Rub the paste over each lens thoroughly. Rinse your glasses under running water and then wipe them clean with a microfiber cloth.


3. Toothpaste

This bathroom essential seems like a strange thing to use, but it might save your sunglasses. Try dabbing a small amount of toothpaste on your lenses and rub it around. Continue to rub the toothpaste in until the lenses are thoroughly covered. Then, wipe away the excess with a wet microfiber cloth.


4. Don’t Get a New Pair Just Yet

wayferer sunglasses on wooden table
Image By: Maderla, Shutterstock

If you’ve tried everything before this step, don’t cave and buy another pair just yet. The best option to save you time and money is to get a set of replacement lenses. This comes at a significantly lower cost than buying brand-new, and the procedure shouldn’t take long or be too strenuous. In fact, you might even be able to have a professional do it if you’re not confident. Just remember to take a look to see if your lens brand has interchangeable glass. Otherwise, you may be out of luck!


5. Return Them

Sometimes, the manufacturing process can be wonky. If you think your sunglasses are getting scuffed too easily, we recommend that you return them immediately. Many companies will have guarantees on their products for extended periods of time—some even with lifetime warranties.

Preventative Measures

If you want to protect your shades from scratches, dings, or marks, you’ll want to read up on what optical experts recommend for safekeeping lenses. 

Store Them Correctly

clubmaster sunglasses on wooden background
Image By: PingPong56, Shutterstock

When you buy your sunglasses from an in-store retailer or online, you should always make sure that you walk out with a protective case or microfiber sack to secure them from flying around in your backseat, backpack, or pocket. This is especially true for an expensive pair that you don’t want to ruin. It’s an expectation that the brand will provide a quality storage option.

Clean with Caution

Excessive wiping can cause the sand or dirt that is on the lenses to dig into the glass and scratch the surface. Some rocks or minerals in sand are actually more abrasive than a knife. So, avoid rubbing your lenses as much as possible.

Get Scratch-Resistant Sunglasses

Some manufacturers use durable materials, an anti-scratch coating, or a combination of both so that your product doesn’t fall short regarding everyday wear and tear. In that case, you should try to purchase a pair that have some sort of anti-scratch feature so you can have more confidence when life gets in the way.

Key Takeaways

In the end, you should practice safe maintenance with your glasses to ensure their effectiveness and durability. It’s a shame that a designer pair could get ruined, but that’s why it’s so crucial to take the right steps to remove this possibility altogether. Have your fingers crossed, and there’s a chance you’ll be able to fix them in no time!

See also:


Featured Image Credit By StockSnap, Pixabay

About the Author Robert Sparks

Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.