As a spectacle wearer, clean glasses make it easier to see and help get the most from those expensive lenses you paid for.

To keep your glasses in working order, a good quality glasses cleaning cloth will elevate your routine as an eyewear aficionado.

Check out these 18 microfibre cloths for glasses.

 

Best glasses cleaning cloths by category

Table of contents

Best luxury glasses cleaning cloths
Best extra large glasses cleaning cloths
Best value glasses cleaning cloths
Best funky glasses cleaning cloths
Best travel glasses cleaning cloths
Best glasses cleaning kits
Cleaning cloth FAQ’s

 

 

Best luxury glasses cleaning cloths

#1 Best luxury lens cloth

An oversized and playfully vibrant lens cloth for keeping your glasses frame perfectly clean. Measuring at 30cm square, the heavyweight 220gsm microfibre cloth is hem stitched for lasting durability. The custom art work features a multi-eyed head informing the title 'always watching'. With a written reminder to 'keep your lenses clean' on the reverse of this cloth, this luxury cloth is decadent duvet for your glasses.

• Qty: 1
• Size: 29.5x30.5cm
• Material: Microfibre
• Thickness: 220 gsm
• Reusable: Yes
• Brand: Banton Frameworks

 

#2 Luxury glasses cloth

This extra-large spectacle lens cloth measures 30cm square and is made from ultra-soft 220 gsm microfibre for keeping your eyeglasses crystal clean. Featuring custom artwork by Irish illustrator Astrid Jaeckel, the piece depicts an ostrich carousel scene. The hem stitching and high-quality bold colour print make this lens cloth good enough to be a pocket square for any formal occasion; or a quirky gift for glasses wearers.

• Qty: 1
• Size: 29.5x30.5cm
• Material: Microfibre
• Thickness: 220 gsm
• Reusable: Yes
• Brand: Banton Frameworks

 

#3 Luxury eyeglass cloth

Los Angeles luxury optical brand Jacques Marie Mage are known for their cultish eyewear and decadent detailing. In keeping with their stylish spectacles, they produce limited edition batches of artistic lens cloths. This particular edition celebrates 150 years of Yellowstone National Park, paying homage to the conservation and natural beauty of the vast Wyoming reserve. The cleaning cloth measures 38cm square, is double sided printed and features a woven JMM brand hem-tag.

• Qty: 1
• Size: 38x38cm
• Material: Microfibre
• Thickness: 220 gsm
• Reusable: Yes
• Brand: Jacques Marie Mage

 

#4 Eyeglass microfiber cloth

Based in Australia, Cloths Co produce a wide range of vibrant, nature-inspired cleaning cloths for various domestic purposes. Made from 230gsm microfibre, these luxurious cleaning cloths are suitably soft for use on spectacle lenses and their delicate coatings. Cloths this size make ideal gifts for glasses wearers for using at home as part of their regular cleaning ritual.

• Qty: 1
• Size: 40x40cm
• Material: Microfibre
• Thickness: 230 gsm
• Reusable: Yes
• Brand: Cloths Co.

 

#5 Cloth trio

This gift pack of microfibre cleaning cloths are the perfect accessory for any glasses wearer. Featuring a bespoke pattern, each cloth bears a central 'eye' artwork with intricate geometric detailing. The pack includes three coths; navy, green and light blue. They're a luxurious size of 18x18cm with a classic zig zag edge. Stashed inside a glasses case or folded neatly in a pocket, these cloths would make a great gift for the bespectacled person in your life.

• Qty: 3
• Size: 18x18cm
• Material: Microfibre
• Thickness: 220 gsm
• Reusable: Yes
• Brand: Banton Frameworks

 

 

Best extra large lens cloth

#1 Best extra-large cloth

For spectacles, sunglasses and camera lenses, Barroccu & Co offer this enormous cleaning cloth. Each of their limited edition pieces feature custom artwork by co-founder Joann Randles, a film maker, photographer and artist. Made from a mixture of polyester and nylon, these 250gsm oversized cloths are an generous 43x30cm in size. If you’re looking for a large glasses cleaning cloth, they rarely come bigger than this.

• Qty: 1
• Size: 43x30cm
• Material: Microfibre
• Thickness: 250 gsm
• Reusable: Yes
• Brand: Barroccu & Co

 

 

#2 Mr Siga Extra-large cloths

This pack of 4 cleaning cloths by Edison & King are made of teal coloured microfibre. Measuring at 30x40cm, these napkins are substantially sized for cleaning your spectacles or sunglasses frame. The cloths can also be used for digital screens and monitors, designed to remove oil, grease and dirt from ophthalmic lenses. Compared to much smaller ‘stock’ cleaning cloths, these larger versions make handling your glasses much easier whilst avoiding directly touching your lenses. Once you go large, you don’t go back!

• Qty: 4
• Size: 30x40cm
• Material: Microfibre
• Thickness: N/A
• Reusable: Yes
• Brand: Edison & King

 

 

Best value glasses cleaning cloths

#1 Best value - Mr.Siga Microfibre cleaning cloths

Sold as a pack of 6, these navy and grey microfibre cloths are suitable for cleaning spectacle and sunglasses lenses. Made from tightly woven microfibre, they’re designed to remove dust, dirt, oil and grease from smooth surfaces. Because they’re machine washable, the cloths can be kept clean and reused multiple times. For a value pack or glasses cleaning cloths, these are one of the most popular available on Amazon.

• Qty: 6
• Size: 15x18cm
• Material: Microfibre
• Thickness: N/A
• Reusable: Yes
• Brand: Mr.Siga 

#2 E-Cloth

Sold as a single unit, this spectacle cleaning cloth is made from orange microfibre and is specifically designed for ophthalmic lenses. At a generous size of 37x41cm, this is actually a fairly large cloth with ample material to hold on to whilst cleaning the lenses and frame of your glasses. Machine washable, this cloth can be reused many times, staying soft and clean.

• Qty: 1
• Size: 37x41cm
• Material: Microfibre
• Thickness: X gsm
• Reusable: Yes
• Brand: E-Cloth 

 

 

Best funky glasses cleaning cloths

#1 Vincent Van Gogh cloth

For the art lover, this series of Van Gogh glasses cleaning cloths are the ultimate gift. Measuring 20x20cm, the pack of six microfibre cloths have been beautifully printed with the artist’s various works such as “Starry Night”, “Sunflowers” and “The Garden at Arles.” Both sides of the cloth can be used for cleaning your spectacles, phone screen or camera lens.

• Qty: 6
• Size: 20x20cm
• Material: Microfibre
• Thickness: N/A
• Reusable: Yes
• Brand: Desert Cart

 

#2 Pikkii pizza cloth

Pizza and spectacles aren’t a likely pairing, especially in the name of cleanliness. But the creative folks at Pikkii have a quirky range of glasses cleaning cloths that resemble everyone’s favourite fast food. The pizza lens cleaning cloth is a funky polyester accessory for keeping your glasses lenses nice and clean. Triangularly shaped (like a pizza slice) the cloth is a fun item and great gift idea for glasses wearers.

• Qty: 1
• Size: 16x13.3cm
• Material: Polyester
• Thickness: N/A
• Reusable: Yes
• Brand: Pikkii

 

 

If you’re looking for more funky glasses cleaning cloths, Pickkii have a wide range of options including an astronaut design, cat design and even a cloth you can draw on to convey a personalised message. Seen in the video above, the vinyl record cleaning cloth is one of our favourites.

 

#3 V&A Japanese print cloth

Designed and made in the UK for the V&A museum, this glasses cleaning cloth features the upper left segment of ‘Flowers of the Four Seasons’ by Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige. The original artwork was made using the traditional method of woodblock printing which has been beautifully re-enacted on this 15x15cm microfibre cloth. Available exclusively via the V&A website here.

• Qty: 1
• Size: 15x15m
• Material: Microfibre
• Thickness: N/A
• Reusable: Yes
• Brand: V&A

 

#4 British Museum Fuji Wave cloth

Designed exclusively for the British Museum, this silk microfibre lens cloth features a Fuji Wave design. This famous depiction was originally by Japanese woodblock artist Katsushika Hokusai, originally titled the The Great Wave Off Kanagawa (Kanagawa-oki Nami Ura.) The lens cloth is single side printed with the wave design offering a generous size of 17.5x15cm. A beautiful lens cloth for someone who appreciates Japanese culture and art.

• Qty: 1
• Size: 17.5x15cm
• Material: Silk microfibre
• Thickness: X gsm
• Reusable: Yes
• Brand: British Museum

 

#5 Small Batch Lens Cloths

For something unique (or as a gift), these funky glasses cleaning cloths are handmade in Hertfordshire in small batches by Eva Black. Her online Etsy store has a wide range of nature-inspired cloth designs for cleaning your beloved eyeglasses. Made from performance piqué  fabric, this fish design measures at 19x19cm square with traditional zig zag, heat-cut edges. As a wonderful gift for glasses wearers, we suggest you visit her online store for more of her lovely cleaning cloths.

• Qty: 1
• Size: 19x19cm
• Material: Piqué  fabric
• Thickness: N/A
• Reusable: Yes
• Brand: Eva Black on Etsy

 

 

Best travel glasses cleaning cloths

#1 Travel Cloth Capsule

The Cloth Capsule by Banton Frameworks is a screw-cap cannister which simply attaches to your set of keys. Stored within is a small travel-size lens cloth, perfect for keeping your spectacles clean. At 9x14.5cm, the cloth can be rolled or stuffed into the capsule where it can be kept safe and dry thanks to the rubber O-ring seals. The capsule is available in stainless steel or brass variations and means you’ll never be without a lens cloth again.

• Qty: 1
• Size: 19x19cm
• Material: Microfibre
• Thickness: 180gsm
• Reusable: Yes
• Brand: Banton Frameworks

 

 

#2 SPUDZ Cloth Pouch

For on-the-move glasses frame care, Alpine SPUDZ make these handy little lens cloth pouches. You simply stuff the cloth back inside the attached 10x10cm pouch to keep it clean and dry. These pouches are ideal for photographers or spectacle wearers who’re always on the move. The pouch easily attaches to your bag, belt loop or keys for quick access, whenever you need to clean your lenses. Available in this tasteful caramel colour, the microfibre cloth inside is a contrast grey colour.

 

 

Best glasses cleaning kits

#1 Best Glasses Cleaning Kit

This precision cleaning kit by URTH is designed for deep cleaning camera or spectacle lenses. Stowed inside a recycled nylon zip-case are various cleaning tools to keep your glasses perfectly clean. A hand-pump dust blower removes large particles whilst the ultrafine dust brush gets right into those those hard-to-reach lens edges. For a final clean, the kit includes a non-toxic lens cleaning solution which you can wipe with the ultra-soft microfibre cleaning cloth.

 

#2 Glasses Cleaning Kit by Chimni

This minimal cleaning kit is for spectacles or sunglasses. Inside the pristine white gift box is a white microfibre cleaning cloth, a spray bottle of lens cleaning fluid and a small keyring attachment screwdriver. A charming little gift for glasses wearers, this cleaning kit is perfect for keeping anyone’s glasses in perfect condition.

 

 

Cleaning cloth FAQs

What is the name of the cloth used to clean glasses?

Microfibre (UK) or microfiber (USA) is the name of the cloth used to clean spectacle or sunglasses lenses. Made from polyester, microfibre is the best material for safely cleaning ophthalmic lenses without scratching their surfaces or coatings. Generally, microfibre is made with polyester but can also be made with a blend of polyester and nylon.

 

Illustrative comparison between cotton cloth fibres versus polyester microfibres | Image source: Decitex.com

 

What is microfibre?

Microfibre is a type of synthetic cloth made from polyester strands with a diameter of less than 10 microns.

Compared to other woven cloths, microfibre has a superior cleaning performance as the incredibly fine fibres are better at absorbing and removing dirt and debris from unclean surfaces. This superior absorption is achieved through the thousands of tiny gaps between the fine fibres, otherwise known as ‘capillary action.’

For the best results and highest quality, microfibre with split strands have the highest absorption capability which lifts and retains dirt more effectively. The more splits, the more gaps, making the cloth more effective at cleaning your glasses.

When buying microfibre cloths for your glasses, try to get optical-specific ones that aren’t for domestic cleaning purposes. It’s common that glasses cleaning cloths are also suitable for camera lenses, computer monitors or other digital display screens.

 

Microscopic view of microfibre cloth strand ends before and after splitting | Image source: Decitex.com

 

In the microscopic comparison above, you can see the ends of microfibre strands. By splitting the ends, this creates more gaps between the fibres to absorb and wick-away dirt and debris from your spectacle lenses. Additionally, the split ends make more individual contact points within the cloth’s surface area which makes it more efficient at cleaning. This is why microfibre feels so incredibly soft compared to other types of materials.

 

What is the best cloth for cleaning eye glasses?

The best cloth for cleaning eye glasses is made from split microfibre. The microscopic strands absorb dirt and natural skin-oil from your lenses, leaving them clean and free from smudges. Furthermore, the fibres are much softer than other textiles (such as your clothes) therefore are much better for cleaning your lenses without damaging their coatings.

For the best results, you should regularly clean your glasses cleaning cloth in your washing machine. This will rid the cloth's fibres of any dirt or debris thus making cleaning your glasses easier.

 

Can I wash my eyeglass cleaning cloth?

Yes, you can wash your eyeglass cleaning cloth. This helps keep it soft and removes any dirt or fine particles from within the microfibres that could potentially scratch your spectacle lenses. The best way to clean your cloth is on a low temperature ‘gentle cycle’ in your washing machine. Alternatively, you can wash it by hand in lukewarm water with some dish washing detergent. To prevent creases, either lay flat or hang up to air-dry.

 

What about disposable cloths?

Unwoven microfibre cannot be washed and reused. Because the strands aren’t interlocked, they’d become detached in your washing machine and the cloth would simply fall apart. Woven microfibre, however, can be washed and reused which is better for the environment.

 

How often should you clean microfiber cloth for glasses?

Like a handkerchief, you should clean your glasses cleaning cloth once per week in your washing machine. This removes any oil or dirt which has been absorbed between the intricate fibres and makes it easier to clean your eyeglasses. A clean cloth means cleaner lenses, so it makes sense to rotate between several cloths through the week. Your lenses will thank you for it!

 

Are lens wipes bad for glasses?

Lens wipes are perfectly fine for cleaning your glasses, as long as they’re optical-specific. Avoid domestic cleaning wipes as they’re made with unsuitably rough fibres and chemicals that may damage your lenses and coatings. If you want to use lens wipes, check with the merchant or on the packaging to make sure they’re suitable for optical lenses. The last thing you want is to damage those lovely lens coatings your paid for.

 

Can I use alcohol wipes to clean my glasses?

You can use alcohol wipes to clean your glasses, but over time, they can be quite harsh on your lenses and coatings. The best formula to wipe your glasses clean are optical cleaning sprays or simply lukewarm water mixed with mild dishwashing detergent.

 

How can I clean my glasses without a microfibre cloth?

If you don’t have a microfibre cloth, the best way to clean your glasses is with dishwashing detergent and some warm water. Simply rub the soap onto your frame and lenses with your finger and rinse with lukewarm water. Leave to air dry. In the meantime, get yourself at least one or two microfibre cloths to help keep your glasses clean without scratching them.

 

How do professionals clean glasses?

Optical professionals may use an ultrasonic cleaning bath for a thorough and effective way of deep cleaning your glasses frame. These devices generate microscopic bubbles within warm soapy water. These bubbles repeatedly 'pop' and clean every surface of your frame in a process known as cavitation. In just a few minutes your frame will be clean and ready for wiping dry with a microfibre cloth.

 

Is it safe to clean eyeglasses in ultrasonic cleaner?

Yes. It's safe to clean eyeglasses in an ultrasonic cleaner, as long as the temperature of the water isn't too high and your detergent is mild. Overly hot temperatures can warp acetate frames and damage lens coatings. Harsh detergents may also damage lens coatings, so be sure to use a PH neutral cleaning solution such as domestic washing-up liquid.

Hopefully you found this article helpful. Please check out our other Eyewear accessories blogs. Thanks for stopping by.