When it comes to eyewear, few names have the clout and respect of Oakley. And for good reason! Oakley sunglasses are a perennial top choice for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes alike, as they’re prized as much for their stylish designs as their high-performance lenses. While they’re not the cheapest, they’re often worth every penny. But like any investment, proper maintenance is vital to ensuring they last as long as possible, providing you maximum enjoyment while having your fun in the sun. Regular cleaning not only enhances the visual clarity of your Oakleys but also extends their lifespan by preserving the quality of the lenses and coatings.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to clean and protect your Oakley sunglasses, highlighting the do's and don’ts, and providing handy tips to help your Oakley shades stay in prime condition for many seasons to come.
- Why Proper Cleaning Matters
- Dos and Don'ts for Cleaning Oakley Sunglasses
- Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Oakley Sunglasses
- Maintaining Your Oakley Sunglasses
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Why Proper Cleaning Matters
We can’t say it enough: regular maintenance goes far beyond an occasional wipe to keep them looking new. Proper cleaning helps preserve the coatings on the lenses and ensures you get the best visual performance. So let’s dive deeper into why cleaning your Oakleys correctly is crucial for visual performance and clarity.
Protecting the Coating
Oakley lenses often come with specialized state-of-the-art coatings, such as anti-reflective, hydrophobic, and UV-protective layers. These coatings enhance the lenses' performance by reducing glare, repelling water, and blocking harmful UV rays. However, improper cleaning can damage these protective layers, so it’s of utmost importance you take the right steps to get the most from these coatings.
Using abrasive materials, harsh chemicals, or improper techniques can strip away or scratch the coatings, diminishing their performance and general effectiveness. By using the right cleaning materials, like a soft microfiber cloth & sunglass cleaner, you can protect these coatings and extend the life of your sunglasses.
Enhancing Clarity and Performance
Proper cleaning is also essential for optimal vision. Smudges, dirt, oils, and dust can accumulate on your lenses, reducing visibility and impairing the overall performance of your Oakleys. Whether you’re cycling, fishing, trail running, or driving, clear lenses improve your experience by offering sharper, unobstructed views.
Regular cleaning not only maintains the clarity of your lenses but also ensures that you get the most out of Oakley’s advanced optical technology. Your frames and your eyes will thank you!
Dos and Don'ts for Cleaning Oakley Sunglasses
When it comes to Oakley maintenance, there are some important rules of the road. Here are the dos and don'ts to help you avoid common pitfalls and preserve the quality of your favorite Oakley lenses.
Dos
Use a Soft Microfiber Towel
When cleaning your Oakley sunglasses, always use a microfiber towel (not your shirt). Unlike standard towels or fabrics, microfiber is soft and non-abrasive, making it ideal for cleaning delicate surfaces like lenses. Microfiber towels are also excellent at picking up dust and dirt without scratching your lenses.
Oakley provides their own microfiber cleaning cloth known as the Oakley Microclear™ Bag, which is specifically designed to clean and store your sunglasses. But if you don’t have it or if it’s worn out, Revant’s Microfiber Sunglass Bag is a perfect substitute, as it can be used for both storage and cleaning.
How to Use: Gently wipe the lenses in a circular motion, avoiding excessive pressure to prevent scratches.
Use Warm Running Water
A little water goes a long way! Rinsing your lenses under warm running water helps remove loose dirt and debris without scratching the surface. Warm water also loosens and washes away particles that could otherwise grind against the lens coating while you’re wiping them off.
Tip: Hold the sunglasses under the water and let it gently flow over the lenses. Avoid hot water, as extreme heat can affect the lens coating.
Use Soap
For more thorough cleaning, use a mild dish soap such as Dawn Dish Soap. It effectively removes oils and grime without damaging the lens coatings. Be sure to avoid any soaps with lotions, scents, or harsh chemicals.
Step-by-Step: Apply a small drop of soap to your fingertips, gently rub it across the lenses, and rinse thoroughly under warm water to remove all the soap residue.
Read Instructions for Spray Cleaners
Lens cleaning solutions are an excellent way to clean your lenses, just make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Revant's Sunglass Lens Cleaner is crafted with a streak-free formula that helps remove smudges while protecting the lenses and coatings.
Tip: Always apply the cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth, never directly onto the lenses. This ensures even application and avoids oversaturation.
Don'ts
Use Your Breath and Your Shirt
When it comes to shirts, just say no. It might seem convenient to clean your sunglasses with your breath and the corner of your shirt, but this can actually cause more harm than good. The fibers in your clothing can be abrasive (especially cotton), and the oils and dirt on your shirt can scratch the lenses or leave streaks.
Use Dry Paper Towels or Napkins
Paper towels, tissues, or napkins may feel soft, but they can actually be abrasive to delicate lenses. They often leave behind lint and tiny scratches that accumulate over time, dulling the lenses' surface and reducing their clarity.
Use Harsh Chemicals
Please, please, please avoid household cleaners like Windex, bleach, or ammonia-based products. These chemicals can break down the protective coatings on Oakley lenses and may cause permanent damage. Stick to mild soaps or specially formulated lens cleaning solutions to keep your lenses safe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Oakley Sunglasses
Okay, now that you know the dos and don'ts, let's walk through a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to properly clean your Oakley sunglasses.
Preparation
Before you start, gather the necessary cleaning tools: a microfiber cloth, mild dish soap, warm water, and a lens cleaning solution if needed. Ensure you have a clean, flat workspace to avoid accidental drops or spills.
Rinsing the Lenses
Begin by rinsing your sunglasses under warm running water. This removes any loose dirt or debris that could potentially scratch the lenses when wiping.
Tip: Hold the sunglasses gently and allow the water to flow over the lenses, avoiding any unnecessary pressure.
Applying Soap
Next, apply a small drop of mild dish soap to your fingertips. Using your fingertips, gently rub the soap in circular motions across the surface of the lenses. Be thorough but gentle to ensure all areas are cleaned.
Rinsing and Drying
Rinse the lenses again under warm water, ensuring all soap residue is washed away. Shake off excess water and use a microfiber cloth to gently pat the lenses dry.
Using Lens Cleaning Solution
If your lenses need a bit more love, apply a lens cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the lenses. This step is particularly useful for removing any remaining smudges or stubborn spots. Just make sure you rub gently.
Maintaining Your Oakley Sunglasses
Keeping your Oakley sunglasses clean is essential for longevity, but ongoing maintenance is of utmost importance. Here’s how it’s done…
Regular Cleaning Routine
To keep your sunglasses in top condition, establish a regular cleaning routine. We like to pick a day of the week as our cleaning day for sunglasses (Sunglass Sunday, anyone?). For daily wear, a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth may suffice. For more thorough weekly cleanings, follow the steps outlined above to remove any buildup of oils or dirt.
Proper Storage
When you're not wearing your sunglasses, always store them in a protective case–like the Oakley Soft Vault Sunglass Case or the Revant Keeper Sunglass Case. This prevents scratches and keeps dust from accumulating on the lenses.
Tip: If you ever find your sunglass lenses scratched or otherwise damaged beyond repair, be sure to check out our collection of Oakley Replacement Lenses to keep your favorite frames in play.
Handling with Care
When handling your sunglasses, always grip them by the frames rather than the lenses. This prevents fingerprints and smudges from forming on your lenses, which can be tricky to clean.
Conclusion
A little TLC goes a long way for your Oakley lenses. Cleaning your Oakley sunglasses regularly and correctly is crucial for maintaining their performance and durability. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll protect the lens coatings, enhance clarity, and ensure your sunglasses remain in excellent condition for years to come.
If you’ve found these tips helpful, feel free to share your experiences in the comments. For more product tips and reviews, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter!
FAQs
How to remove scratches from Oakley sunglasses?
Unfortunately, scratches on Oakley lenses are often permanent. The best prevention is to clean them carefully and store them in a case when not in use, that way you avoid scratches altogether.
Does salt water ruin Oakleys?
Saltwater can be harmful if left to dry on the lenses, as it can leave residue and cause damage. Always rinse your sunglasses with fresh water after exposure to salt water.
Can I get my Oakleys wet?
Yes, but avoid prolonged exposure to water, especially hot water, as it may affect the lens coatings.
What is the best solution to clean sunglasses?
A mild dish soap or a lens cleaning solution is best for cleaning sunglasses safely and effectively.
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