Scratches on sunglasses can be frustrating, especially when they interfere with vision or ruin the look of your lenses. Whether your sunglasses are plastic or glass, there are a few methods that may help reduce the appearance of light scratches. However, not all scratches can be fully removed, and some fixes come with risks.
First: Identify the Lens Material
Before trying any method, determine whether your lenses are plastic (polycarbonate or acrylic) or glass. Most modern sunglasses use plastic lenses with special coatings such as UV protection or anti-reflective layers. These coatings are delicate and can be damaged by abrasive treatments. If your sunglasses are expensive or prescription lenses, professional repair or replacement is often the safest option.
Method 1: Toothpaste (For Very Light Scratches)
Use plain white, non-gel toothpaste (not whitening or abrasive types).
Steps:
- Rinse the lenses with water to remove dust.
- Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft microfiber cloth.
- Gently rub the scratched area in small circular motions for 10–15 seconds.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
- Important: This may slightly reduce fine scratches but can also remove protective coatings if overused.
Method 2: Baking Soda Paste
This method works similarly to toothpaste.
Steps:
- Mix one part baking soda with one part water to form a paste.
- Apply gently using a microfiber cloth.
- Rub lightly in circles, then rinse and dry.
- This is best for very shallow scratches and should be used sparingly.
- Method 3: Car Wax or Furniture Polish
- These products do not remove scratches but can temporarily fill them, making them less visible.
Steps:
- Apply a tiny amount to the lens.
- Buff gently with a microfiber cloth.
- Wipe off excess.
- The effect is short-term and may need frequent reapplication.
Method 4: Glass Etching Cream (Glass Lenses Only)
- If your sunglasses have glass lenses, a glass etching cream can reduce light scratches.
- Warning: This method permanently alters the lens surface and should only be used as a last resort.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly and avoid use on plastic lenses.
What NOT to Do
Avoid these common mistakes:
- ❌ Using household cleaners with ammonia
- ❌ Using sandpaper or rough fabrics
- ❌ Using alcohol wipes repeatedly
- ❌ Applying acetone or nail polish remover
- ❌ Using whitening toothpaste
- These can permanently damage lenses or remove UV protection.
When Scratches Cannot Be Fixed
If scratches are deep enough to:
- Distort vision
- Cause glare
- Catch your fingernail
- They cannot be safely removed at home. In these cases, replacing the lenses or sunglasses is the best option.
Preventing Future Scratches
- Always store sunglasses in a hard case
- Clean lenses only with microfiber cloths
- Rinse lenses before wiping to remove grit
- Avoid placing sunglasses lens-down on surfaces
Final Advice
Home remedies can reduce the appearance of minor surface scratches, but they won’t restore lenses to new condition. For high-quality or prescription sunglasses, professional lens replacement is the safest and clearest solution.
Conclusion
While minor scratches on sunglasses can sometimes be lessened with gentle home remedies like toothpaste or baking soda, these methods come with risks and may not fully restore your lenses. Deep scratches that affect vision or cause glare usually require professional repair or lens replacement. To keep your sunglasses looking and performing their best, handle them carefully, clean them properly, and store them safely. When in doubt, investing in professional care or new lenses is the best way to ensure clear, scratch-free vision.
