If you own a pair of eyeglass then one thing you should never neglect doing is cleaning it every day. This is the key to keeping your glass clean and preventing its lenses from getting scratched or accumulating damages.
The problem is that there are a few incorrect ways of keeping your glasses in pristine condition – one of which is not using the best eyeglass cleaning cloth. Note that investing in a trusted eyeglass cleaning cloth is not a waste of money. It is even a big help in making your glasses last for as long as you want.
The top-tier glasses cleaning cloth is usually that made of microfiber. This is a material, which most lens manufacturers accept and approve. With a trusted microfiber cloth for eyeglasses, you can effectively clean your eyewear considering how effective this material is in drying the lens and trapping oils, thereby preventing them from smearing.
It is also useful in getting rid of dirt, water, dust, or anything that tends to disturb the lens’ visibility. However, because of the high level of effectiveness showcases by the most trusted cleaning cloth for glasses when it comes to trapping debris, it is also necessary to clean it frequently.
Use clean water and lotion-free dishwashing liquid to hand-wash the cloth. Let it air dry naturally before using it. Of course, it is also a great idea to buy a cleaning cloth for your eyewear from reliable sources. The following are just twelve amazing eyewear cleaning cloth options we have gathered and the short reviews of each one.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Glasses Cleaning Cloth Reviews of 2023
- 1. Koala Kloth Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- 2. MagicFiber 6-pack Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- 3. Your Choice 6-pack Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- 4. waka 10-pack Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- 5. CAMKIX Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- 6. Xthel Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- 7. Clean & Clear Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth
- 8. ColorYourLife Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- 9. E-Cloth Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- 10. Care Touch Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- What is an Eyeglass Cleaning Cloth
- How Does It Work
- Types of Eyeglass Cleaning Cloths
- Why Do You Need an Eyeglass Cleaning Cloth
- Buying Guide
- Care and Maintenance
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
10 Best Glasses Cleaning Cloth Reviews of 2023
1. Koala Kloth Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
One incredible choice for the best microfiber cloth for glasses is this Koala Kloth Cleaning Cloth. Available in the Jumbo XL size, I can safely announce that the coverage of this microfiber cleaning cloth is quite wide. It comes in a convenient size that prevents any sign of discomfort.
This choice for eyeglasses cleaning cloth is of fantastic value, too, because its overall quality is top-notch while letting you take hold of three items of it at a reasonable price. It is a flexible cleaning material as you can use it not only for your eyewear but also for computer and TV screens that require cleaning.
I specifically like the size of this microfiber eyeglass cleaning cloth, too. It is more than three times larger compared to other cleaning cloths at around 12-inch x 12-inch. This cleaning cloth is also created in a way that it can remove dust, streaks, and lint from the specific surface it is cleaning.
Being constructed out of a truly dense and soft fine microfiber yarn, I can also guarantee its effectiveness in capturing and trapping even the smallest particles that can only be seen in a microscope. It performs such function without the need for a cleaner.
I am impressed with its wide coverage proven by its ability to work on eyeglasses, laptop screens, reading glasses, sunglasses, all kinds of touch screens, smartphones, and iPhones. Another nice advantage of this cloth is that its fabric has treatment, which significantly increases its capillary function, especially in terms of absorbing oils and water.
- Wide coverage in terms of cleaning considering its large size
- Useful in a variety of applications – among which are eyewear and touchscreen devices
- The fabric is treated to make it even more effective in absorbing oils and water
- Can effectively remove dirt, dust, and streaks
- Captures and traps even the tiniest particles
- Slightly stiff at first
2. MagicFiber 6-pack Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
I am sure that the 6-pack Microfiber cleaning cloth from MagicFiber is also on its way towards giving you a more satisfying experience as far as keeping your eyewear clean is concerned. I am so impressed with the premium quality of the materials used in its construction. The microfiber itself is extremely soft, making it safe to use.
This material does a pretty good job of absorbing and getting rid of oil, dirt, fingerprints, smudges, and dust on any surface, particularly your eyewear. I also discovered that it does its job of cleaning your glasses without leaving any marks, lint, streaks, or scratches. The result is a truly pristine pair of glasses that will never distort your vision.
I also find this option for eyeglasses and sunglasses cleaning cloth flexible and versatile. This cleaning cloth also works incredibly well on a wide range of surfaces, not just glasses and eyewear. Among the items where you can safely use it are smartphones, touchscreen devices, filters, camera lenses, and LCD screens.
It is a cost-effective product as it provides you 6 cloths in one. Another reason to love this microfiber cleaning cloth is the fact that it is easy to store. It is compact and non-bulky, making it fit your purse, eyewear case, and camera bag well. Each purchase also lets you take hold of a polybag where you can store it.
This cloth is also created to be safe for use even on the most delicate and sensitive surfaces.
- Extremely soft microfiber material
- Safe to use even on delicate and sensitive surfaces
- Provides 6 cloths in one, making it a wise investment
- Useful in various surfaces, not just eyewear
- Compact and non-bulky, promoting the convenience of storage
- Emits an unwanted smell at first
3. Your Choice 6-pack Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Another great choice designed to give your glasses and other lenses and surfaces a superior clean is the 6-pack Microfiber cleaning cloth offered by Your Choice. I think that it is the best companion for anyone who is constantly annoyed with their glasses, delicate surfaces, screens, or other types of the lens being covered with oils, smudge, and fingerprints.
I like the superior level of safety offered by this cloth. It functions without causing damage to your valuable screens, lens, and eyeglasses. The cloth seems to do a pretty good job in trapping and absorbing dirt from delicate surfaces and screens. It can, therefore, restore the clarity and cleanliness of such items.
I am also delighted to announce that this product is neatly packed. It comes at a handy and compact size, which ensures that storing and carrying it will never become an issue. You can conveniently carry it everywhere without causing your stuff to be disorganized. The fact that it is constructed from microfiber fabric also promotes ease when using it to wipe surfaces.
Aside from being soft, this material is also lint-free. It can easily clean your glasses and screens while ensuring that no streaks, marks, and scratches are left. It is flexible that you are allowed to use it with a bit of water or while being dry. Using it with cleaners or rubbing it hard is also unnecessary.
This cleaning cloth is also amazing because of its reusable and durable nature.
- Soft and microfiber material used in its construction
- Compact and handy size, promoting convenience in carrying and storing it
- Functions well in terms of cleaning without leaving streaks and marks
- Highly flexible as it is compatible with a variety of surfaces
- Reusable and durable construction
- The available colors are quite plain and not that bright
4. waka 10-pack Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Your satisfaction is also guaranteed by this 10-pack microfiber cleaning cloth offered by waka. I am so satisfied with the overall thickness and soft texture of this microfiber-based cleaning cloth. It is around thirty percent thicker compared to the typical microfiber cloth. It also has a combination of polyester and polyamide, further enhancing its softness.
The cleaning cloth is highly durable with its tightly woven structure. Even if it is constructed to be tough and sturdy, I am still happy to announce that it is super gentle when used in cleaning. It is also extremely fine and lint-free. This makes it safe and gentle even when used on delicate and sensitive items and lenses.
It functions well in cleaning such surfaces without leaving them with scratches and marks. I am also greatly in awe of the special arc pattern edges integrated into the cloth. It is because I find them useful in preventing scratches from forming in costly eyewear, camera lenses, TV screens, laptops, and other items.
I am also satisfied with its bright yellow shade. It is because I find this color effective in covering all dirt and dust from several surfaces. You will also be delighted once you know that each cloth in this product is packed in a separate plastic bag, promoting ease of safekeeping for a long time.
You can also wash the cloth either by hand or machine, allowing you to use it again.
- Soft while still retaining enough thickness
- Durable, thanks to its tightly woven structure
- Extremely fine and lint-free composition
- Safe and gentle to use even in those surfaces considered as delicate and sensitive
- Individually packed, preventing difficulties in organizing and storing them
- The plastic bag used in packing each cloth is somewhat flimsy
5. CAMKIX Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
I am sure that you will also be amazed by the incredible cleaning performance of the CAMKIX Microfiber Cleaning Cloth. This cleaning cloth carries several features and qualities that truly make it remarkable. One of these is the extremely soft and gentle microfiber material used in constructing the cloth.
This material is gentle and soft enough that it can clean surfaces and lenses gently and safely. It does so while ensuring that it does not cause damages and scratches to the surface. I like the individual wrapping for each cloth included in the set.
Note that this contains up to ten cloths for your convenience and with their separate wrapping, you have a guarantee that they will remain in excellent condition. The flexibility of this microfiber cleaning cloth is also undeniable. You will find it useful for wet and dry surfaces. I can even use it together with cleaning sprays and liquids anytime I want.
It can clean up a wide range of items, not just my glasses. Among the things it can handle are LCD screens, tablets, mobile phones, watches, laptops, computers, and other sensitive surfaces. The cloth is handy and compact that storing and bringing it everywhere is hassle-free.
The cleaning cloth boasts of their zigzag finished edges, which is beneficial as it can prevent fraying and ensure that the fiber will not come undone. It is reusable, too, which means you can use it again.
- Cleans glasses, lenses, and other delicate surfaces efficiently
- Reusable, making it long-lasting
- Boasts of zigzag finished edges that can prevent fraying
- Handy and compact
- Useful for wet and dry surfaces
- Slightly difficult to use when cleaning large lenses because of its small size
6. Xthel Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
If you are searching for an affordable yet effective eyeglass cleaner then this microfiber cleaning cloth from Xthel. For its low price, you will find real value because it allows you to get a set of six pieces of cleaning cloth. You can use each one to clean different surfaces, including glasses, lenses, cameras, screens, iPhone, iPad, TV screens, and mobile phones.
The cleaning cloth is ultra-soft as it is constructed from microfiber, making it truly friendly and safe for eyeglasses and other lenses with delicate surfaces. This microfiber is also tightly woven, making it sturdy while being dependable in cleaning it up. Another advantage of this cloth is that it is safe to use knowing that it is devoid of any harsh and toxic chemicals.
I love the machine-washable nature of this cloth, too. It is because this means cleaning it up is easy, allowing it to be reusable. I am also impressed with its cleaning performance because it prevents it from leaving any streak and lint. It can also remove dirt easily and quickly.
Another remarkable feature of this cleaning cloth is the saw-tooth pattern edge. I noticed how this helps a lot in preventing the cloth from fraying. This pattern can also prevent coarse strings while ensuring that the surface will not develop scratches.
- Affordable price while giving you a set of six pieces
- Cleans different surfaces well, including eyeglasses
- Ultra-soft microfiber material used in constructing it
- Devoid of harsh and toxic chemicals
- Machine-washable, making each piece easy to clean
- Too small size
7. Clean & Clear Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth
I also highly recommend this microfiber lens cleaning cloth from Clean & Clear. I super like this item because it comes at a size that makes it capable of doing a decent cleaning job, even if the surface is small or large. The cleaning performance is superior because it underwent strict testing and processing.
It is even structured along with an electrostatic charge, which works efficiently in attracting dirt and dust. With that, I am sure that all the dirt and dust in your eyeglasses or any other surface that you intend to clean will be handled well. It comes at an extra-large size, allowing it to cover a wide area when cleaning.
The flexibility of this cleaning cloth is also immediately noticeable. Expect this to perform well in cleaning all lenses and glasses, including those used in cameras and screens. I like the fact that the microfiber material is extremely gentle and soft, letting it do a superior cleaning performance without harming or damaging any surface.
It is washable using a machine, so you can rest assured that you can use it once again. It also means that cleaning it up is not that difficult at all. The cloth is thick enough despite its softness, allowing it to remain sturdy. Furthermore, it is lint-free. It also takes pride in its elegant stitched edge, which further enhances its sturdiness.
I also like the fact that this product is available in a set composed of 8 individually packed pieces. Each pack is made of the luxurious and premium-quality paper case.
- Superior cleaning performance guaranteed
- Highly flexible as it is compatible with numerous surfaces and products
- Machine-washable, long-lasting, and reusable
- Sturdy, thanks to its elegant stitched edge
- Individually packed, so storing it is easy
- Not as thick as other glass cleaning cloths
8. ColorYourLife Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
I am also very happy that I got the chance to know this microfiber cleaning cloth offered by ColorYourLife. One fantastic thing about this microfiber cleaning cloth is that it is available in different colors. This means that it is an exciting set composed of 10 differently-colored cleaning cloths.
The premium-quality microfiber material used in creating this item is the highly recommended one to clean not only your glasses but also mobile phones, optics, glasses, LCD screens, and tablets. With this, I am sure that it is genuinely safe on your items, particularly glasses with extremely sensitive and delicate lenses and surfaces.
This cleaning cloth is easy to use, too. It is fine and soft, so you can rest assured knowing that it can clean delicate items without it causing damage to them, like scratches and streaks. It also functions very well in cleaning up the surface from various traces of dirt – among which are fingerprints, oil, smudge, and dust.
I like the eco-friendly and reusable nature of this cleaning cloth considering how easy it is to wash it. It takes pride in its edges that boast of a wave pattern. This specific pattern is a big advantage because it can prevent the cloth from being pulled out and fraying. The 10 pieces of cleaning cloth also come with individual packaging.
Expect each piece to be packed in a self-sealed bag made of polyurethane plastic material, which is guaranteed for its strength and sturdiness.
- Cost-effective since the set consists of 10 pieces
- Available in different colors
- Superior and safe cleaning performance guaranteed
- Eco-friendly and reusable
- Low risk of fraying because of its edges’ wave pattern
- Not that thick
9. E-Cloth Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Another eyeglass cleaning cloth that I will highly recommend is the E-Cloth Microfiber Cleaning Cloth. It does a pretty good job when it comes to getting rid of finger marks as well as light greases from your lenses and glasses. It is easy to use, too. You just need to use this cloth together with a bit of water.
I am so satisfied with its ability to clean surfaces and make glasses crystal-clear without leaving streaks. It is also safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly because it is free of any harsh and damaging chemicals. I also honestly like the flexibility of this cleaning cloth as it works perfectly in all kinds of lenses.
The microfiber material used in creating this product is famous for its softness and gentleness. It does not leave any smear on the finish of various lenses, like those used in cameras, sunglasses, and spectacles. Another great advantage of this cloth is that it is 99 percent effective in getting rid of mold, bacteria, pollen, as well as other contaminants.
Another great advantage is the eco-friendliness of this cloth. It is sustainable while being good and safe for the environment. You can use it again provided you wash and clean it regularly. The price is so affordable, which means it will never cause you to regret buying it in the end.
- Easy to use for cleaning
- Can effectively get rid of different sources and traces of dirt
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly, making it safe
- Affordable and easy to wash
- Can get rid of mold and bacteria that might harm your glasses
- Quite small
10. Care Touch Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Lastly, there is this famous microfiber cleaning cloth from Care Touch. I like how it seems to suit all types of glasses and eyewear perfectly. It takes pride in its microfiber material, which promotes superior cleaning capability. With such capability, I can assure you of its ability to keep lenses clean.
It can get rid of dirt from various items – among which are prescription glasses, camera lens, sunglasses, and any other types of the optic. For its price, you can get six pieces of this cloth, which is a strong advantage because it means you will own more than one cleaning item. Each piece is also long-lasting since it allows multiple uses.
You can wash and reuse it. It is soft and safe while being cheaper and more effective in cleaning than paper towels and napkins. I also like how it works fast in getting rid of dust, smudges, dirt, and any other trace of unwanted particles and mess in your glasses. It comes at the perfect thickness and size, too.
The fact that it does not have any chemicals in it also means it cleans without leaving any sign of scratch, lint, and streak. Even if you are using it on sensitive services, I can guarantee its ability to give a thorough clean without damaging it. It is also proven safe on multiple surfaces, even multi-coated and non-coated lenses.
- Microfiber material used in its structure, boasting its gentle and effective cleaning power
- Long-lasting as it allows multiple uses
- Soft and safe to use even on lenses with multiple coating and delicate surfaces
- Gets rid of all traces of dirt and unwanted particles
- Available in the right thickness and size
- Only one color and pattern in the set
SecurOMax Microfiber Cleaning Cloth (Outdated)
The next choice is this microfiber cleaning cloth offered by the trusted SecurOMax brand. For its price, you will receive six pieces of cleaning cloth, which is already a great deal. It is a microfiber cloth, which, I think, is decent enough in cleaning the surface while ensuring that it remains scratch-free.
It wipes stains, dust, dirt, fingerprints, stains, and smudges among many other things without leaving behind any lint or streak. The material is gentle and soft while being tightly woven and optical-grade, so it is truly safe to use. It also consists of polyester and polyamide – both of which further enhance the softness of the structure.
Another remarkable advantage of this cleaning cloth is its versatility, which is proven by its compatibility with various items – among which are eyeglasses, camera lenses, sunglasses, tablets, smartphones, computer monitors, optical filters, coated optical glass, and TV screens. This cleaning cloth is also portable.
You can easily store it with its compact and small size. Another great advantage of this eyeglass cleaning cloth is that it has a heavy-duty and reusable zip bag. It is useful in storing the cloth efficiently. It is also absorbent, further improving its cleaning capability.
- Cost-effective because it is affordable while giving you six pieces in a set
- Compatible with various glasses, lenses, and surfaces
- Portable and easy to carry
- The set comes with a heavy-duty and reusable bag
- Can effectively wipe out and absorb different kinds of dirt
- The color tends to come off after some time
Blue Merlin Microfiber Cleaning Cloth (Outdated)
Another microfiber cleaning cloth I would like to suggest using is this trusted one offered by Blue Merlin. I love the overall composition of this eyeglass cleaning cloth because it is both soft and strong since it makes use of advanced microfiber yarn. It cleans well plus it does not generate any particle or element that sticks to the lens, screen, or glasses.
The material is dense and it has awesome absorption capabilities. I find such capability effective in holding on to and attracting any dirt and contaminants found in your screen and lens. With that, I am sure that it will remain clean for a long time. I like the round edges of this cloth, too.
It is because having these edges ensure that any abrasive particles can be absorbed and eliminated from the screen or lens. This also prevents the soft cloth from scratching the item you own. It is safe to use on both non-coated and coated lenses, too, which means that you can also clean up telescopes, microscopes, hunting scopes, and binoculars, among many others with it.
Storing it is also very convenient because of the individual wrapping of each cloth. With that, traveling will be easy even with the cleaning cloth around. The fact that it is washable also makes it long-lasting because it means you can use it several times. It is easy to clean, too.
All it takes is to hand-wash it using dish detergent and warm water then air-dry it.
- Soft while still being strong and durable
- Boasts of its awesome absorption capabilities
- Prevents abrasive particles from being absorbed by the screen
- Safe to use even on coated lenses
- Easy to clean and wash
- Quite costly
What is an Eyeglass Cleaning Cloth
What do you usually use to wipe the lens of your eyeglasses? If you are like most people, you usually make use of your shirttails for cleaning the delicate lenses of your eyeglasses. If this assumption is correct then you need to stop. You are doing more harm than good when you use anything other than the best eyeglass cleaning cloth.
What is this eyeglass cleaning cloth, you ask? Do you still remember the day that you first got your spectacles? Do you recall there being a small piece of shiny cloth inside the carrying case of your glasses? Hopefully, you have not gotten rid of it because that is the eyeglass cleaning cloth.
That small piece of fabric is made of microfiber, making it the ideal material for wiping away the dirt and oil that managed to cling onto the surface of your glasses. Just feeling the fabric in between your fingers will tell you why it is the ideal material. Compare the feeling that you get when running your fingers through your shirttails. It is rougher, isn’t it?
You might think that you are cleaning your eyeglasses but the truth is you are putting a lot of scratches on the surface of the lens. After some time, you will notice that your eyeglasses are a bit cloudy and no amount of wiping is making it clear again – that is because of all the tiny scratches you made on the surface.
Prevent this from happening and extend the usable lifespan of your expensive eyepieces by using the appropriate cleaning cloth to wipe at the lenses when they get dirty.
How Does It Work
If you want to clean a dirty wall that is caked with globs of dirt, you will need to use a large brush with large bristles to get most of the dirt off the wall, right? Once all the huge clumps of dirt are gone, some traces of dirt will remain on the wall and they are too small for the large brush to get.
This is when scaling down your cleaning implement is necessary. What you will need to use is a smaller brush, like an old toothbrush, to clean the remaining traces of dirt on the wall. Of course, it will take you a long time to completely clean the wall using such a small brush.
But what if you can stick dozens of toothbrush heads together to create a larger brush with small bristles? With this, you will be able to clean the wall completely quicker. Now, think about how faster would it have been to clean the wall if you started with this new brush of yours?
This is how microfiber fabrics work. If you put a piece of microfiber fabric under the microscope then do the same with a piece of cotton fabric, you will notice that there are smaller individual fibers in a patch of fabric in the microfiber compared to the cotton fabric.
Think of the tiny fibers as bristles on a brush. They will be able to pick up more dirt because there is more surface area where the dirt can cling onto. Even the smallest bits of dirt are picked off of the surface. This is the reason why so many recommend using microfiber towels for cleaning.
Aside from cleaning surfaces much better, they are also not as abrasive as other cleaning implements. Furthermore, microfibers pick up the dirt in between the fibers. Compare that with cotton and its huge fibers that tend to push the dirt around the surface.
Types of Eyeglass Cleaning Cloths
There are several types of eyeglass cleaning cloths that you can use to bring the sparkle back into your eyeglasses. These include:
Microfiber cloths – This is the type of cloth that you usually get with every purchase of a new pair of glasses. These are usually quite small, like half the size of a dollar bill. However, you can get them in larger sizes and higher thread counts. The great thing about this type of cleaning cloth is that it can clean all kinds of dirt from all surfaces without leaving a mark.
Cotton fabric – You can also use a clean cotton fabric scraps if you have some laying around in your home. These cloths can do a marginally good job at cleaning eyeglasses. However, because their fibers are quite large, they are not as efficient at picking up dirt and debris from the surface of eyeglass lenses but in a pinch, they will do.
Pre-moistened towelettes – These are like paper tissues that are pre-moistened with a lens cleaning solution. The great thing about these types of cloth is that they provide convenience. You do not have to spray cleaning liquid on the lens and then wipe away the dirt.
With this, you just do it in one step. Open the packet and proceed to wipe away the dirt from your glasses.
Why Do You Need an Eyeglass Cleaning Cloth
The most obvious answer is because you need something to wipe the dirt off your prescription glasses. But then again, if it’s just that then you can use just about any kind of cloth, can you? Nope, there is only one kind of eyeglass cleaning cloth that you should use and that is the one made of microfiber.
If you have access to a microscope and you take a peek at a piece of microfiber fabric, you will see that there are thousands of fibers crammed into a relatively small area. This means that more fibers pick up dirt and absorb moisture. However, on closer inspection, the ends of the microfibers are already frayed out.
This will further increase the total surface area exponentially. The main reason why you need an eyeglass cleaning cloth is that you want to pick up all the dirt on the surface of the lenses not just push them around.
You might think that a cotton pad does a great job cleaning the surface of your eyeglass but what truly happens is that the huge fibers of your cotton fabric can only pick up so much dust and dirt. The particles that it could not pick up, it just pushes over the surface of the lens, causing minute scratches all over the surface.
Buying Guide
Microfiber eyeglass cleaning cloth is pretty cheap, so much so that you can probably ask your ophthalmologist for a couple of sheets the next time you go to the clinic for a checkup. However, if you are particular about how you clean your eyeglasses, then you might want to buy small microfiber towels.
These are much thicker and softer, making them better for cleaning. Unlike the microfiber scraps that are practically given away by eye doctors, microfiber towels are a bit more expensive as they contain more material and have undergone a longer assembly production.
Here are some of the details that you need to take into consideration when you are out there comparing the different kinds of microfiber towels that you plan to buy:
Density / Weight – Just like when you are out shopping for a regular towel, you need to search for the GSM or grams per square meter. This is the density of the towel. In this case, thicker is better. Do not confuse the GSM with the denier. The latter is the measure of each fiber in the towel.
The higher the GSM, the thicker, softer, and plusher the resulting towel will be. To put things into a better perspective: 200-350 GSM thick towels are suitable for general cleaning purposes. These are the ones where you do not have to worry about scuffing up or scratching the surface being cleaned.
These towels are great for rubbing off the dust from the surface. On the other hand, towels that are within the range of 600-700 GSM are more appropriate for cleaning up and drying automotive body paint, clear plastics, and other delicate surfaces.
Blend – Another way to determine whether a microfiber towel is any good or not is by checking its fabric blend. Microfiber towels are usually made using a blend of polyester and polyamide and their blends are usually listed as fractions on the tag.
If you see 70/30 written on the tag, that means the towel is made of 70% polyester and 30% polyamide. Keep in mind that the polyester gives the towel its form while the addition of polyamide gives the towel density and makes it absorbent.
In the past ten years or so, you will find an obvious difference in quality between the 70/30 and 80/20 blends but they are now almost identical both in feel and absorbency. Nowadays, it just points to where the towel was made: 70/30 blends are commonly used by European manufacturers while the Asian manufacturers usually use the 80/20.
What you need to avoid altogether is a 100% polyester microfiber towel. Because polyester is so cheap to make, there are lots of manufacturers who use it as the sole ingredient in their towels.
Origin – For years, people have held the belief that South Korean fibers are of a higher quality than those made and manufactured in China. Based on fiber quality only, it does seem that the South Korean makes are superior but that does not necessarily translate to them making better quality towels.
Advances in manufacturing technology and globalization have made both China and South Korea capable of manufacturing equal quality cleaning towels. The problem usually lies with the inconsistencies in manufacturing by some Chinese manufacturers. Production rates in China tend to be a bit higher, which means that quality control usually falters.
Even if the fibers came from a South Korean producer, when it is shipped to China for final processing to towels, the future quality is quite uncertain. However, it can also be said that there is consistency in the manufacturing and assembly of the towel being in the same factory.
What this means is if the same Chinese company produced the microfibers and assembled the towels, the quality of the finished products will be a lot more consistent, especially when compared to towels made by a Chinese factory but using materials from Korea.
With this information, it is best to look for microfiber towels that are 100% Korean made and produced.
Split and Loop – Top quality microfiber cleaning towels are those made of split fibers. The more split fibers the microfiber fabric has, the more absorbent it will be. Although this measurement is not described by manufacturers, there are reports that an average of 16 splits per fiber as the ideal number.
On the other hand, if the fibers are woven into loops, it would be more absorbent and can pick up more dirt and debris on surfaces. You can find out if a towel is made of closed-loop fibers by gently rubbing it against your skin. If it catches onto the small imperfections on your skin then it is made of looped fibers.
Another test is to try to make the towel absorb some spilled water. If you notice that the towel does not absorb that much water or if it outright repels water, then it is very likely that the towel is made of low-quality, flat-weave fibers.
Edges – When shopping for a microfiber cleaning towel, you need to look for one that has a soft edge. The towel should either have a rolled edge or even better, a clean-cut edge, which is also referred to as edgeless towels. Rough edges and threads can leave sensitive surfaces scratched and marred with hundreds of tiny gouges.
Care and Maintenance
If you want your microfiber cleaning fabric to last for as long as possible then you need to provide it with the right amount of care. Here are some of the basic care and maintenance instructions for microfiber cleaning towel:
Make sure that you read the manufacturer’s care instructions carefully. Not all microfiber products have the same washing and care, so just play it safe and wash them every week using them.
You should wash microfiber cleaning cloths along with other microfiber cloths. The most common mistake that a lot of people make when washing microfiber cleaning cloths is washing them along with other types of cloths, like terry cloth and other cotton cleaning cloths.
The reason being is that the loose cotton fibers can get inside the microfiber. This will greatly decrease and maybe even eliminate the absorbency of the microfiber. This can also make them unable to pick up small pieces of dirt.
For highly hygienic uses and purposes, you might need to use a bit of bleach when washing microfiber. However, for general cleaning purposes, just a detergent will do, and please, do not add any fabric conditioner. Those harsh chemicals will only completely damage the delicate microfibers, and may even render them useless.
When washing microfiber cleaning cloths, it is best to use liquid laundry detergent. Powder detergents can leave soap residue. Tiny soap particles can get lodged inside the fibers, thus rendering them useless.
You might also need to look into the temperature of the water when cleaning microfiber cloths. Some microfiber cloth brands suggest washing in cold water only while other brands allow the use of warm water. However, what they all agree on is that you should never wash microfiber in hot water as it can damage the delicate microfibers.
It was mentioned earlier that you do not wash microfiber with other kinds of fabrics. This is also what you need to follow when drying them. Again, drying the microfibers together prevents them from getting damaged and their fiber loops from getting clogged by large, loose fibers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular eyeglass cleaning cloth brands?
Are you finally convinced of the importance of using the top-tier eyeglass cleaning cloth? Then make it a point to buy one from reputable and trusted providers and brands – among which are Koala Lifestyle, MagicFiber, YourChoice, waka, CAMKIX, Xthel, SecurOMax, Clean & Clear Microfiber, ColorYourLife, Blue Merlin, E-Cloth, and Care Touch.
Can you wash eyeglass cleaning cloths?
Yes, you can and you should. The microfiber cleaning cloth that came with your glasses does get dirty after a while of using them. You will know when your cleaning cloth needs cleaning if it still leaves streaks on top of the lens.
It is quite easy to clean microfiber. However, you just need to remember one thing. They need to be washed on their own or with other microfiber items. This prevents the loose fibers from the other fabrics from clogging the microfibers and rendering them less absorbent than before.
What size are the eyeglass cleaning cloths?
Typically, microfiber cloth glasses measure around 14 cm x 14 cm or 16 cm x 17 cm. It is also not hard to find a large eyeglass cleaning cloth measuring around 30.5 cm x 30.5 cm. You can use it for eyeglasses and gadgets with large screens. If you need to clean car windows, you can also find a cloth measuring 40 cm x 40 cm.
What can eyeglass cleaning cloths clean?
An eyewear cleaning cloth can wipe out fingerprints, dust, lint, and streaks that stick onto the lenses, computer monitors, tablets, phones, camera lenses, binoculars, and telescopes. Moreover, the fabric can clear up dingy spectacles better with the help of a cleaning solution.
Besides this, you can use a sunglass cleaning cloth to wipe reflective surfaces like windows, mirrors, and metal. Reddit users also say that you can use it on bathroom surfaces and countertops.
How often should you wash your glasses cloth?
Unlike lens cleaning wipes, cleaning cloths are more cost-effective and eco-friendly because you can reuse them.
Since we often use a microfiber cloth for cleaning glasses, experts recommend that you shake off the dust after wiping. After all, the fabric will not be able to clean up the surface effectively when it is dirty.
There is no rule on how often you should wash your glasses wiping cloth. It depends on where you work. For instance, if you remove thick mud and grime from your safety goggles, you will have to wash the cloth when you go home.
On the flip side, you can wash your prescription and sunglass cleaning cloth once or twice a week if you work indoors with low exposure to dirt.
Can microfiber cloth scratch my eyeglass and camera lenses?
We often see product descriptions enumerating a list of surfaces the cloth can clean. Usually, these are eyeglasses, camera lenses, gadgets, and other glass and optical surfaces.
That said, this does not mean that you can use the same cleaning solution and technique on all surfaces. Apart from the various coatings these items have, we tend to use them in different settings.
If you use the same lens cloth to wipe a dusty surface and then clean your spectacles with it, the particles it picked up may scratch the lenses.
How to use the eyeglass cleaning cloth?
You just use the microfiber cleaning cloth as you would any regular piece of cloth. When your glasses are a bit blurry because of dust and oil from your face and hands, you just need to pinch the lens between your thumb and forefinger and the microfiber cleaning cloth. For dirty lenses, you need to use a lens cleaning solution to help loosen up the dirt and oils.
Just spray a bit of the cleaning solution on the lenses and then proceed to wipe off the dirt. Apply firm yet gentle pressure on the lens. It should be just enough to wipe off the dirt on the surface but not so much that you push out the lens from the frame. Just hold them as if you would a potato chip. Be careful not to crack the “chip”.
Use small circular motions to wipe away any oil streaks and dirt from the surface of the lens. Once you are satisfied with the clarity of your lenses, wear your glasses and replace the cleaning cloth into the carrying case of your glasses.
If your glasses are filthy, like it has not been thoroughly cleaned in a week, then you probably should wash it right now. You just need a bit of mild liquid dishwashing soap and running tap water. Steer clear from citrus-scented variants.
How to care & wash?
When your microfiber cleaning cloth gets too dirty, it will not be able to absorb any of the oils on top of your lenses and will only push aside the dirt over the lenses and cause lots of tiny scratches.
To wash them properly, follow these instructions:
Start by rinsing – The great thing about microfiber is that it is amazing at picking up dirt and dust but that is what makes them quite hard to wash and clean. To help things get started, you need to take away as much of the trapped dirt within the microfibers as you can. Rinse your microfiber cloths after every day you use them to ensure that you can easily wash them later.
Keep them separated – The most important thing that you need to remember when washing microfiber cloths is that you have to wash them separately from your other clothes. The reason behind this is that microfiber cloths are designed to pick up anything that they come across, including the loose fibers and lint from other fabrics.
These loose fibers will clog up all of the microfibers, thus reducing their efficiency at picking up dirt and debris. They also greatly reduce their absorbency, thus rendering them useless. To prevent you from wasting all of your microfiber cleaning cloths, wash them separately from your other laundry.
If you only have a handful of microfiber cloths, you should still keep them separate from the others. Even using a laundry bag to minimize their exposure to the other things will not help. If you don’t want to wastewater and detergent, just hand wash them under the tap.
What detergent to use? – Speaking of detergent, you may ask yourself about the specific type you should use. Your choice should be a gentle detergent. It should be something with no dyes and is unscented. If you have a baby in the house, you can use the same detergent that you use to launder his/her tiny clothes.
How about fabric softener or bleach, you ask? Absolutely no on both of these things. The bleach and fabric conditioner will damage the delicate microfibers in the cleaning cloths. Even a small amount is enough to greatly minimize a microfiber cloth’s ability to absorb water and pick up dirt.
What temperature should I use?
This will depend on the manufacturer. Some are okay with washing with hot water while others advise against it. Just to be on the safe side every time, just use warm water. With just the right amount of heat, the fibers in the microfiber cloth will start to loosen up a bit, thus making them easier to wash.
Can I put microfiber cloths in the dryer?
You can, but put it on the lowest heat settings or if possible, turn off the heat. If you want to play it safe, you can hang them to air dry outside where they will only be exposed to a bit of sun.
Apart from the things that you should not use on any microfiber cleaning cloths, you should never add anything that reduces static-cling. Your goal should be to make the static cling in your microfiber cloths as it helps pick up the loose dirt and dust.
If you have to store the microfiber cloth cleaners for whatever reason you might have, just put them in your sock drawer. Place the microfiber cloths in a small plastic bag just so they will not pick up any lint and debris.
What is the warranty?
Most manufacturer’s warranties do not cover user error, so keep in mind the tip about washing them separately from the other laundry items, as this would void whatever warranty the cleaning cloths may have.
Because microfiber cleaning cloths and towels are kind of cheap to make, most, if not all manufacturers, do not even bother with warranties. However, that does not mean all of them do not provide warranties. If ever, the most common that you will find is a six-month warranty and it only covers factory defects.
Where to buy?
You can find these microfiber cleaning cloths at your local optometrist’s clinic. However, if you want to buy them in bulk and different sizes other than pocket-size, you should buy from online retail stores.
The great thing about buying these kinds of items online is that you often can get great deals. You can also get real rock-bottom prices if you go straight to the official company website and check out if they are offering microfiber towels at a low price when you buy in bulk.
The neat thing about buying microfiber cleaning fabrics is that you don’t have to worry about expiration dates. These are pieces of fabric. You can keep them for all eternity if you can. All you need to do is store the cases somewhere cool and dry and you will have more than enough microfiber cleaning cloths to last for years.
Conclusion
If you value your vision, then you should only use the best eyeglass cleaning cloth for your prescription spectacles. Never settle for anything less than a good quality microfiber cleaning cloth. Other options do not even come close to what they can do.
Furthermore, if you use other cloth types, like say cotton, you are not picking up the dirt on the top of the lenses. Instead, you are just pushing them around and leaving countless tiny scratches on the surface of the lens.
With a good eyeglass cleaning cloth and maybe some eyeglass lens cleansers, you can restore the clarity of your eyeglasses to almost the same as when you got them brand new. Stop wasting your money and start keeping your eyeglasses.
Having worked in the field of personal protective equipment for over two decades, Andrew Carnegie is a specialist in the field.
At EDC, he strives to improve performance efficiency and promote workplace safety for EDC’s readers and customers. He also researches the most up-to-date equipment that has earned relevant accreditation for use in a wide range of industries and specialties.