What’s the point of even having glasses if you can’t see through the lenses? There isn’t much of one. But smudges, dust, and, unfortunately, scratches, are just part of the deal.

Oils and dirt from your face, eyelashes, and hands inevitably end up on your lenses, frames, and nose pads. We often reach for our shirttails or a Kleenex to wipe off the gunk but dust living on either can make the problem worse.

A quick Google search will return a number of conflicting results on how to properly clean your glasses but many of these techniques may end up damaging your lenses and frames.

Would you guess that the problem-solver recommended by the AOA (American Optometric Association) is simply soap and water? That’s it!

5 Easy Steps to Proper Eyeglass Cleaning

First, rinse your glasses under warm running water.

Next, drop a small amount of dishwashing liquid or hand soap on the lenses. Just a dab will do ya! Lather the soap and water by rubbing your fingers gently on both sides of each lens.

Then, rinse off your glasses under the running water again to get off all the soap. Make sure you rinse the frames and earpieces as well.

If the nose pads are particularly gunky, you can use a very soft toothbrush to help clean them but be careful not to use this on your lenses as it may scratch them.

Finally, wipe off the excess water with a soft, clean cotton cloth.

Easy, right?

Of course, there are a few things you want to avoid when cleaning your lenses, like ammonia, alcohol, or bleach-based cleaners. Chemicals like these can damage your glasses and then you’re right back where you started, with lenses you can’t see through clearly.