The Owner of the Optical Store Does This Secretly (Dirt and Scratches Disappear)

#### 3. **Rubbing Alcohol for Deep Cleaning**
Optical stores often use rubbing alcohol to give lenses a deep clean. This method helps to **disinfect** the lenses and **remove stubborn smudges** without harming the coating on the lenses. It’s particularly helpful for people who wear their glasses all day long and struggle with stubborn grime.

**How to use it:**
– **Step 1**: Dampen a **clean microfiber cloth** with a small amount of **rubbing alcohol**.
– **Step 2**: Gently wipe the lenses, focusing on the areas with tough smudges.
– **Step 3**: After the lenses are clean, use a dry part of the microfiber cloth to buff the lenses to a crystal-clear shine.

**Important note:** Use rubbing alcohol **sparingly**, as excessive use could degrade the lens coating over time. It’s a good solution for deep cleaning, but not for regular use.

#### 4. **The Scratch-Repair Trick: Baking Soda Paste**
Now, while optical stores can’t make scratches vanish completely, they do have some tricks up their sleeves for improving the appearance of **minor scratches** on your lenses. One of these methods is using a **baking soda paste**.

**How to do it:**
– **Step 1**: Mix **two parts baking soda** with **one part water** to form a thick paste.
– **Step 2**: Apply a small amount of the paste to the scratched area of your lenses.
– **Step 3**: Gently rub the paste in **circular motions** with a soft cloth for about 30 seconds.
– **Step 4**: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

The abrasive quality of baking soda can help to reduce the appearance of superficial scratches, but it’s not a miracle worker for deep gouges. Always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.

### Additional Tips for Eyeglass Maintenance

To extend the life of your glasses and keep them in great shape, here are some additional tips that optical store owners might not always share but are essential for proper maintenance:

#### 1. **Store Glasses in a Case**
Never leave your glasses lying around, especially when not in use. Always place them in a **hard-shell case** when you’re not wearing them to prevent accidental scratches or dirt buildup. This also keeps them safe from potential damage like bending or breakage.

#### 2. **Avoid Using Paper Towels**
Although it may be tempting to use a paper towel to clean your glasses, **paper towels** are too abrasive and can cause tiny scratches on the lenses. Stick to microfiber cloths or lens-specific wipes.

#### 3. **Clean Regularly**
Regular cleaning will help prevent dirt buildup. Rather than waiting for your lenses to get too smudged or dirty, clean them once every few days to maintain clarity and reduce the need for deep cleaning.

#### 4. **Avoid Hot or Cold Temperatures**
Don’t expose your glasses to extreme temperatures. **Hot water** can cause lens coatings to degrade, and leaving glasses in **direct sunlight** or a **hot car** can warp the frame.

### Conclusion

The next time you’re cleaning your glasses and want to achieve a spotless, scratch-free look, remember these secrets from the optical store owners. By using simple tools like dish soap, rubbing alcohol, and microfiber cloths, you can keep your lenses clear and free from smudges. And if you’re dealing with minor scratches, the baking soda paste trick may help reduce their visibility.

So, whether you’ve been struggling with smudges or scratches on your glasses or simply want to keep them looking as good as new, these optical store secrets will ensure your glasses stay crystal clear—and help you see the world in perfect clarity!