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Oakley is one of the most famous sunglasses brands out there. With legendary designs like the Frogskin and Holbrook, and the best quality frames and lenses, they’re a great choice for casual and activewear. Unfortunately, they also come with a hefty price tag. If you’ve spent so much on them, you should also know how to clean them properly.
This article explains how to care for Oakley sunglasses, ensuring you keep the clarity and UV protection they’re famous for.
Why Properly Cleaning Oakley Sunglasses Matters
Keeping your sunglasses in good condition means they’ll last longer, look better, and perform as they should. But it’s essential to clean them properly, especially if they have polarized lenses, like Frogskins and Holbrooks do, which have a special coating that can scratch easily. What’s more, you can easily scratch or break your frames too.
Knowing the best way to clean Oakley sunglasses means you’ll prolong the lens life, avoid scratches, and keep your eyes protected for longer. Effective cleaning also improves clarity by getting rid of smudges, water spots, dust, and other debris that can affect your vision.
Best Way to Clean Oakley Sunglasses Step-by-Step
So now we know the why, let’s focus on how we clean our Oakleys without damaging them. You can also use this process for your Oakley snow goggles as well.
Step 1: Rinse with Lukewarm Water
Everything starts with a good rinse with clean, warm water. This will remove any loose dust and debris that could cause scratches later in the process. Don’t use hot water as this could damage the lens coating.
Step 2: Use a Microfiber Cloth and Lens Cleaner
It’s always best to use a lens cleaner that’s approved by Oakley to get the best performance with no risk of damage. However, this isn’t always possible. If that’s the case, then regular dish detergent is a perfect alternative as it’s strong enough to clean the lens but mild enough to be safe to use.
You might be wondering “What can I use to clean my Oakley sunglasses?” and the answer is always a microfiber cloth. You might be tempted to use a paper towel, a tissue, a rough cloth, or even your t-shirt, but don’t do it. These cloths might look and feel soft but they can still be rough and abrasive, ruining the coating on your lenses.
Gently wipe the lenses and the frames with the cloth and the cleaning solution until any smudges or marks have gone and the sunglasses look clean. Use a circular motion, without too much force, to get the best results.
Step 3: Dry Gently or Let Air Dry
Use another microfiber cloth to dry your sunglasses once they’re clean. This will help to avoid any leftover water marks and ensure the lenses are fully polished for the best clarity. You can also let them air dry naturally, but this will take longer.
How to Care for Different Oakley Sunglasses Models
The best way to avoid having to clean your Oakley sunglasses is to take good care of them in the first place. Smudges, dirt, dust, and grime are inevitable if you wear them often, but you can certainly help prevent it from getting worse.
Even though this advice applies to all Oakley sunglasses, some models need specific care due to the design or when they’re often worn. For example:
Oakley Frogskins: One of Oakley’s most popular designs and inspired by the legendary RayBan Wayfarers, they combine retro styling with modern color schemes and 21st-century lens technology.
Their lightweight frames make them great for both active and casual wear, but we recommend keeping them in a hard case when not in use to stop them from getting broken. Also, try to avoid keeping them on your car dashboard when you’re parked as the heat could warp the plastic frames. Likewise don’t just throw them in your bag or pocket without protection. Things like keys, dust and heavy objects could scratch, bend or crack the frames and lenses, or break the hinges on the arms.
Oakley Holbrook: These lifestyle-inspired sunglasses are designed to be worn all day, providing great protection for your eyes. The larger lenses provide better coverage from glare and even wind - ideal whether you’re hiking on the trail or meeting friends in the city. However, wearing them all day means they can get smudged, marked and scratched without you realizing.
We recommend wiping the lenses regularly with a microfiber cloth and putting them in a hard case when they’re in your pocket or bag. When you go indoors, put them on the top of your head or hang them from your collar to keep them out of the way. If you’re in the water or on the trail, consider a floating head or neck band to ensure they don’t get lost if they come off.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Oakley Sunglasses
Knowing the best way to clean Oakley sunglasses is one thing, but knowing what not to do is just as important. So with that in mind, avoid the following:
- Using harsh chemicals or alcohol-based cleaners
- Cleaning the lenses when they’re dry without rinsing away dust and grime first
- Using rough materials like paper towels, harsh fabrics, or clothing
- Leaving them in hot environments such as on car dashboards
Knowing When to Replace Your Oakley Lenses
Sometimes, the best care and cleaning routine in the world can’t rescue your lenses. Whether they’ve been scratched, the coating is peeling off, or you just fancy a change of style, The Sunglass Fix offers premium Oakley replacement lenses for Frogskins, Holbrook, Gascan, Wire, and many other models, all with free worldwide shipping.
Extend the Life of Your Oakley Sunglasses with The Sunglass Fix
If you’ve splashed out on a pair of Oakleys, the best way to extend their life is to treat them with care and clean them regularly. Keeping them in a case when they’re not in use will help prevent scratches and damage, while cleaning them after you wear them will stop the buildup of dirt and grime. That way, they’ll always be ready for your next adventure.
If the lenses do get damaged, you can find a wide range of replacement Oakley sunglasses lenses for models like Frogskins, Holbrooks, and more. They’re easy to replace and breathe new life into old frames.
Explore the full range of top-quality replacement lenses and keep your favorite Oakley sunglasses in perfect condition for years to come.
