The best way to clean acetate sunglasses is to rinse them under lukewarm water, wash them with a drop of mild washing-up liquid, then dry them with a clean microfibre cloth. Avoid paper towels, tissues, clothing and glass cleaner, which can scratch the lenses or dull the frame.
A few simple habits will keep your sunglasses looking good and fitting well for longer. Here's how to clean them, store them and handle small problems.
How to clean acetate sunglasses, step by step
- Rinse: hold your sunglasses under lukewarm running water to wash away dust and grit. This stops tiny particles scratching the lenses when you wipe them.
- Wash: put a small drop of mild washing-up liquid on your fingertips and gently rub both sides of each lens, the frame front, the nose area and the arms.
- Rinse again: wash off all the soap under lukewarm water.
- Dry: give them a gentle shake, then pat and wipe them dry with a clean microfibre cloth. Every Yume pair comes with one.
When you're out and about, a quick wipe with the microfibre cloth is fine for light smudges. If you can see dust or sand on the lenses, rinse them first rather than wiping grit across the surface.
Clear and light frames, such as our clear frame sunglasses, show fingerprints and skin oils more easily, so they may need a wash a little more often.
What to avoid
- Paper towels, tissues and clothing: they can be rough enough to leave fine scratches on your lenses. Your shirt hem is not a lens cloth.
- Glass cleaner and household sprays: they're too harsh for sunglasses and can damage the finish.
- Nail varnish remover and solvents: acetone can damage acetate, so keep these well away from your frames.
- Hot water: heat can warp acetate, so stick to lukewarm.
- Dry wiping dirty lenses: rubbing grit across a lens is one of the most common causes of scratches.
Sun cream, hairspray and perfume can also leave a film on your frames and lenses. Wash it off when you notice it, using the same rinse and wash method.
How to store your sunglasses
- Use the case: when your sunglasses aren't on your face, keep them in their hard case. It protects them in a bag or pocket.
- Keep them out of the heat: don't leave them on a car dashboard, a sunny windowsill or anywhere hot. Heat can warp acetate and change the fit.
- Keep them away from sharp things: keys, coins and zips can scratch lenses if your sunglasses sit loose in a bag or pocket.
- Mind where you put them: a back pocket or the seat of a chair is an easy way to sit on a favourite pair.
- Put them down lenses up: if you have to set them down without the case, fold them and rest them with the lenses facing up.
Everyday habits that protect the fit
- Use two hands: take your sunglasses off by holding both arms. Pulling them off with one hand can stretch the frame over time.
- Don't wear them on your head: pushing sunglasses up into your hair stretches the arms, so they can feel loose afterwards.
- Check the screws: if a hinge feels loose, tighten the screw gently with a small eyeglass screwdriver. Don't overtighten it.
- See an optician for adjustments: if the frame has slipped out of shape, an optician can adjust acetate with gentle heat. Don't try this at home.
Want to know more about the material itself? Read our guide to what acetate sunglasses are. If your pair has never quite fitted right, our guide on how to find your sunglasses size can help next time.
FAQs
How often should I clean my sunglasses?
Wipe them with the microfibre cloth whenever they look smudged. If you wear them most days, give them a full rinse and wash about once a week, and always after a day at the beach or pool.
How do I clean my microfibre cloth?
Hand wash it in warm water with a little mild soap, rinse well and let it air dry. Skip fabric softener, as it can leave a film that smears your lenses.
Why do my sunglasses feel loose?
Usually it's a loose hinge screw or arms that have been stretched, often from wearing them on your head. Tighten the screw gently, or ask an optician to adjust the frame.
What if my sunglasses have a fault?
Every Yume pair is covered by a 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects. If something isn't right, get in touch and we'll help.
Looking for a new pair to look after? Browse our best-selling acetate sunglasses, each with a hard case and cleaning cloth included.
