How to care for your glasses + make them last longer

Glasses and sunglasses can last a lifetime if looked after - so treat those babies well. Grow your collection and keep your glasses lasting longer with some tender loving care. The most sustainable items are the ones we already own, so here's our tips on how to care for your eyewear...

Store in a case

Keep them in the case, it's their natural habitat (after your face) and not only keeps dust and dirt away, it prevents bending and breakages. A hard case is great for travelling or storage and soft pouches are great for beach days and picnics. Stow in the glove box on a summers day - don't leave them on your dashboard - they just can't take the heat.

the right way to wear glasses

Whipping frames off with one hand or sporting as a headband (guilty) will result in stretched hinges and your glasses becoming out of shape. If you’re taking your glasses on and off why not opt for a glasses chain and store safely about your person.

Your body naturally changes over time (also hello lockdown gains), so the shape of your frames may need adjusting from time to time to accommodate these changes.

Equally if frames are slipping from your face it’s time for an adjustment to the bend behind your ears - this is done by heat treating and manipulating the frame until it’s fits your head perfectly. Head to your local Opticians and ask for them to be adjusted or chat to us about getting back into shape.

Got a screw loose?

Your glasses go on and off your face many times over their lifetime, causing the screws to loosen over time. It’s worth investing in a glasses repair kit or mini screwdriver to carry out some simple glasses care and keep your sides secure. Cup the frame in your hand and gently tighten, being careful not to overtighten the screws. Tighten in tiny increments - small movements can make a big difference.

Cleaning your glasses

Wiping your glasses lenses with paper towels, napkins or the end of your top is a big no no. Fibres and particles of dirt can scratch your lenses and, unlike glasses frames, scratched lenses can’t be polished and will need replacing.

Regular weekly cleaning of your glasses will keep them sparkly clean and the best way to clean your glasses is with simple warm soapy water and a soft cloth. If you live in a hard water area like me, use filtered or distilled water instead of tap and use a mild soap - avoid detergent, scented soaps or ones containing dyes as they can damage lenses.

After rinsing, gently dry your frame with a smooth, clean, lint-free cloth like the one you get from us (they can be popped in the wash at 30 to freshen). If you can’t put your hands on your optical cloth, you can purchase another – ours are upcycled from recycled plastic bottles.

Take a peep at our article on how to clean your glasses the right way

Restoration services

If your lenses sustain some trauma or just natural wear and tear over time, take a look at our restoration services to bring them back to life and make them last longer..

Glasses Repairs

If your eyewear’s in need of a little tlc, you’ve come to the right place. Be sustainable and prolong the life of your glasses with our repairs services.

We now offer hinge repairs, replacement nosepads and tips, and if it’s something a little more complex like vintage pinned hinges, just get in touch and we can chat intricate repairs.

PEEP POLISH

Our polishing service for plastic (acetate and optyl) frames, cleanses and removes scratches while restoring lustre for frames that have lost their mojo.

We dismantle and cleanse in our ultra sonic cleaner ‘Bubbles’, before taking a turn on our buffer where they’re lovingly polished, before being oiled, re-assembled, heat treated and adjusted, becoming reborn and restored to former glory.

GLASSES REGLAZE

If your lenses are scratched, damaged or have completely broken, our reglazing service is for you.

We can replace the lenses in any frame, vintage or modern, prescription or sunglasses.

If your glasses have sustained serious trauma and there’s no going back, recycle them with us and check out our range of sustainable, planet friendly vintage glasses and sunglasses.

The more tlc we show our eyewear, the longer they will last us. Keeping glasses in action and out of landfill we can do our bit to stay planet friendly.

Jo