Sunglasses serve a dual purpose: they are not only a stylish fashion statement, but also a practical accessory that shields our eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Unfortunately, our favorite pair will inevitably develop scratches over time. Instead of immediately considering a replacement, why not explore the art of sunglasses scratch repair? In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through simple steps that will breathe new life into your scratched glasses, saving you from the expense of purchasing a brand-new pair.
How To Get Scratches Out Of Glasses:

Scratched sunglasses can be a real eyesore, but fortunately, there are several methods you can try to remove those pesky scratches. Here are some tried and tested techniques that will help you get rid of scratches on your glasses. Additionally, if you’re wondering how to remove scratches from glasses, the following steps will guide you through a simple and effective restoration process. Whether it’s your favorite shades or everyday eyeglasses, these methods can be applied to various types of eyewear, helping you achieve clear and scratch-free vision.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is known for its abrasive properties, making it an effective household cleaner for removing tough stains. This same concept applies to scratched sunglasses – the fine particles in baking soda can help buff out scratches. If you’re wondering how to fix scratched glasses, here’s a simple method using baking soda. To use this technique, mix equal parts of baking soda and water to create a paste. Gently rub the paste onto the scratched area using a microfiber cloth or cotton ball. Be sure to apply light pressure, as too much force can cause further damage. Rinse the glasses with water and dry them off with a clean cloth.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste also contains abrasive particles that can help remove scratches from sunglasses. As with baking soda, make sure to use gentle pressure when applying the toothpaste to the scratches. You can also mix toothpaste with a small amount of water to create a paste for easier application.
To restore your scratched lenses, begin by applying a small amount of non-abrasive toothpaste. Take a cotton swab and gently rub the toothpaste in a circular motion for approximately 10-15 seconds. Ensure that you cover the entire scratched area thoroughly. This method will help to minimize the appearance of scratches and improve the clarity of your lenses. Remember to rinse the lenses thoroughly afterward to remove any residue.
Rubbing Alcohol
Another common household item that might aid in the removal of scratches from sunglasses is rubbing alcohol. Simply dip a cotton ball or microfiber cloth into rubbing alcohol and gently rub it onto the scratched area using a circular motion. While this technique may not entirely eliminate deep scratches, it can significantly reduce their visibility. Afterward, rinse the glasses with water and dry them using a clean cloth. It’s essential to exercise caution when using rubbing alcohol, as it has the potential to strip off lens coatings. Therefore, always check the label or perform a spot test before attempting this method. If you’re curious about how to fix scratches on glasses, this approach can be a valuable addition to your DIY arsenal.
Sunscreen
Surprisingly, sunscreen can double as a remedy to repair scratched glasses. The zinc oxide found in sunscreen works as a gentle abrasive, effectively buffing out minor scratches. To utilize this technique, dab a small amount of sunscreen onto the scratched surface and gently rub it with a microfiber cloth. Afterward, rinse the glasses with water and dry them using a clean cloth. Keep in mind that it may take a few attempts before you notice results, so practicing patience and persistence is key when aiming to repair scratched glasses.
Brass polish method
If you happen to have brass polish available at home, it serves as an effective tool for glasses scratch repair, particularly for metal frames rather than plastic lenses. To utilize this method, apply a modest amount of brass polish to the scratched area and gently rub it with a clean cloth. Afterward, rinse the glasses thoroughly with water and dry them using a clean cloth. It’s essential to exercise caution and ensure that no polish comes into contact with the lenses, as it has the potential to cause damage.
Use of baby wash
Baby wash is a household item that can effectively remove scratches from sunglasses. Its mild abrasive properties make it safe for use on plastic lenses without causing harm. To employ this method, combine equal parts of baby wash and water to create a solution. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and softly rub it onto the scratched area. Dry the glasses with a clean cloth after using this method. This technique is also applicable for removing scratches from eyeglasses.
Vinegar solution
Easily remove scratches from sunglasses using a natural household cleaner – vinegar. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water to create a solution. Gently rub this solution onto the scratches with a clean cloth. Dry them using another clean cloth. It’s important to note that this method may not be suitable for lenses with anti-reflective coatings, as vinegar has the potential to strip off the coating. If you’re looking for effective ways of removing scratches from glass, this vinegar solution is a simple and accessible option to consider.
Glass Scratch Remover Products:

For stubborn scratches that don’t seem to budge, you might want to consider using a dedicated scratch remover for glasses products. These Eyeglass Scratch Remover products are specifically formulated to address lens scratches, providing a more effective solution than common household items. Here are a few options you can try:
- Novus Plastic Polish Kit: This is a comprehensive kit that includes three different polishes to help remove scratches and restore plastic lenses to their original clarity. It is renowned as the best scratch remover for eyeglasses, ensuring a thorough and effective solution for maintaining the pristine condition of your lenses.
- Blue Magic 725CD-06 Headlight Lens Restorer: Though primarily intended for restoring car headlights, this product is also effective for treating scratched eyeglasses, and fixing scratches on glasses. Whether your glasses have minor blemishes or more noticeable damage, this versatile solution provides a reliable way to enhance clarity and extend the life of your eyewear.
- GP21005 Glass and Windshield Polishing DIY Kit: This kit offers a comprehensive solution for lens scratch repair, featuring polishing compounds and pads to effectively eliminate scratches from a variety of lens types.
- Polywatch Plastic Lens Scratch Remover: Tailored for the repair of scratches on plastic lenses, this product proves to be an excellent choice for restoring plastic-framed sunglasses, addressing the need for eyeglasses scratch repair.
- Diamond Lapping Paste Set: This set contains a range of lapping pastes with different grit levels, allowing you to precisely control the abrasiveness of your scratch removal process.
Replacing Sunglass Lenses

If your lenses are heavily damaged or the methods above do not work, you might consider replacing the lenses altogether. This decision largely depends on the value of your sunglasses and the cost of the new lenses. High-end designer sunglasses are usually worth the investment of new lenses. If needed, you can also replace sunglass lenses. Here’s a general step-by-step process to follow:
- Identify the model of your sunglasses: It’s important you know exactly which model you own, as lenses are typically specific to each model. This information can usually be found on the inner side of the earpiece or nose bridge.
- Purchase new lenses: Once you know your model, you can purchase new lenses. Many brands offer replacement lenses, and there are also third-party companies that specialize in producing compatible lenses. It’s crucial to ensure that the lenses you buy are of high quality to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
- Remove old lenses: To remove the old lenses, carefully push them out from the inside. Be gentle to avoid damaging the frame. The method may vary slightly depending on the design of your sunglasses.
- Insert new lenses: Position the new lens on the frame and gently push it into place. Make sure it’s securely fit without any gaps.
- Inspect the sunglasses: Lastly, check that the lenses are securely in place and that the visibility is clear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of sunglasses scratch repair offers a cost-effective alternative to replacing your beloved eyewear. This comprehensive guide provides a range of DIY techniques, utilizing common household items such as baking soda, toothpaste, rubbing alcohol, sunscreen, brass polish, baby wash, and vinegar, as well as specialized glass scratch remover products. By applying these methods with precision, you can effectively minimize scratches and restore the clarity of your lenses. For more stubborn scratches, targeted solutions like the Novus Plastic Polish Kit or Polywatch Plastic Lens Scratch Remover are available. If all else fails, the option of replacing sunglass lenses is explored, guaranteeing a complete restoration for prolonged use. Armed with these valuable insights, you can confidently address scratches, preserving both the functionality and style of your cherished sunglasses.



