Glass Cleaning Cloths and Lens Cloths

Weave and weight: choosing a cloth for glass, lenses and screens

Microfiber cloths lift oil and fingerprints from glass without lint. Weight is quoted in GSM: about 300 GSM is plush and absorbent, good for lenses and screens, while lighter waffle-weave or flat cloths suit windows and mirrors. Small 6 by 6 inch squares fit a pocket or a bag, and larger ones cover car windows. Use dry cloths for dust and a few drops of cleaner for grease, and never use paper towels on coated lenses.

Screen protectors, cases and eyewear parts need an exact fit

This aisle also holds items that are not cloths. Tempered-glass screen protectors and cases are cut for one phone model, with openings for camera and sensors, so match the exact model name and year. Eyeglass items such as repair kits and line for half-rim frames must match the screw size, frame groove and line diameter, for example 0.55 mm. Before cleaning any coated surface, use an ammonia-free cleaner, because ammonia can damage tint, lens coatings and screens.

Questions about Glass Cleaning Cloths and Lens Cloths

Can I use paper towels on glass or eyeglasses?

Avoid them on lenses and coated glass. Paper fibers are abrasive and shed lint, and they can micro-scratch anti-reflective coatings. A clean microfiber cloth, dry or with a drop of lens-safe cleaner, lifts smudges without scratching.

How do I wash microfiber cloths?

Wash them in warm water with mild detergent, without fabric softener or bleach, which clog the fibers and leave streaks. Wash apart from lint-shedding items such as cotton towels, and air dry or tumble on low heat.

Will a tempered-glass protector fit any phone case?

Not always. Some protectors cover the full screen to the edge and conflict with cases that rise at the rim; others are slightly smaller to stay case-friendly. Check the description for case compatibility as well as the phone model.