Who would have thought that sunny days – which are supposed to bring relaxation, cocktails and Instagram filters – would become your sunglasses' biggest enemy? One "genius" move, like stuffing your glasses in your pocket without a case (because who has time for such trifles, right?), and voila – micro scratches miraculously appear. Scratched sunglasses? Let's see what can be done!
Scratched sunglasses? But before you buy yours Dior classic or Ray-Ban icon If you're writing it off as a lost cause, read on. There are a few tricks that won't erase all your sins, but they will at least act as good camouflage.
1. Toothpaste (not the glitter one, please)
An old classic that is actually an optical myth with a grain of truth. You need:
- plain white toothpaste (without “whitening” miracles and micro particles),
- a soft cotton cloth (ideally one that hasn't been washed three times until it falls apart).
Process: Apply a small amount of the paste to the glass and massage in gentle circular motions for 10-20 seconds. Then rinse with cold water and wipe with a clean cloth.
The result? Scratches will be less noticeable – and if you're lucky, you'll even feel like a wizard for a few hours. Scratched sunglasses will at least look better.
2. Baking soda + water: Grandma's answer to everything
If you don't have the right toothpaste (or you're in the "I'm living with minimalism" phase), baking soda can come to the rescue. Mix it with water in a 2:1 ratio to form a thick paste.
Process: Same as toothpaste. Massage in a circular motion, rinse, wipe, pray to the gods of clear vision.
3. Car Headlight Polishing Kit (yes, you read that right)
Most car headlight restoration kits contain mild abrasive pastes and protective coatings. And look at this - they often work on sunglasses too.
Warning: There's no room for over-enthusiasm here. If you slide too much, you can damage the UV protection on your glasses. And then you'll really need new ones – or a hat with a very wide brim.
4. Anti-scratch coating for glasses
Available in opticians, online stores, or on good old Amazon, it's a liquid polymer that "sinks" into scratches and optically blurs them. The result is temporary, but sometimes the illusion is enough to make your vacation easier.
Tip: Look for products with a polycarbonate base, as they bond better to your lenses. And your cracked sunglasses will look like new. At least for a few days.
5. Car wax or polishing paste (because why not?)
Car wax – that Saturday afternoon star – can also save your sunglasses. Use really minimal amount, polish with a clean microfiber cloth and see the result.
But be careful! The wax can leave a thin film that affects visibility – meaning driving in them isn’t exactly the smartest idea. Save that for walks, not the highway.
When is it better to say goodbye? Scratched sunglasses?
Sometimes you have to admit defeat. If they ran:
- badly damaged or cracked,
- equipped with sensitive layers (polarization, UV filter, anti-reflective),
- or did you "process" them with too much amateur enthusiasm,
...then no trick will be enough. In that case, you should consider replacement of lenses at the optician (if the glasses are of good quality) or start looking for new ones. After all – where does it say you can't have more than one pair?
Conclusion: Sunglasses deserve more respect than your phone
Homemade tricks aren't miracles—but they're not a total rip-off either. But they're a great solution when you want to extend the life of your glasses or cover up scratches before you go on a first date (or, even more stressful, meet your ex).
The best trick? Prevention. Always store your glasses in a case (yes, seriously), don't leave them on the dashboard of your car, and clean them with a real cloth – not a t-shirt sleeve or a restaurant tissue.
