Accidentally got a scratch on your favorite pair of glasses or sunglasses? There’s no need to panic because Payne Glasses is here to help with some tips and tricks to getting scratches out of your prescription lenses, even if they’re coated. Find out everything you need to know about restoring your prescription glasses to perfect condition and get tips to help keep them scratch-free and crystal clear.

How to Remove Scratches from Glasses


1.) Clean the glasses. The first thing you need to do is clean your glasses using a mild detergent and water. Dish soap is a great choice since it removes grease and buildup like dust or sweat. Use a soft cloth and rub the lenses gently until clean.

2.) Coat the lenses with a baking soda paste. Mix baking soda and water until a thick paste forms. Coat the scratched lens liberally and rub in a circular motion using a soft cloth. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and is great for removing scratches.

3.) Polish the lenses with toothpaste. Non-gel, non-abrasive toothpaste makes the ideal polish for glasses. Rub a small amount into the scratched areas using a soft cloth. Make sure to use white or clear toothpaste so you don’t accidentally stain your lenses.

4.) Use car wax to polish the lenses. If the scratches are still visible, try using car wax to fill in the scratches and remove them. You can use either liquid or paste wax with good results and polishing can be repeated as needed.

5.) Try metal polish or etching cream for stubborn or deep scratches. If toothpaste, baking soda and car wax didn’t work, try a metal polish or etching cream to take out tough scratches. Only try this on plastic lenses as metal polish or etching cream can frost glass lenses.

6.) Rinse and clean lenses to remove residue. Once you’re done polishing your lenses, rinse and clean the lenses before drying completely. This helps remove excess polish and any residue that may be left behind. Inspect the lenses carefully to ensure scratches have been completely removed.

Tips for Preventing Scratches on Glasses

Finding a scratch on your glasses is never a good surprise, but there are some easy steps you can take to help protect your eyewear from damage and extend its useful life. At Payne Glasses, we have the accessories you need to not only care for your glasses, but to also help protect them when not in use.

1.) Keep your glasses in a case when they’re not on your face. This tip rhymes so it’s easy to remember. Keep your glasses safe when you’re not wearing them by using a protective case. Our Standard Case comes in several colors and offers reliable protection at a low price.

2.) Clean your glasses regularly. This may not seem like the most obvious preventative measure, but cleaning your lenses regularly will keep anything off that could cause a scratch.

3.) Wrap glasses in a microfiber cloth when not in use. If you don’t have a case handy, a microfiber cloth is a great alternative. Just wrap the glasses up to preset them against dirt and dust. The Payne Microfiber Cloth is a great choice to keep on hand.