Dirty glasses are a pain. No one likes the feeling that their vision is half obscured, especially by random flecks of dirt and dust that the lucky 20-20 vision people among us don’t have to deal with.

Unfortunately, cleaning your glasses regularly is a part of life. Or at least it should be. Keeping eyewear in shape is important so as not to feel like you live in a Jackson Pollock painting.

And as with everything else in life, there’s a gadget for that. Ultrasonic glasses cleaners are the new hot cleaning solution on the market for those of us with impaired vision – but do they actually work?

Ultrasonic glasses cleaner: How does it work?

Ultrasonic glasses cleaners can be purchased for home use. They’re usually rectangular (not hedgehog shaped) and contain a basket that’s submerged in a 2–3-liter tank of water and specialized detergent.

It might look like a toaster and a bath had a baby, but there’s some real science involved.

When turned on, the ultrasonic waves create vibrations. These vibrations travel through the liquid in the tank and generate microscopic bubbles. This then gently loosens even the smallest speck of dirt for a truly thorough cleaning and ultimately, better vision.

Basically, ultrasonic cleaning lets you go from glasses filthier than the latest Court of Thorns and Roses book to cleaner than Peppa Pig.

💡Did you know? Ultrasonic cleaners aren’t just good for glasses, you can also clean jewelry, watches, dental appliances and even dentures themselves!

How to choose a good ultrasonic cleaning machine

To ensure you get rid of all the dirt, without scratching the lenses, you want a high-quality ultrasonic glasses cleaner. This isn’t the time to cheap out. You’ll end up spending more on a new pair of glasses anyway, otherwise.

To tell if the cleaner you’re choosing is good quality, follow our helpful guide on how to choose an ultrasonic glasses cleaner:

• 🥇 Stick with a renowned manufacturer.
• 📥 Opt for a stainless-steel tank, large enough so that the glasses only take up a third of the basket. The basket is also essential on this type of device.
• 📶 Pay attention to the power of the ultrasonic cleaner. A minimum power of 120W is required for effective cleaning.
• ♨️ If possible, choose a cleaner with water heating function.
• 🚰 Check to see if it includes a drain tap for simpler water disposal after using.

If you like your gadgets to have all the bells and whistles, different models of ultrasonic cleaner come with extras like a timer, different wash cycles and settings, and several different program options. It’s up to you to decide which machine is better suited to your needs, and budget.

Don’t skimp just because you’re busy saving up for the next big AAA game.

How to clean your glasses with an ultrasonic cleaner: A step-by-step guide

We’re here to help. That’s why we created this simple step-by-step guide that should be applicable with any model. But as always, read the product instructions first!

1. Fill the tank up to the mark with tap water, the less calcareous the better.
2. Add the detergent provided. Make sure you check the instructions for how much you should use.
3. Turn on the device to activate the degassing function (if there is one). This lets the ultrasonic waves distribute evenly across the device.
4. Place your glasses in the basket then dip it into the tank and close the lid firmly. Caution: make sure the glasses aren’t touching the edges of the tank when placed inside!
5. Set the ultrasonic glasses cleaner program and timer to what you want (if your device has these). For those without a timer, the ideal duration of a cycle is between 1 -5 minutes, depending on how dirty the glasses are.
6. Once finished, open the lid and remove the glasses from the basket. Rinse them under lukewarm water.
7. Dry thoroughly, we recommend a forced air dryer or microfiber cloth to prevent scratches on the lens.
8. Empty tank and clean device according to manufacturer’s instructions.

And hey, presto! You have sparkling glasses that look better than new, with every trace of dirt eradicated more thoroughly than the Mongols in Ghost of Tsushima.

Bonus tips for keeping your glasses clean

Ultrasonic glasses’ cleaners are a good investment, but there are general hygiene habits you should be following when it comes to your glasses. We’ve put together a complete guide on how to clean your glasses, and other recommended cleaning products you could use.

But, if you’re more interested in getting back to your game, here’s a quick recap:

• 🤧 Use a microfiber cloth, not your sleeve or a handkerchief (we’ve seen you)
• 🧴 Invest in a glasses spray
• 🧼 Avoid overly abrasive products like acetone or nail polish remover, which are not at all good for your lenses. In a pinch, you can try a little mild dish soap and lukewarm water (not hot, lukewarm!) to remove impurities.
• 📦 Always protect your glasses with a case when you take them out in a bag. A scratch can happen quickly, and if you have anti-reflective lenses, you won't be able to get them repaired! If you don't wear them all the time, store them in their case to prevent the lenses from collecting dust and scratches.

Ultrasonic glasses cleaners: Final thoughts

Overall an ultrasonic glasses cleaner is a neat bit of tech that makes keeping your glasses clean that much easier. It’s not a completely necessary piece of equipment, but it does clean more thoroughly than you doing it manually, and without any risk of damage or scratches.

Bonus: your glasses come out clean and shiny.

If you’re someone with a lot of other equipment that could benefit from a glasses cleaner (like dentures or jewelry) it’s a much more worthwhile investment. But be sure to choose a quality model with a stainless-steel tank and basket.

Check sizing to ensure the tank capacity isn’t too small and don’t hesitate to ask your optician for advice on the best brands.

When you get your glasses cleaner, make sure to follow all instructions to the letter and only use the specialized detergent it recommends.

In the interim though, carry a microfiber cloth or glasses spray with you to gently wipe away dust and dirt. And don’t forget to store your glasses carefully in their case when not in use.

So is it goodbye traditional cleaning methods, hello ultrasonic cleaning for you? Let us know!