How to Care for Sunglasses After Salt Water

Seawater dries into salt crystals. Salt crystals are hard and sharp, and wiping them across a lens is like cleaning it with fine sandpaper. Plenty of scratched lenses weren't damaged on the water. They were damaged afterwards, with a T-shirt.

After every session

1. Rinse with fresh water. Run the glasses under the tap or dip them in a bucket. Let the water carry the salt and sand away before anything touches the lens.
2. Shake and let them drip. The hydrophobic coating does most of the work.
3. Dry with a clean microfiber cloth, only once the salt is gone. Pat rather than rub.
4. Rinse the strap and the foam too. Salt left in EVA foam and straps stiffens them over time.
5. Store them in a case or pouch, not loose in a bag with wax, fins and keys.

For sunscreen and grease, a drop of mild dish soap in lukewarm water, then rinse.

What not to use

• Paper towels and tissues. The fibers scratch coatings.
• Your T-shirt or wetsuit. They hold salt and sand.
• Household glass cleaner, alcohol or ammonia. They can strip anti-reflective, hydrophobic and mirror coatings.
• Hot water. It can damage coatings and loosen the lens in the frame.

Heat is the other enemy

A car dashboard in summer can get hot enough to warp frames and crack lens coatings. Keep sunglasses out of a closed car in the sun.

Goggles

The same rinse works for ski and watersport goggles, with one difference: don't wipe the inside of the lens. It carries the anti-fog layer, and rubbing wears it away. Let it air dry at room temperature and store the goggle in its bag.

Helmets

Rinse watersport helmets inside and out with fresh water, open the ear guards and liner where you can, and let them dry in the shade. Sun and salt break down plastics and foams over time.

More on how the coatings work in Polarized lenses on the water, or browse Watersports.