How to Properly Disinfect Safety Glasses and Goggles
Keeping safety glasses and goggles clean is just as important as wearing them to ensure clear vision and protection is maintained. Whether you work in a lab, a construction site, or any environment requiring eye protection, regularly disinfecting your eyewear helps prevent the spread of germs and prolongs their lifespan.
Below are the best methods for cleaning and disinfecting your safety glasses and goggles.
Method 1: Cleaning with Soap
This is the simplest and most gentle method for cleaning your safety eyewear.
Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap or use a hydroalcoholic gel.
Step 2: Submerge the spectacles in clean water.
Step 3: Apply soap to your hands and gently scrub every surface of the spectacles for at least 30 seconds.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove all soap residue.
Step 5: Dry your hands first, then use a disposable hand towel to dry the spectacles completely.
Best for: Routine cleaning without damaging protective coatings.
Method 2: Disinfection with Alcohol (70°)
Alcohol-based disinfection is effective for killing bacteria and viruses, but it may degrade certain coatings over time.
Step 1: Clean your hands with soap or hydroalcoholic gel.
Step 2: Apply a hydroalcoholic solution to every surface of the spectacles.
Step 3: Dry your hands first, then use a disposable hand towel to dry the spectacles.
Alternatively, you can:
Use a disposable hand towel premoistened with an alcohol solution to scrub the spectacles or use an alcohol-based wipe (ensure it is perfume- and dye-free) to clean all surfaces.
Warning: Frequent alcohol disinfection may damage anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings.
Best for: Quick disinfection when soap and water aren’t available.
Method 3: Disinfection with Cleaning Wipes Compliant to EN14476
This method ensures compliance with European standards for effective disinfection against viruses.
Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap or use a hydroalcoholic gel.
Step 2: Submerge the spectacles in clean water.
Step 3: Apply soap to your hands and gently scrub every surface of the spectacles for at least 30 seconds.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove all soap residue.
Step 5: Dry your hands first, then use a disposable hand towel to dry the spectacles completely.
Alternatively:
Use a disposable hand towel premoistened with an EN14476-compliant disinfecting solution.
Warning: As with alcohol-based disinfection, prolonged use may degrade anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings.
Best for: Ensuring compliance with strict disinfection standards.
Method 4: Disinfection with Chlorine Solution
Chlorine-based disinfection is a powerful method that is less harsh on coatings than alcohol.
Step 1: Wash your hands with soap or hydroalcoholic gel.
Step 2: Immerse or wipe the spectacles with a neutral detergent and warm water solution, scrubbing all surfaces thoroughly. Rinse with clean water.
Step 3: Immerse or wipe the spectacles with a chlorine-based disinfectant solution.
Step 4: Rinse again with clean water (using a sink or a separate bucket of clean water).
Step 5: Allow the spectacles to fully dry, either by air drying or using clean absorbent towels.
Warning: Although chlorine is gentler on coatings than alcohol, repeated use may still cause some degradation over time.
Best for: Deep cleaning when extra sanitation is required.
Choosing the right cleaning method depends on the level of disinfection required and the frequency of use. Regularly cleaning your safety glasses with soap and water is ideal for daily maintenance, while alcohol and chlorine solutions offer deeper disinfection when necessary.
Always be mindful of how different methods may impact the protective coatings on your eyewear.
Get Support
With Safety Eyewear
Get guidance with safety eyewear from picking the right lens shade, and fit to coatings.
