How to Wash Glasses Cleaning Cloths – UK Guide

What Detergents to Avoid

To protect microfibre performance and avoid damaging delicate fibres, avoid using the following products when washing a glasses cleaning cloth:

• Fabric softeners
• Bleach
• Strong or scented detergents

These products coat or degrade the fibres, reducing absorbency and making the cloth less effective — and potentially unsafe for coated lenses.

How Often Should You Wash a Microfibre Cloth?

If you clean glasses daily, washing your microfibre cloth once a week is usually sufficient. Occasional users may only need to wash it every few weeks.

Using a clean cloth reduces the risk of dragging trapped grit across lenses — one of the most common causes of fine scratches on glasses and lens coatings.

When Washing Isn’t Enough

Microfibre cloths are designed to be washed and reused many times. However, even high-quality cloths eventually lose performance as fibres begin to flatten or fuse over time.

Signs a cloth may need replacing include:

• Persistent streaking after washing
• Reduced absorbency
• Fibres that feel stiff or less soft
• Visible lint embedded in the weave

Lower-quality cloths often degrade much faster because their fibre density and construction are not designed for long-term reuse. Premium, high-density microfibre is engineered to withstand repeated washing without significant loss of performance — but even the best cloths are not permanent. Replacing a worn cloth protects modern lens coatings from unnecessary friction.

If you're unsure what separates a high-quality cloth from a disposable one, our guide on how to choose the best glasses cleaning cloth explains what actually matters for coated lenses.