How to Wash Glasses Cleaning Cloths – UK Guide

Yes — you can and should wash your microfibre glasses cleaning cloth.

Over time, even premium microfibre absorbs oils, dust, and residue from lenses. When a cloth starts leaving streaks or feels less effective, it’s a sign that it needs cleaning.

Washing microfibre is simple, but there is one essential rule:

Always wash microfibre cloths separately from other fabrics.

This prevents lint and loose fibres from becoming trapped in the microfibre weave, which would reduce absorbency and cleaning performance.

The Safest Way to Wash a Glasses Cleaning Cloth

If you want to preserve performance and avoid damaging delicate fibres, follow this method:

1. Shake off loose dust or grit before washing.
2. Hand wash in lukewarm water.
3. Use a small amount of mild, unscented soap only if needed.
4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue.
5. Air dry flat — never use heat.

Heat from tumble dryers can cause microfibre strands to fuse, permanently reducing effectiveness.

Why Washing Separately Matters

Microfibre is engineered to attract particles. When washed alongside regular laundry, it collects lint and fibres from clothing, clogging the structure that allows it to lift oils safely from lenses.

Even using a laundry bag won’t fully protect it. If you only own one or two cloths, hand washing under the tap is the safest option.

What Detergents to Avoid

To protect microfibre performance, avoid:

• Fabric softeners
• Bleach
• Strong or scented detergents

These products coat or damage the fibres, making the cloth far less effective and potentially unsafe for coated lenses.

How Often Should You Wash a Microfibre Cloth?

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

A clean cloth reduces the risk of dragging trapped grit across lenses — one of the most common causes of fine scratches.

Caring for Premium Microfibre Cloths

If you use an oversized or optical-grade microfibre cloth, proper care helps preserve its performance and longevity.

All Barroccu & Co cloths are designed to be washable, reusable, and safe for modern lens coatings when cared for correctly.

If you’re comparing different cloth types or sizes, our
microfibre cleaning cloth comparison explains what actually affects cleaning performance.

For everyday use on glasses, lenses, and screens, you can explore our
oversized microfibre cleaning cloths here.