Scratches are forever, but dirty lenses can be cleaned. You will be impressed by the difference in clarity.

Take care, don’t take short cuts.

Lenses are coated with highly engineered coatings, some are even metallic. Care must be taken or you can permanently scratch them.

Ask your optician for guidance, otherwise we have put together recommendations for you based upon common lens types. 

Do Not:

• use your shirt to clean your glasses.
• use a paper towel
• use Windex or glass cleaners
• use household cleaners
• use dish soap
• use rubbing alcohol
• leave your glasses dirty for too long
• touch your lenses, (please handle by the frame edges)

Do:

• keep your glasses covered / protected when not wearing them, preferably in a microfiber pouch. (we provide one with every pair). Contact us for a free pouch if you need one at nouvellechicane.com
• begin the cleaning process by submerging the glasses in clean warm water to loosen the dirt and oils
• run water over the lenses and assess the condition. make sure all dirt, dust and grit is no longer on the lens. rinse further if not.
• let air and drip dry
• use a moist clean microfiber cloth to clean the lenses
• moisten the cloth slightly with steam or small amount of water.  a very soft cotton cloth with no silk screen or paint may be used, but microfiber is preferred.
• use light circular motions to polish the lenses. If you see grit or dust, use running water to dislodge. 
• when you clean your cloths, do not use cleaners above under “do not”. Clean your cloth thoroughly  with warm water or these damaging chemicals will get on your lenses.
• dilute micellar water maybe used to remove more stubborn or smeared oils
• use very light pressure only to push off the oils and dirt.
• a clean q-tip can be used to locally clean areas hard to get to. use low pressure only, change for a new q-tip frequently.
• low concentration isopropyl alcohol may also be used. dilute with 50% de-ionized water.  Take care not to touch your frames with the alcohol as it may discolor them. test carefully first in an inconspicuous area.
• for the final rinse use de-ionized water when possible to reduce mineral.
• remember always use the least power possible for the job. If water works, use water only. then try micellar water, finally alcohol. Always keep your cloths clean.

What do I do, if they are really scratched?

It’s not the end of the world, we can help. This is a great opportunity to switch up your lens colors and look into the latest technology in eye protection.

Many good optical shops can replace your lenses or arrange an external lab to replace your lenses. They may even be able to polish away superficial abrasions.  If you cannot get to your local Nouvelle Chicane retailer, contact us through our website and we can arrange an alternative.

We suggest the following location for lens replacement Cohen’s Fashion Optical. 

 We hoped this worked for you. 

 Leave any comments or questions below.

Removing Stubborn Stains from White Sunglass Frames

💄 Lipstick,  💅 nail polish, spray tan, 🖊 pen marks, even candy 🍭  can be difficult and frustrating to remove from your beautiful white frames. Here are several easy steps to bring the original pristine white beauty back. 

Time to clean: 15 – 30 minutes

Instructions below:

When in doubt ask, and contact us at info@nouvellechicane.com

Tools:

• A large bowl large enough to fully submerge your frames (glass or plastic is better since you are less likely to scratch your frame or lenses)
• Warm Water💧
• Soft clean tooth brush (make sure it is clean, old tooth paste is an abrasive, submerge in boiling water and rinse away any residue)
• Micellar Water 💦 
• Q-tips (may not be necessary depending on the stain or blemish)
• Alcohol (may not be necessary depending on the stain or blemish)
• Baking Soda (may not be necessary depending on the stain or blemish)
• 1500-3000 grit wet and dry sand paper (may not be necessary depending on the stain or blemish)

Pre-soak your frames in warm (not hot) water for 2-3 minutes minimum.

 🛑 Caution:

1) Whenever using the toothbrush on your frames, make sure you brush away from the lenses, a slip or an errant move could scratch your lenses. You may use an electric tooth brush, but we suggest using a manual to keep the forces low.

2) Remember to frequently clean your brush in clean water.

3) Use a soft worn, clean tooth brush . That can be prepared by cleaning with hot water. 

Brush the makeup  and carefully observe if it is dislodging.  Frequently clean your brush between every few brush strokes. 

If this is not working, clean your brush under running water and then pour a small amount of the Micellar water into the bristles of your brush.

Brush the areas of concern until it foams.  Run warm water over the frames to check progress. Take care to not let the soap or abrasives collect on the lenses.

Clean your brush.. 

Repeat.

when complete submerge your frames for 2-3 minutes in clean warm water, minimum.

Watch our video for further instruction 

For more stubborn stains.

Stubborn issues (like spray tan, lipstick, nail polish) may require more powerful cleaning techniques.  Check out this video on stubborn stain removal.

Remember, it’s a progression and only use the cleaning power you need.

Start with warm water, then progress to soapy micellar water. As required move to very soft abrasives like baking soda on the brush with the Micellar water. You should see the dirt or stain in the foam as you brush and this shows it is working.

We prefer not to, but Alcohol on a q-tip may be used to blot the stain, if it continues to persist. Beware, alcohol can damage your lenses. Orient your frames so that any drip, that may occur, falls away from your lens.

Again abrasive will scratch and damage your lenses, if you brush the lenses. Use plenty of water to wash away debris.

Finally, you may consider wet/dry 1500-5000 grit sand paper.  Again, only on white uncoated frames from our collection.  Test in inconspicuous areas first and most of all be patient. Wash off the abrasive periodically and keep away from lenses.

Before wearing, submerge your frames in clean water to clean off any of the compounds before you wear them again.

Congratulations,   🎈 we hoped this worked for you! Check us out at Nouvelle Chicane.