How to Clean an Eyeglass Case: Hard, Leather, Fabric and EVA

Most people clean their glasses regularly and their glasses case almost never. Yet the lining of a case touches your lenses every time you put them away. Over months it collects dust, lint, sand, crumbs and skin oil, and those particles can scratch lenses or leave smudges on freshly cleaned glasses.

Cleaning a case takes only a few minutes. The method depends on the material.

How often to clean a case

Before you start

• Remove the glasses and any cloth inside.
• Shake the case out over a trash can.
• Check the manufacturer's care instructions if available.

Cleaning the lining (all case types)

The lining matters most because it touches the lenses.

1. Brush it out. Use a soft, clean brush, such as a new soft toothbrush or makeup brush, to sweep grit out of corners and seams.
2. Use tape for lint. Press a piece of masking tape or a lint roller lightly against the lining to lift fibers and dust. Do not press so hard that you pull off flocking.
3. Vacuum if needed. A vacuum with a brush attachment on low suction can clean deep corners.
4. Spot clean stains. Dampen a cloth with water and a drop of mild soap, wring it nearly dry, and dab stains. Do not soak the lining.
5. Dry completely. Leave the case open to air dry before putting glasses back.

Hard plastic and metal cases

1. Clean the lining as above.
2. Wipe the outside with a cloth dampened with mild soapy water.
3. Wipe again with a cloth dampened with clean water.
4. Dry with a towel.
5. Leave open to air dry fully.

Avoid soaking cases with fabric or flocked linings, since glue can loosen and the lining can stay damp.

Faux leather wrapped cases

1. Clean the lining as above.
2. Wipe the outside with a barely damp cloth and a little mild soap.
3. Wipe off soap and dry immediately.
4. Avoid harsh cleaners and solvents, which can damage the finish.

If the wrap is peeling at the edges, it is a sign the case is wearing out.

Genuine leather cases

1. Clean the lining as above.
2. Wipe the outside with a dry or slightly damp soft cloth.
3. For dirt, use a cleaner made for leather, following its directions.
4. Condition occasionally with a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple.
5. Let it dry naturally, away from heaters or direct sun.

If a leather case gets soaked, stuff it lightly with paper towels to hold its shape and let it dry slowly at room temperature.

Fabric and microfiber pouches

Most fabric pouches can be hand washed.

1. Turn the pouch inside out if possible.
2. Hand wash in lukewarm water with a small amount of mild detergent.
3. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Air dry flat.
5. Do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets on microfiber; see our microfiber guide.

EVA and zippered sport cases

1. Shake out sand and grit, then brush the interior.
2. Brush sand out of the zipper teeth with a soft brush.
3. Wipe the outside and inside with a damp cloth and mild soap.
4. Rinse salt water off the zipper with fresh water after beach use.
5. Leave fully open to dry; foam can hold moisture.

Musty or unpleasant smells

Cases that have been damp can develop odors.

• Leave the case open in a dry, well-ventilated room for a day.
• Place it near, not in, indirect sunlight for a short period, avoiding heat that could damage the case.
• A small open container of baking soda placed near the open case in a closed box overnight can help absorb odors.
• If the smell persists or you see mold, replace the case.

Sanitizing a case

If a case has been shared or used during an illness, wiping the exterior with a disinfecting wipe suitable for the material is reasonable. Avoid soaking linings with disinfectant and let everything dry fully before use. Do not use disinfecting wipes on your lenses unless they are specifically labeled safe for eyeglasses.

When to replace a case

• The lining is worn through, peeling or pilled.
• There is mold or a persistent smell.
• The hinge no longer closes firmly.
• The shell is cracked.
• The zipper is broken or jams.

A case is inexpensive compared to new lenses. See our guide to case materials when choosing a replacement.

Case cleaning checklist

• Glasses and cloth removed.
• Lining brushed and lint removed.
• Stains spot cleaned without soaking.
• Exterior cleaned to suit the material.
• Zipper brushed and rinsed if used at the beach.
• Case fully dry before use.

Keeping a case clean day to day

A few small habits reduce how often a case needs a deep clean:

• Put clean glasses into the case. A quick rinse or wipe before storage keeps oil and grit out of the lining.
• Keep other items out. Coins, keys and earbuds bring grit into the case.
• Close the case when it is empty. An open case in a bag fills with crumbs and lint.
• Store the cloth folded inside a small zip bag if your case has room, or wash it regularly.
• Keep beach and sport cases separate from your everyday case so sand does not migrate.

Cleaning tools to keep on hand

A small set of tools makes case care quick: a soft brush reserved for the job, a roll of masking tape or a lint roller, a lint-free cloth, mild soap, and leather conditioner if you own a leather case. Keep them together with your lens cleaning supplies so the whole routine takes a few minutes.

Shared and family cases

In households where several people wear glasses, cases get mixed up and passed around. That makes cleaning more important, especially for children's cases and for cases used during colds and flu season. Give each person a distinct case color, wipe exteriors regularly, and brush out linings during a weekly routine. If a case is shared, such as a car case for whoever is driving, clean it more often and keep a fresh cloth in it. When someone gets new glasses, check that the old case still fits the new frame before handing it down; a case that fit one pair may press on another.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put my glasses case in the washing machine?

Fabric pouches can sometimes go in on a gentle cycle in a mesh bag. Hard, leather and lined cases should not be machine washed.

How do I get sand out of a glasses case?

Shake it out, brush the lining and seams with a soft brush, use tape to lift fine grains, and vacuum on low if needed.

Why does my glasses case smell?

It has probably been damp. Air it out fully. If the smell persists or there is mold, replace it.

Should I clean the case every time I clean my glasses?

Not every time, but a quick brush-out weekly keeps grit from building up.

Bottom line

Brush out the lining regularly, spot clean without soaking, care for the exterior according to its material, and always let a case dry fully before putting glasses back. A clean case keeps clean lenses clean.