Cleaning sunglasses and ski goggle lenses
To keep your sunglasses and ski goggle lenses clean, oil-free and scratch-free, we recommend using a microfiber cleaning cloth. Although it can be tempting to use a t-shirt, towel, or paper towel, these materials can be harsh on the lens.
Grip the temples and gently wipe the microfiber cloth in a circular motion on the lenses until they appear clear again. If they remain oily, it might be time for a new cleaning cloth.
We suggest avoiding using lens cleaners (particularly on lenses with a mirror coating), as the chemicals in them may do more damage than good to your lenses in the long run!
Looking after anti-fog coatings
If your sunglasses (such as the Heron collection), or ski goggles (such as the Freebirds or Stairways) have an anti-fog coating, this will be on the inside of the lens. Anti-fog coatings are particularly easy to damage if you use a cloth or lens cleaner that is too abrasive.
To clean an anti-fog coating, we advise to rinse only with cold water, and gently wipe dry with clean microfibre cloth. This will help protect the anti-fog coating in the long term.
Looking after lens coatings
If you are using your sunglasses by the pool or sea and they come into contact with suncream or salt water, we recommend rinsing your sunglasses in clean cold tap water for a few minutes at the end of the day to remove any residues before wiping dry.
Similarly, for ski and snow goggles you should avoid getting any oil, grease or sun cream on your goggle lenses where possible. Over time these residues can become abrasive on lens coatings so it’s important to wash them off before storing your eyewear.
Common causes of damage to lenses
The most common damage to sunglasses and goggle lenses happens when they are dropped, or stored face-down. If you are likely to drop your sunglasses, we recommend attaching a sports headstrap or sport retainer to avoid them falling off your head! When not in use, store your sunglasses in a microfiber pouch, travel case, or hardcase to keep the lenses protected.
The same goes for your ski and snow goggles. If they are not in use, we recommend storing them safely in a microfiber pouch, or using an elasticated goggle cover to keep the lens protected from scratches and other damage.
Other common causes of damage to lenses include harsh chemical residues (including sun cream and other oil-based products, or storing your eyewear badly. Please see our wash, care and storage guidance on how to avoid this.
What can I do if my sunglasses or goggle lenses are scratched?
Sadly nothing can be done to rescue micro-scratches or bigger scratches on lenswear, particularly if the lenses have a polarization filter, or other lens coatings.
Unless created through a manufacturing defect, warranties from eyewear companies are unlikely to cover accidental damage and scratches caused through general use or maltreatment when cleaning.
The best course of action is to contact the manufacturer to enquire about lens replacement. At VALLON, we understand accidents can happen and we want you to love using your eyewear for years to come, so you can reach out to us to buy replacement lenses.
Leather care for the Herons
If the leather components of your Heron sunglasses become dirty or greasy, we advise that you use a soft cloth soaked with a small amount of room temperature water, and wipe the leathers gently in a circular motion. Wipe away any excess water, and leave to air dry. The centre nosepiece of the Heron collection can be removed and cleaned separately.
