Andrew Mercer

Basic recipe

  • 1/2 cup distilled water (tap water can leave mineral spots)
  • 1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher)
  • 1-2 drops of dish soap (like Dawn — it cuts oils well without being too harsh)
  • Optional: 1 drop of essential oil for scent

Instructions

  • Combine ingredients in a small spray bottle
  • Shake gently to mix (avoid excessive foaming from the soap)
  • Spray a light mist on each lens
  • Wipe with a clean microfiber cloth in circular motions

A few tips

  • Use distilled or filtered water to avoid streaks or mineral residue
  • Don't use too much soap — a couple drops per half cup is plenty; too much leaves a film
  • Avoid this on lenses with special coatings (anti-reflective, blue light, some sunglasses tints) unless you know the coating is alcohol-safe — alcohol can degrade certain coatings over time. Check manufacturer guidance if unsure.
  • Always dry with a clean microfiber cloth, not paper towels or your shirt, since rougher fabrics can create micro-scratches
  • Store in a labeled spray bottle out of reach of kids/pets since it contains alcohol

If your glasses have anti-reflective or other special coatings, plain warm water + a drop of dish soap, rinsed and dried with microfiber, is the safest bet — no alcohol needed.

2oz Alcohol-Free Glasses Cleaner

  • 2 oz distilled water (avoid tap water — minerals cause streaking/spotting)
  • 1 drop dish soap (Dawn or similar, no added moisturizers/lotions)
  • Optional: 1 drop white vinegar for extra grease-cutting (skip if lenses have anti-reflective coating, as vinegar's mild acidity isn't ideal for coatings over time)

Instructions

  • Fill the 2oz spray bottle with distilled water
  • Add just 1 drop of dish soap — more than that leaves a filmy residue
  • Cap and swirl gently (don't shake hard, or you'll get a bottle of foam)
  • Spray each lens, wipe with a clean microfiber cloth in circular motions until dry and clear

Tips

  • This formula is safe for essentially all lens coatings since it has no alcohol or ammonia
  • Since there's no alcohol, it won't evaporate as fast — a slightly firmer wipe with the microfiber cloth ensures a streak-free finish
  • No preservative in this mix, so it's best used within a few weeks; give it a swirl before each use since the soap can settle
  • Keep away from sprays with ammonia or bleach — never mix those in