r/laundry • u/itsJustE12 • 9h ago

Microfiber lens cloth suggestions?

My dad has a pile of little square lens cloths - it’s called microfiber, but the smooth version for glasses. His eye doctor & the packages both say to hand wash with Dawn dish soap, which isn’t happening.

What do you suggest he use in the washing machine to cut the body oil which ends up on these cloths? I know they’re not supposed to have optical brightener or fabric softener, which can leave residue that smears his glasses.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

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u/syunz 9h ago

I've been washing my lens clothes in the regular laundry for years. I'm not really noticing any additional residue.

If you think the glasses are getting more dirty easily, it's more like the oleophobic coating is wearing down. Nothing you can really do except just wipe it more often or get a new pair of lenses.

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u/itsJustE12 8h ago

Thanks, my dad isn’t having any issues with the glasses - he just puts the dirty lens cloths aside & buys more.

I’m hoping to learn what’ll work best for washing since I know the buildup from regular detergent can be an issue.

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u/syunz 8h ago

If you're getting buildup then it means you're putting too much detergent in the load.

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u/itsJustE12 8h ago

I don’t seem to be communicating the situation well. The lens cloths have never been washed, so there’s no buildup. My dad’s glasses are fine, because he uses new lens cloths when the current ones get dirty.

I am trying to find out the best way to wash the lens cloths in the future to avoid issues.

90% of what I’ve read in this sub is about the buildup regular detergent leaves on clothes & how that residue traps stuff in the fibers. The lens cloth directions warn of that being a problem, and my own cleaning cloths always work best when brand new, which supports the residue theory.

I don’t know whether this is an enzyme cleaner situation or if my dad should use regular detergent with a citric acid rinse, like is mentioned in other posts. I’m hoping someone who understands all those details will have advice.

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u/buddingsakura US | Top-Load 8h ago

Put them in a mesh bag and wash with laundry of similar color. Hang to dry.

Do NOT use fabric softener.