When it comes to cleaning your eyewear lenses, Zeiss is a name that keeps popping up. A quick search on EZContact for lens care shows that six out of 10 of the products are from Zeiss. It’s the same when you do a Google search. It’s like you can’t spell lens care without Zeiss.
So, does it follow that they’re the best around? Are Zeiss Lens Wipes your best option?
The Basics
Here are a few things to know about these lens wipes, according to the company:
The lens wipes can be used for various lenses, including those for eyeglasses and cameras.
They are formulated with a gentle solution that removes dirt and smudges.
The fine print also says that Zeiss Lens Wipes contain a gentle amount of Isopropanol (IPA), which is a type of disinfecting alcohol.
Why Buy Zeiss Lens Wipes?
There are several reasons why buying these wipes for your eyeglasses is a good idea:
Convenient and portable: You can bring them anywhere. They fit in the smallest pockets. Clean your lenses anytime you need to.
Effectively cleans: Many user reviews say that these wipes work great for their lenses.
Safe on lenses: The wipes are designed to be safe on eyeglass lenses.
Versatile: You can also use these on your camera lenses and other optical surfaces.
These are some of the top reasons to try Zeiss Lens Wipes. Now, let’s see what the reviews have to say.
What Reddit Users Say
Eyeglasses in a Pool of Water
I went to Reddit to get an idea of how the eyeglasses-wearing community feels about Zeiss Lens Wipes.
There are a lot of Reddit users who think that these lens wipes are reliable for their cleaning needs. One Reddit user asked about this in a thread called ‘Are zeiss wipes safe or not?’
Redditor Nick72b responded:
“If you want wet, ready to use, Zeiss (lens wipes) are consistent and leader. Great as a portable lens wash while staying away from home. Saying that I’ve used 50 packs for 1.5usd equivalent without issue.”
EndureTyrant followed up with their three-year history with the brand:
“My glasses are 3 years old now and I’ve only used Zeiss wipes, mostly because I am such an oily person that my glasses get a ton of oil on them multiple times a day, and microfiber cloths with the spray on solution start just smearing after 2-3 days, and even washing the cloths (I’ve tried hand washing and machine) doesn’t help.
After 3 years, I’ve now started to notice a bit of delamination in one spot, and honestly it’s probably not the wipes fault. I idiotically wore my glasses into the sauna multiple times about a year, and they were nearly ruined.”
Ryvit had more of a mixed experience. Their whole family swears by Zeiss, but Ryvit had issues with the wipes:
“My family swear by Zeiss brand glass wipes, they absolutely do not work for me. What’s wrong with my glasses?
Like, after I use them, my glasses are pretty smeared, almost like they’re… greasy? I don’t really eat greasy food, work in a greasy environment, or touch my glasses very often, so I’m not sure what’s going on.
It’s really frustrating because it seems I can never get my glasses clean, even after being a glasses wearer for 3 years now, I can barely ever get them fully clean.
What do you recommend for someone with my issue?”
Other users share their frustrations to the point of talking trash about the brand. In a thread titled ‘Zeiss Lens Wipes are garbage,’ Grizzlypass said:
“Picked up a box of Zeiss Lens Wipes just to hit the free shipping limit on my Amazon order. WTF is this garbage? It leaves streaks and little pieces of lint all over my glasses. Might as well use my shirt.”
Reddit Screenshot
Ricosuave79 affirmed Grizzlypass’ experience:
“Agreed. I bought some to use once in a great while if I needed a quick clean when away from my house. My experience mirrors yours.
Oh well. Guess no proper cleaning unless I’m home as I use a drop of blue Dawn dish soap to under room temperature water to clean my glasses (works awesome).”
Users also chimed in with suggestions for alternatives. Mister_nixon swears by Peeps. He said:
“I’ve started using Peeps to clean my glasses. Wish I’d known about them earlier. The brush is key, I think because it makes sure that the dust that otherwise scratches your lens gets brushed off before wiping. And the pads clean better than any cloth I’ve ever used. Much less stuff to carry around than a bottle of cleaner and a cloth, too.
If anyone who knows better wants to tell me I shouldn’t use them, I’m happy to listen. But I’ve historically been bad at keeping scratches off of my lenses, and I’ve gone many months now.”
Own_Log_3764 shared another alternative:
“I use dish soap (just a tiny drop) then a microfiber cloth. One pair of glasses cleans up well. The other pair from a different company has horrible coatings and never gets completely clean.”
These Reddit threads are interesting exchanges full of positive, negative, and mixed reviews. With such a wide range of opinions, the best option might be to try Zeiss Lens Wipes for yourself. Or, you can try some other alternatives.
Consider Your Alternatives
So what are your alternatives? Here are a few to try out:
Peeps Eyeglass Cleaner
Peeps Cleaner – Blue
Redditor Mister_Nixon mentioned this product, claiming its effectiveness. Peeps eyeglass cleaner is a pocket-sized device with a cleaning pad that brushes dirt and grime off your lenses. This pad is cleaned each time you replace the roller in its case.
Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are machine-washable, lens-safe cloths that usually come with every eyewear purchase. They’re best for daily cleaning. It’s best to use them with lens cleaning solutions or after washing your glasses under running water with a gentle detergent.
Lens Cleaning Solutions (Sprays)
Person Examines Their Glasses
Lens cleaning solutions are specially formulated solutions that clean off dirt, grime, and smudges from your eyeglasses. You need to wipe the liquid off with a microfiber cloth. Make sure to choose solutions that do not contain alcohol or other abrasive substances.
DIY Cleaning Solutions
You can also clean your glasses under running water with a small drop of gentle soap. Have your microfiber cloth nearby for proper drying.
Other Branded Wipes
There are other lens wipe brands that you can try, including Opticlear wipes, Durable Anti-static Glasses Lens Wipes, and Keep It Handy Lens Cleaning Wipes.
Cleaning your eyewear until it’s spotless is, of course, crucial to seeing as clearly as possible. So, it’s best to keep your Zeiss Lens Wipes (or chosen alternative) handy. Proper cleaning guarantees that you get to use your glasses for a long time!
TL;DR
Zeiss Lens Wipes are optic lens cleaning wipes created by Zeiss, a leading name in commercial optics.
The wipes are designed to remove dirt, grime, and smudges from your eyeglasses. They are formulated with a cleaning solution that contains a little bit of Isopropanol (IPA).
Zeiss Lens Wipes are convenient, versatile, and effective for many users.
Reddit users have contrasting opinions on these wipes, with some saying they worked well and others not liking them as much. This just means you need to try them out yourself.
There are alternatives that you can try, too, including Peeps Eyeglass Cleaner, microfiber cloths, lens cleaning solutions, and DIY solutions.
My life rotates through five lenses: distance and reading glasses, sunglasses, contacts, and my diving mask's lenses. If I'm not writing, I'm in the kitchen, gym, or under the sea.
