You know the struggle. You clean your glasses, put them on, and within 30 seconds they’re smudged again. Maybe it’s the fingerprint grease or that weird oily film that just won’t go away. You’ve tried your shirt, a paper towel, even that dusty microfiber cloth from the gas station. Nothing works.
I’ve been there. For years I swore by Norwex glasses cleaning cloths. They’re popular, people love them. But then I found something cheaper that actually worked better. Here’s the honest breakdown.
### Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
* **Norwex cloths are good** but overpriced for what they do.
* The real magic is **silver-infused fibers** – but you can get that for way less.
* A **$5 alternative from BriskPick** cleaned my lenses just as well, and lasted longer.
* Don’t pay for a brand name when the material is the same.
## What Is a Norwex Glasses Cleaning Cloth, Really?
Norwex makes microfiber cloths with silver particles woven in. The silver is supposed to stop bacteria from growing, so the cloth doesn’t get stinky or gross between washes. That’s the big selling point.
But here’s the thing: your glasses are not a petri dish. You don’t need an antibacterial cloth to clean a lens. You need something that absorbs oil and lifts dust without scratching. A plain microfiber cloth does that just fine.
I used a Norwex cloth for six months. It worked okay. But then I washed it a few times and it started leaving streaks. Coincidence? Maybe. But I wasn’t about to spend $20 on a replacement.
## The Problem with Norwex Cloths
Let’s be real. They are expensive. A single Norwex glasses cleaning cloth can cost $15 to $25. And they’re small – like a handkerchief. You lose them easily. I lost two before I realized I was paying $40 for cloths I couldn’t keep track of.
Other cons I noticed:
– **Streaks after a few washes.** The silver coating can wear off, and the fibers get stiff.
– **Not great for greasy fingerprints.** They push the oil around instead of absorbing it.
– **Marketing hype.** “Bacteria-free” sounds nice, but my glasses aren’t infected.
## What Actually Works Better (and Costs Less)
I switched to a **budget-friendly microfiber glasses cloth** from BriskPick. It’s the same 80/20 polyester-polyamide blend that high-end cloths use. No branding, no fancy claims, just dense fibers that trap oil and dust.
Here’s why I prefer it:
– **Cost:** $4.99 for a 3-pack. I have one in my car, one at my desk, and one in my bag. No more hunting.
– **Performance:** It wipes away fingerprints in one pass. No streaks. No residue.
– **Durability:** I’ve machine-washed it ten times. Still works like new.
– **Size:** Big enough to fold and use both sides. Norwex cloths felt too small for my larger sunglasses.
### Real Comparison: Norwex vs. BriskPick Cloth
| **Feature** | **Norwex** | **BriskPick Budget Cloth** |
|————-|————|—————————-|
| Price | $15–25 each | $5 for 3 |
| Material | Microfiber + silver | Premium microfiber (80/20 blend) |
| Streaks after 10 washes | Yes | No |
| Antibacterial | Yes | No |
| Size | 8″ x 8″ | 12″ x 12″ |
**Bottom line:** Unless you need antibacterial properties for some reason, the cheap one wins.
## How to Clean Your Glasses the Right Way (Without Ruining Them)
A good cloth is only half the battle. Here’s the method I use that keeps my lenses smudge-free for hours.
### Step 1: Rinse your lenses first
Dust particles are sharp. If you wipe a dry lens with a cloth, you’re grinding dirt into the coating. Run your glasses under lukewarm water for a few seconds.
### Step 2: Add a tiny drop of dish soap
Hand soap often has lotion that leaves residue. Use plain dish soap (Dawn works). Rub gently with your fingers, then rinse.
### Step 3: Shake off the water
Most of the dirt is gone now. Give your glasses a quick shake to remove large droplets.
### Step 4: Wipe with a clean microfiber cloth
Use your BriskPick cloth (or any lint-free microfiber). Wipe in one direction – not circles. Circles can smear leftover oil.
**Pro tip:** Never use paper towels, tissues, or your shirt. They contain wood fibers that scratch anti-glare coatings.
## When You Might Still Want a Norwex Cloth
Okay, I’m not here to trash Norwex completely. It has one legit use case: **if your glasses get exposed to bacteria regularly.**
For example:
– You work in a hospital or lab.
– You share glasses with someone (gross, but it happens).
– You rarely wash your cloth (silver kills germs between washes).
For the rest of us, the antibacterial feature is overkill. My regular cloth gets washed once a week. That’s plenty.
## Other Cheap Alternatives That Work
If you don’t want to order online, look for:
– **E-Cloth** – similar tech as Norwex, slightly cheaper.
– **Generic 80/20 microfiber cloths** from hardware stores (the yellow ones for cars work great on glasses).
– **Washable dust cloths** meant for screens – just make sure they’re labeled “lint-free.”
Avoid”: Flannel cloths, old t-shirts, and wet wipes (they can strip the coating).
## My Final Advice (No Sales Pitch)
Look, I get why people buy Norwex. Early on, they were one of the few cloths that actually worked. But now there are cheaper options that perform just as well – or better.
If you’re on a budget, grab a **multi-pack from BriskPick** and save your money for something that matters, like a decent pair of glasses. Your lenses will thank you.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Can I use a Norwex cloth on coated lenses?
Yes, as long as the cloth is clean and damp. Norwex cloths are safe for anti-glare and anti-scratch coatings. But so is any quality microfiber cloth.
### How often should I wash my glasses cleaning cloth?
Every 5–7 uses, or once a week if you use it daily. Hand-wash with mild soap or machine-wash on delicate. No fabric softener – it clogs the fibers.
### Is silver really necessary for glasses cleaning?
No. Silver prevents bacteria growth, not smudges. A standard microfiber cloth traps oil and dirt better because the fibers are denser. Save silver for cutting boards, not your lenses.
### Will a cheap cloth scratch my glasses?
Not if it’s made of microfiber with a 80/20 or 70/30 polyester/polyamide blend. Those materials are softer than glass. Avoid cloths with rough seams or logos sewn into the fabric.
### Can I use the same cloth for my phone and glasses?
It’s okay in a pinch, but phone screens have oleophobic coatings that can be abraded by oil from glasses. Better to keep separate cloths.
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*Disclaimer: I bought my BriskPick cloths with my own money. No freebies. Just a guy who hates paying $20 for a rag.*