How to Clean and Store Your Contact Lens Case
By OhMyKitty4U – Trusted Color Contact Lens Store Since 2011. | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: Tips & Care
Learn the proper steps to clean and store your contact lens case to prevent bacteria buildup and keep your lenses safe. Includes product recommendations.
Quick answer
Clean your contact lens case daily with fresh solution and let it air dry upside down on a clean tissue. Replace the case every three months to prevent bacteria buildup.
Why regular cleaning matters
Even if you always wash your hands before handling lenses, your lens case can become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and biofilm. Residue from old solution and moisture create the perfect environment for microbes. Skipping case cleaning increases your risk of eye infections, irritation, and discomfort.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many people rinse their case with tap water, which contains microorganisms that can contaminate the case. Others reuse old solution or seal the case while it's still wet, trapping moisture and encouraging bacterial growth. Using the same case for months without replacement is another frequent error that compromises lens hygiene.
Step-by-step lens case cleaning routine
- Wash and dry your hands: Use soap and water, then dry with a lint-free towel before touching your lens case or lenses. Never skip handwashing — it's the first line of defense against transferring bacteria to your case.
- Empty and rinse the case: Discard any leftover solution from the case wells. Rinse each well and the lid with fresh contact lens solution only — never tap water. Tap water contains impurities and microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections.
- Rub and rinse the case: Use clean fingers to gently rub the inside of each well and the lid with a drop of fresh solution for about 10 seconds. Rinse again with solution. Rubbing helps remove protein deposits and biofilm that rinsing alone cannot dislodge.
- Air dry upside down: Place the case and lid upside down on a clean tissue or paper towel. Let them air dry completely with the caps off. Sealing a damp case traps moisture and accelerates bacterial growth — always dry fully before closing.
- Store in a clean, dry place: Once dry, close the case and store it in a cool, dry area away from humidity, dust, and direct sunlight. Avoid storing your case in the bathroom — the moisture and airborne particles increase contamination risk.
- Replace your case every three months: Even with proper cleaning, lens cases develop micro-scratches and biofilm over time. Replace your case at least every three months, or sooner if it shows cracks or discoloration. Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder so you don't forget to swap in a fresh case.
Recommended lens case kits
- Supreme Portable Contact Lens Case: The Supreme Portable Contact Lens Case includes a sleek black case, a lens case, an applicator, a small solution container, and a tweezer, all in a lightweight 100g kit. Having a dedicated solution container and applicator in one kit makes it easy to clean and store your lenses on the go without cross-contaminating your case.
Supreme Portable Contact Lens Case - Purple Bunny Contact Lens Case Kit: The Purple Bunny Contact Lens Case Kit includes an adorable storage case, lens applicator, small solution container, and tweezer, weighing only 39.5g. Its compact size and cute design encourage regular use and replacement, helping you stick to good lens case hygiene habits.
Purple Bunny Contact Lens Case Kit
