Contact lens basics

Your guide to contact lens solutions

If you’re brand new to contacts, the variety of contact lens disinfecting solutions available at the store might seem overwhelming, but this guide can teach you the basics so that you know what you’re looking at. Remember, always follow the directions of your eye care professional and the directions on the label, and if you're ever unsure, check with your eye doctor.

Medically reviewed February 26, 2026

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Published on May 18, 2026

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6 minute read

Key takeaways

Multipurpose disinfecting solutions are all-in-one options for cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, and storing reusable soft contact lenses.
Hydrogen peroxide solutions offer a preservative-free cleaning but require a special case and a neutralization step before lenses are safe to wear.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) solutions are specially designed to handle cleaning, disinfecting, and conditioning for “hard” contact lenses.
Saline solution is for rinsing only. It does not disinfect and should never be used to store or clean your lenses.
Never transfer solution into smaller containers for air travel.

What is contact lens solution for?

Throughout the course of your day, your eyes and contact lenses come into contact with all manner of things that can accumulate on your lenses like dust, dirt, and germs. If you wear daily disposable lenses, the good news is that you simply throw these away and start tomorrow with clean and sterile lenses. If you wear reusable lenses, these contaminants can lead to serious issues unless proper steps are taken to clean and disinfect your lenses every night. That’s where contact lens solution comes in. Using contact lens solution every day protects your eyes and helps your contacts feel their best. The solution does three main things:

Washes away dirt and debris
Kills germs that could cause an eye infection
Keeps your lenses moist so they don’t dry out while you’re not wearing them

Types of contact lens solutions

Not all solutions are created equal. Your eye doctor will recommend a specific brand of contact lens solution that’s compatible with the contact lenses they prescribe. Using the wrong product or method can lead to discomfort or even eye infection, so let’s make sure you know your options.

^{Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses}

Multipurpose disinfecting solutions

These solutions are a popular recommendation by eye doctors for people who wear soft contact lenses because they’re an all-in-one solution. They take care of cleaning, rinsing, disinfection, and storage.

How multipurpose disinfecting solution works

Multipurpose solutions usually have ingredients that help break down and lift away debris on your contact lenses. They also have disinfectants that target harmful microorganisms, killing them off to help prevent infections. This approach helps ensure that your lenses are clean and ready to wear the next day.

Common steps for multipurpose disinfecting solutions

It’s important to follow the instructions provided by your eye doctor, as well as the manufacturer instructions of the contact lens cleaning solution you use, but instructions usually look something like this:

Take your lens out and place it in your clean palm
Depending on the instructions of your disinfection solution, you may squirt a few drops of solution onto the lens, thoroughly wet the lenses, or rinse with a steady stream
Gently rub the lens with your finger for 10 to 20 seconds—this helps get rid of dirt and germs, and it’s important even if the bottle says "no-rub"
Rinse the lens again with fresh solution
Put the lens in your clean case and fill it with new solution. Never reuse old solution.

What’s the story with no-rub disinfecting solutions?

It may seem confusing that the guidance is still to rub your lenses, even if your contact lens multipurpose disinfecting solution is “no rub,” but there’s a simple explanation. “No rub” solutions often require you to rinse your lenses with a steady stream for 20 or more seconds in lieu of rubbing, but these instructions may be unclear or overlooked at home. If you’re just taking out your contacts and soaking in no-rub solution without this long rinse, you’re probably not getting rid of dirt and germs. That’s why some solutions have “rub” and “no-rub” instructions.

Hydrogen peroxide solutions

Hydrogen peroxide contact lens solutions give your lenses a deep, preservative-free clean. If you have sensitive eyes or are allergic to certain ingredients found in other solutions, this might be a good choice for you—but they work a bit differently from regular (multipurpose) solutions.

How hydrogen peroxide solutions works

When you use a hydrogen peroxide solution, you put your contact lenses into a special case that comes with the bottle
The solution is poured into that case, and it bubbles up, breaking down deposits and disinfecting your lenses.
The special case has a part called a neutralizer that changes the hydrogen peroxide into a gentle, safe saline while your lenses soak—this process usually takes around six hours. This step is very important! Hydrogen peroxide on its own is too strong to go into your eyes.

A few notes on safety

Never put hydrogen peroxide solution directly in your eyes—without being neutralized in the case it is toxic to the surface of the eyes, will burn and can hurt your eyes
Only use the case that came with your solution. Don’t use a regular contact lens case, because it won’t neutralize the peroxide and your lenses won’t be safe for your eyes.
Always wait for the full soaking time before wearing your lenses, so the solution is fully neutralized and comfortable

If you’re ever not sure about this process, just ask your eye doctor for guidance.

Sterile saline solutions—just for rinsing, not for disinfecting

Saline solution is a gentle, sterile saltwater. It’s less common these days, since many multipurpose disinfecting solutions are gentler on the eyes than in the past. It doesn’t clean off dirt or kill germs, so don’t use it to soak or store your lenses. In fact, you probably won’t need any unless your eye doctor specifically recommends it. Always use a true cleaning or disinfecting solution for those steps—using only saline isn’t enough to keep your lenses or your eyes safe.

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens solution

If you wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, often called "hard" contacts, you’ll use a different kind of solution than with soft contact lenses. Here’s what to know:

Solutions for soft lenses and RGP lenses are not interchangeable
RGP lenses are made from a different material than soft contact lenses, so they require their own specific solutions for wetting, cleaning, and disinfecting
Your RGP care system might be a one-bottle multipurpose solution or a two-step system with separate cleaner and conditioning solutions
Always use the products recommended for your specific lenses

Travel-size solution (of any kind)

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), contact lenses and solution are considered medically necessary liquids, meaning you can bring a bottle larger than the standard 3.4 oz limit, but you have to declare it to officers at the security checkpoint, and some contact lens solutions have chemicals that are not allowed in larger quantities. To make things easier, a factory-sealed travel size contact lens solution is often the smoothest option for getting through security. If you want a larger amount of contact lens solution, put it in a checked bag.

Important safety rule

Never transfer your solution into smaller, unmarked travel bottles. This can compromise the sterility of the solution and put you at risk for an eye infection.

What’s next?

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor

Questions about your contact lens solution? Your eye doctor is the best person to ask. They’ll be able to give you guidance on not only what solution to use but also how to use it.

Find an eye doctor

Frequently asked questions

What is the 3 1 1 rule for contacts when flying?

The TSA’s 3‑1‑1 rule for carry‑on baggage allows passengers to bring liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. All such items must fit into one clear, quart‑sized, zip‑top plastic bag, and each passenger is limited to one bag.

What solutions do I need for contact lenses?

The solutions you need for your contact lenses depends on the type of contact lenses you have and the needs of your eyes. Your eye doctor will recommend specific solutions. If you have any questions, they’re the ones to ask.

Can I let my contact lenses sit in water overnight?

No. Water is not sterile, does not clean your contact lenses, and water can also warp or damage them. Do not expose your contact lenses to water.

Should I put my contacts in soapy water if I run out of solution?

No. Do not put your contact lenses in soapy water. Soap is not disinfectant like lens cleaning solutions are, and the soapy water can damage or warp your lenses. Do not expose your contact lenses to water.

Is it safe to transfer contact lens solution into smaller bottles for travel?

No, it’s not safe to transfer contact lens solution to smaller bottles. Transferring solution can lead to possible contamination since it will no longer be sterile.