The effect of reduced surfactant cleaning times on protein deposition of daily-wear hydrogel lenses was investigated. Twenty-nine current contact lens wearers were dispensed new daily-wear hydrogel lenses and one of two care systems and were instructed to digitally clean the lens from one eye for the manufacturers' recommended 20 seconds and the lens from the other eye for either 5 or 12 seconds. At regular intervals, protein deposition was assessed visually with dark-field microscopy, and after 10 weeks, all lenses were collected and a total protein assay was performed. Both visual assessment scores and total protein measurements showed increased protein accumulation on lenses cleaned a reduced time. These results suggest that adherence to the full recommended cleaning time should be emphasized as a means of preventing excess deposit accumulation and its associated complications.