Ugly dirt marring expensive glasses

November 26, 2009 11:40 AM

How do I keep the bottom edge of my half-frame glasses clean?

This is my second set of half-frame glasses. The lenses are held in by means of a length of monofilament attached to each end of the frame and running along a groove in the bottom edge of the lens.

In my last pair, this groove and line collected dirt and became a visible dark line. I got a new pair on Monday and today noticed that there is already a spot of dirt trapped in the groove under the monofilament.

This must be a common problem? Do any of you have half-frame glasses and a successful method for keeping them clean?

posted by castironskillet to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (7 answers total)

I've had a pair of half-frame glasses for about six months. Till now, I hadn't even considered that dirt might collect under the filament. I checked 'em - mine are clean. All I do is wipe the lenses clean with a cloth. I'm careful about where I put them when I take them off - if I leave them sitting on a desk, a cat might chew the earpieces (my last pair of glasses died that way).
posted by LOLAttorney2009 at 11:56 AM on November 26, 2009

Response by poster: I guess maybe I should have asked about a successful method for cleaning this area, not for keeping it clean.
posted by castironskillet at 12:13 PM on November 26, 2009

I'm curious as to how yours get dirty so easily. I've had the same type of glasses as you for years and they never get dirty in the way that you describe. Dust does not adhere unless there is grease. Are the bottom of the lenses touching your face? That might be the problem -- in which case you need them adjusted.
posted by randomstriker at 12:31 PM on November 26, 2009

Response by poster: I am guessing it gets there from my hands as I put them on, take them off or adjust them.
posted by castironskillet at 1:04 PM on November 26, 2009

Best answer: Great news, guys: The dunk method worked like a charm for this. I am going to try it now on my old ones and see how it works on them.
posted by castironskillet at 1:21 PM on November 26, 2009

I usually use a sonicator to clean my glasses. Hand soap + water works nicely for the solution.
posted by Hakaisha at 1:22 PM on November 26, 2009

Response by poster: Yeah, wow. Worked like a charm. Years of dirt gone in under a minute. Can't believe it never occurred to me! I guess I'll be doing this a lot, going forward.
posted by castironskillet at 1:29 PM on November 26, 2009