Cleaning Eyeglasses: How to Get White Film off Eyeglasses Frames
Cleaning eyeglasses is not as difficult as one might think. You don't need any fancy cleaning solutions – just some warm water and dish soap will do the trick. However, there is one common challenge that many people face when trying to clean their eyeglasses: getting the white film off the frames. In this blog post, we'll explain what causes the white film and share a few tips on how to remove that pesky white film from your eyeglasses frames! Let’s dive in!
Why Do Glasses Get White Film?
Most eyeglasses frames are made of cellulose. And with time, this component reacts with UV light, perspiration, and body oil and causes a white discoloration. This is because the plastic’s material oxidizes in the presence of UV light and other contaminants and becomes milky, sometimes in patches or the entire frame. If you wear sports eyeglasses to do sports frequently this problem may become more obvious.
The white product is an oxide, and in most cases, it never goes away completely. And even if it does, it will still come back because its root problem has not been addressed. However, despite being a significant cause for alarm, it is removable with a few steps and tips.
Here are the steps on how to clean plastic eyeglasses frames.
How to Get Film off of Eyeglasses Frames
Sometimes, the white film on your eyeglasses frames can be frustrating and annoying. Many people result to using different solutions to try and get their glasses clean, but many of these solutions don't work. The good news is there are several ways that you can use to get rid of the white film from your glasses.
Are you wondering how to clean plastic eyeglass frames? Whether you have rectangle, cat-eye, or ultra-lightweight frames, here are the available options on how to clean film off eyeglasses frames.
Use toothpaste
Toothpaste is a perfect remedy for how to remove film from eyeglasses. It may seem like an ordinary teeth cleaner, but it works wonders on cloudy eyeglass frames.
Toothpaste’s elements give it an abrasive nature, which is why it effectively removes the white film. Simply rub toothpaste onto the surface of your glasses using a cloth and then rinse off with water. This method works well for smaller areas of white film since it can leave streaks behind if not rubbed correctly.
However, following this with a soda ash solution results in a better and shiny frame.
Use soapy water
Soapy water is another option for cleaning oily glasses frame. You need a soft cloth and soapy water, but ensure you do not use harsh detergents or chemicals because these may damage the lens coating.
After gently scrubbing the frames with the water, rinse with clean water to remove all soap traces. Otherwise, leaving some traces will worsen the cloudiness.
Use lanolin
The method is simple, as it only requires you to rub a little of the lanolin on the frames.
Lanolin is probably the best solution to removing the white film on frames. It is a natural waxy substance derived from sheep's wool and is commonly used in skin care products and cosmetics because of its healing and moisturizing properties.
This oil helps clear the whitish film of oxidation that forms on glasses frames. Lanolin also cleans glasses and gives them a glossy look without leaving any oily residue behind. This makes it a great alternative to other commercial cleaners.
Use a nail buffer
A nail buffer is another perfect remedy for removing the white film off an eyeglass frame. However, use the polishing stage buffers rather than the shaping ones. This means the buffer will grit the oxidation away.
All you need to do is grab the buffer and start scrubbing the frames where the oxidation has occurred. Be gentle because the nail buffer is gritty, and if done wrongly, it will result in more damage than good.
Go to an optical product repair shop
Sometimes all the mentioned methods may fail to yield results. If you reach this level, the best solution is to visit a repair shop and have your frames polished.
Optical product repair shops are experienced individuals who know the causes of white film and how to clean glasses frame. Additionally, these shops have polishing machines specifically built for this work; thus, your frames and entire glasses will be safe. Their services are also affordable and quick.
After polishing your frames, protecting them is the other crucial element. One of the best methods is coating eyeglasses with coconut oil which helps slow down the oxidation process.
Conclusion
There you have it! Some of the remedies for how to get white film off eyeglass frames!
White film is a common problem, but getting rid of it is also easy. Even though some methods do not entirely remove the white film, they significantly help reduce its presence and spread. Your best bet is to ensure you understand exactly what materials your eyeglasses are made of before cleaning them.
Nevertheless, using oils such as lanolin or coconut is the best way to clean glasses frames. This is because oils reduce the oxidation rate, which is the primary cause of the white film. So, if you are wondering how do I get the film off my eyeglasses, these options will help you out.
FAQs about How to Get White Film off Eyeglasses Frames
Why do my black glasses frame turning white?
One possibility is that the paint is chipping, revealing the underlying white material. Another reason is exposure to sunlight or other ultraviolet light, which can cause the black dye to fade over time. Finally, some materials are simply more susceptible to color change than others.
Can you refinish glasses frames?
Yes. There are a number of companies that specialize in refinishing glasses frames. The process usually involves stripping the old finish from the frame and then applying a new finish. This can be done in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing you to customize your frames to match your personal style. In addition, refinishing can also help to repair damage such as scratches and dents.