Question- how to clean vintage glasses frames?

[caul]

Hello!

I have a pair of glasses frames that were my father's that I would like to use. They fit and I should be able to have lenses made for them. However, they're pretty grungy- from what I can tell from photos, he wore these in the late 40's, early 50's. I want to clean them up before I take them in but I'm not sure the best product to use to clean them and I don't want to damage them. I though of just mild dish soap or possibly vinegar or alcohol. If anyone has any experience doing this, I would appreciate any tips!

These are the frames:


IMG_4362 by arcocelli, on Flickr

 

[scotrace]

Try this:

Use an old toothbrush, wet it and then run the bristles over a mild bar of soap like Ivory or Nutrogena. Then gently scrub the glasses with it. It's very effective at removing the built up green whatevertheheckitis that ***ks up nose pads. Keep at it for a few minutes and I think you'll be surprised at how good they look after rinsing. I found this method on my own and have used it many, many times on glasses new and old.

 

[caul]

Try this:

Use an old toothbrush, wet it and then run the bristles over a mild bar of soap like Ivory or Nutrogena. Then gently scrub the glasses with it. It's very effective at removing the built up green whatevertheheckitis that ***ks up nose pads. Keep at it for a few minutes and I think you'll be surprised at how good they look after rinsing. I found this method on my own and have used it many, many times on glasses new and old.

thanks! It's old you mention using a toothbrush, I wondered if toothpaste (watered down a bit) might be a good cleaner. I'll stick with your method first!

 

[Edward]

I've just ordered one of these from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004429Q64/ref=oss_product

Not the cheapest solution, but if it does what they claim, more than worth it.