Despite their small size, nose pads have the important task of keeping your eyeglasses comfortably positioned on your face. Unfortunately, nose pads are susceptible to discoloration when exposed to grime and dirt on the bridge of the nose. In addition, sweat and natural skin oil can also lead to discoloration. You can clean your nose pads on a regular basis or seek out a new pair.

Find a soft bristle toothbrush and run it under warm water. Apply a mild soap to the bristles. Gently scrub the nose pads until the discoloration wears off. Afterward, rinse the nose pads to remove any excess traces of soap. During this process, avoid using stiff bristles or strong soap, which may damage the pads.

Lightly moisten the end of a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. Carefully slide the swab between the nose pads and the frames to clean your glasses. Rinse the glasses under lukewarm water to wash off the alcohol. You can substitute a moist alcohol pad for the cotton swab.

Use a jeweler’s screwdriver to remove the screws that connect the nose pads to the frame of your eyeglasses. Set the tiny screws aside so you don’t lose them. Fill a bowl with warm, soapy water. Use a mild liquid detergent, rather than a stronger soap substance. Soak the nose pads in the water for about an hour. Remove and rinse the pads, then reattach them to your frames.

Wash your face on a regular basis. While your skin will naturally produce oils, you can cut down on dirt and excess oils with a skin cleanser and an oil-free moisturizer. WebMD advises against using harsh soap and cleansers, which may increase oil production. If your skin is very oily, use blotting paper throughout the day to control the oil and keep your nose pads clean.

If the previous methods fail to prevent or reduce discoloration, you can replace your current nose pads with a fresh pair. Some eyeglass specialists may charge a fee, while others may provide free nose pads. You may also find replacement pads in eyeglass repair kits. Titanium and stainless steel nose pads are the least likely to experience discoloration.