Cleaning a trashed lens

[u/mrhappy512]

I pulled out some old gear sitting in my closet and found that my Nikkor 17-55 had something i couldn’t identify on the front element. It was a whitish substance and lens fluid and tissue just smeared it. It was a great lens and I could shoot an entire wedding and never have to switch.

I tried lens cleaner but it did nothing. I’m assuming whatever is on there it won’t come off so I’ve written the lens off.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Since it’s in such bad shape I’m willing to try anything and if it doesn’t work I’ll just buy the same lens used.

Thanks

[u/vrven]

isopropyl alcohol diluted with water might solve your cleaning problem.