What to do with a filter dirty beyond repair?

Hi,
Not sure where to post, hope this is an appropriate forum.

I have this expensive (to me at least) Kenko Pro1 Digital UV filter that I've been trying to clean for the past few weeks. I started with a lens blower and a microfiber cloth, then I tried Walmart Pre-moistened lens cloths, then a lenspen, then trying various combination of a lens blower, a lenspen, pre-moistened lens cloths, running water, 99% isopropanol...

The lens blower wasn't able to remove all dust particles.
The Walmart pre-moistened lens cloths actually left very tiny lints.
The lenspen (original) brush removed but also brought some dust particles to the filter, while the cleaning tip actually disintegrated into clingy dust balls (and it's new, I just bought it 2 weeks ago.)
Running water seemed to be the most effective at removing all dust particles but of course, it left streaks.
The 99% isopropyl alcohol also left streaks and marks, which could be removed with the lenspen -- but like I mentioned earlier, the lenspen introduced a new problem. (And I was informed from surfing the net that 99% isopropyl alcohol doesn't leave streaks. )
Both the pre-moistened lens cloths and lenspen are not satisfaction guaranteed (no wonder).

So I kind of give up on cleaning this filter now. But before I throw it out, I want to ask if anyone have any suggestions on what I can do with this dirty filter beside just throwing it out?

The filter wasn't that dirty to begin with, lesson learned, I should have just left it alone. Back then I cleaned filters all the time, but I guess I never put them up close against a bright light source and really really stared at them from different angles.

I'm finding it very hard to believe that the filter is so dirty it can't be used. Aren't you being a little picky? No offense intended here...

Seriously? Thanks for the morning chuckle. Were you examining the surface with a microscope?

I too am curious if you might not be a wee bit too picky. I cannot see a filter getting as dirty as you seem to describe without having been dropped in a tank of differential grease. I could see filters getting dirty shooting say high speed lathing or milling with a macro lens.
Keep in mind the filter effective surfaces are very thin and aggressive cleaning can cut through that super thin film in a New York second and render that filter a piece of damaged glass (or resin) that is better used for soft focus or a mini frisby.

Tiny imperfections do not affect IQ. I would just chill.

http://www.lensrentals​.com …0/front-element-scratches

just throw it away...

if its so bad, scratch it some more in interesting ways and you got yourself an FX filter

Lol, silly silly.

I first use the blower on mine, then the microfibre with lense cleaner.
The cleaner leaves streaks which i then clear with the dry side of the microfibre.
The microfibre does leave little bits of lint behind, but these can be blown off with the blower in one puff
ta-da 99% perfect clean.

Give up and mail it to me!!

The best idea is the FX one. Make it your FX filter for smearing vaseline on it, shooting too close to metal grinding, color it, whatever you want. If it's not good enough for you to use any other way, it beats throwing it out.

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I was really too picky and had too much free time on my hands. It's just that I thought I would be able to make that filter looks brand new again. And it became kind of a fight between the dirt on the filter and me; very stupid and crazy I know but like I mentioned, I had too much free time. And the more I cleaned, the more I realized that I should have just left it alone in the first place.

Alexei TND & rral22, thanks for the FX filter idea. I knew that there was something I could do with a damaged filter, but I couldn't figure it out last night; I remember I read about it somewhere.

ReubenH wrote in post #12392026
Lol, silly silly.

I first use the blower on mine, then the microfibre with lense cleaner.
The cleaner leaves streaks which i then clear with the dry side of the microfibre.
The microfibre does leave little bits of lint behind, but these can be blown off with the blower in one puff
ta-da 99% perfect clean.

The thing was the blower wasn't able to remove all dust particles, and if you really really really... look for them, the very tiny clingy ones are still there. I know I was being super cuckoo.

I've been doing this for years.

Warm water and a drop or two of dishwashing liquid. If the filter is really dirty, allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. Gently wash with a soft clean cloth. I also used to use film wetting agent instead of dishwashing liquid which is even better because there is less chance of streaking.Shake off the water and dry gently with a clean soft lint free cloth. With a hair drier on medium heat, dry around the filter thread and the very edges of the filter so it's absolutely dry.

I was going to suggest using it as a coaster but then saw all the serious replies.