Japanese Tasco binoculars

[RC]

I have a pair of Tasco 10x50 binoculars (Japanese) which have been great for a lot of years. They are rubber coated and recently everything they touch leaves a black sticky mess. I guess the rubber is deteriorating. The glass has always been great for the price and they still work fine, but they are not useful when your hands end up with black on them. Any ideas for a fix?

[J.Baker]

No clue on that one. Are you sure it's just not built-up dirt/grime coming off? I've noticed in the hot sticky summer months my hands can get that way from my steering wheel or rubber handled tools from the oil/sweat and such that builds up on them over time. Maybe try giving them a good scrubbing with Armor All and a toothbrush to see if that makes a difference.