INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If your hands are dirty, you're only going to make things worse with your mask. Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water, making sure to scrub and rinse for at least 20 seconds. Don't try the toothpaste technique on plastic lenses. Toothpaste is abrasive, which can scratch plastic. Stick using in on glass lenses only, and pick one of the other methods for plastic lenses. Using a non-gel toothpaste, rub a liberal amount into the inside of the mask on the lens. As you rub, the mask should start smoothing out, which is what you want. You should be able to feel the change in texture. If it's the first time you're cleaning the mask (conditioning it), you can rub the lens on the outside, too. Conditioning just means you're cleaning it for the first time after buying it, and it needs extra cleaning to get the manufacturer's oils off of it. Use clean, fresh water to clean the toothpaste off the mask. It may take a bit of elbow grease to get it all off, but it should eventually come off. Once it's off, dry off the lens. Try breathing on the mask to see if it fogs. If it does, try doing the whole thing over again. If you're conditioning your mask for the first time after buying it, you'll want to let it dry, and then repeat the process about 5 times.

SUMMARY: Wash your hands. Use toothpaste only on glass lenses. Rub the toothpaste into the dry mask. Rinse the toothpaste off.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Bringing your question up on a whim might not give you enough time to talk. Invite your parents to have a formal conversation. Your parents will see how serious this is for you, as well as how much you value their decision. If they say now isn't an ideal time, set up a scheduled conversation with them later on. You could say, for example, "Hey, Mom and Dad. I have a question for both of you. If you're not busy, can we talk tonight at around seven?" Look through your notes and pick one of your strongest talking points. Tell them how much you loved your first piercing and how you've thought about getting a second. Let them know how much your respect their authority, and ask them what their opinion is. A sample conversation could look like: "Mom and Dad, remember how I got my ears pierced last December? Well, I want to get my upper ear pierced, too. I think upper ear piercings look really stylish and are low-maintenance to take care of. The last thing I want to do is get pierced without your permission. What do you think?" Your parents, especially if they dislike piercings, might have a perspective opposite of your own. Don't launch into a yelling match. Instead, listen to them. Let them know what points of theirs you agree with, and show them that you understand their point. Bring up your own points in response with a level and empathetic head. If they say tongue piercings get infected easily, for example, you could say, "Thanks for thinking of my safety. I know that tongue piercings are harder to take care of, but I've taken care of my earrings for two years with no infection. Plus, I looked up proper tongue ring care for the first six months." Even after explaining your points, your parents still might feel wary about multiple piercings. Maybe they feel like piercings are expensive, or maybe they don't agree with where you want a piercing. Try to meet them in the middle and find a resolution that works for both sides. If they're worried about the money, for example, offer to do chores around the house or babysit for the neighbors. Remember to keep your end of the bargain. If you forget, your parents may judge you as irresponsible. Even if you don't agree with your parents' decision, don't raise your voice or insult them. In most cases, your parents have your best interest in mind. If the conversation gets to heated, ask your parents if you can resume talking about it at another time. When you and your parents are upset, neither side is going to listen. Actions are just as important as words. Avoid rolling your eyes, scowling, or shaking your head at your parents.

SUMMARY:
Ask your parents to talk, when the time is right. Explain to your parents what you want and why. Validate their argument. Make a compromise, if your parents are hesitant. Stay calm and respectful.