topic Re: Help with cleaning decanters in Coins, Stamps, Collectables & Antiques

Help with cleaning decanters

sherbey78 — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 03:28:43 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I have a few old decanters and most of them have this strange staining that I can't remove (I've included a photo) - I've tried swirling rice, vinegar, denture tablets, detergent, nothing works - any other tips or is this probably permanent? Thanks

Re: Help with cleaning decanters

amber-eyed-girl — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 04:34:27 GMT

http://forums.winespectator.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6826053161/m/38460553

Have a look at this.

I have used bicarb and warm water. Be gentle with that. There is also salt and ice.

I have not tried the tiny brass balls with or without...well, just have a look 🙂

Re: Help with cleaning decanters

sherbey78 — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 06:18:35 GMT

That's a great link - thank you!

Re: Help with cleaning decanters

siddieswans — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 07:00:19 GMT

That is indeed a great site. However if the problem is glass sickness (glass disease) (very common in old decanters and vases) then short of mechanical / abrasive techniques, there is little that can be done.

http://glass-studios.net/sick.html

If you only want to display them in your own collection, then filling them with liquid, or spraying inside with oil will render the cloudiness invisable. Obviously you DON"T do this to items you may want to re-sell.

I can't tell you the number of old clear glass items I have attempted various cleaning methods on; they all look exellent when wet but when dried - the dreaded glass disease has struck again!

Re: Help with cleaning decanters

sherbey78 — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 07:25:30 GMT

Hi Siddieswans,

I think your right, it is glass disease.

I just had another look and people say CLR works - the Amazon product description reads "Instantly removes calcium deposits from glassware, decanters, tea and coffee pots"

I just wonder if it's safe.

Re: Help with cleaning decanters

siddieswans — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 08:39:39 GMT

If it is glass disease I have not found CLR at all useful. It is great for calcium deposits but glass disease is when the moisture has actually penetrated the surface of the glass - producing cloudiness. That is why abrasive methods - actually grinding away the surface of the glass, which releases the moisture, is the only real solution. However if the item is otherwise worthless, there is nothing to be lost from trying CLR - I have just not found it to be effective in the cases I have tried with cloudy glass. I have a bottle in the bottom of my cupboard.

Re: Help with cleaning decanters

Anonymous — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 09:24:14 GMT

Have you tried crushed up raw egg shells? Put them in the decanter with some warm water and shake!