Cleaning Glass Accessories
Glass flower vases, cruets, or carafes used
to hold water, wine, oil or other liquids may develop stains in
the bottom when allowed to set for a long time. Normal washing with soap and
water may not get off all the
stain. To remove these stains, try the following steps:
1. Pour vinegar (brown or white) into glass so as to be above the stain mark.
Allow to stand 30 minutes to
overnight, depending on intensity of the stain. Before emptying vinegar, add
about 1/2 teaspoon dry uncooked
rice, or 6-10 dry bean. Shake glass rapidly so hard grains can rub off loosened
stain with a scouring action.
Pour contents out. Rinse with water. Repeat if necessary.
2. If not all the stain is removed, pour ammonia into the glass to be above
stain mark and allow to stand over
night. Add rice or beans and shake. Repeat if necessary.
3. Commercial products such as 'Lime Away' can remove some stains. Read labels
and follow directions exactly.
You may need to add grains of rice or beans and shake to get scouring action
with these products also.
If you have crystal vases or carafes, do not leave flowers or food in them any
longer than necessary, since
chemical changes can occur which permanently stain crystal.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus.
