How to Clean Depression Glass
Depression glass refers to glassware that was made in the United States anywhere from 1920 to around the start of World War II. These were referred to as the "Great Depression Years," so hence the name of "Depression Glass." Depression glass was sold in dime stores and found as give-a-ways in cereal boxes. Although considered a rather cheap glass, the beautiful opaque colors have made it very collectible.
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Instructions
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1
Place a soft towel or cloth as a liner in the bottom of your sink or dish pan to be used as a cushion for your piece of depression glass. Add room temperature water to the sink or pan and let your piece of depression glass simply soak for a short period of time. Use a soft dry towel or cloth to wipe dry gently.
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Repeat Step 1 if your piece of carnival glass was not cleaned thoroughly, but this time add a small amount of mild liquid dishwashing soap and let it soak in the soapy solution. You may even use a soft washcloth to rub stubborn areas very gently.
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3
Check with an antiques dealer that specializes in depression glass if your piece needs to have extreme cleaning methods administered.
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Store your depression glass in padded or protective containers. The padding should be cloths or felt and not plastic or bubble wrap. Do not store or display your depression glass in very hot direct sunlight.
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Tips & Warnings
To remove remains of stickers that will not come off with the recommended cleaning care, check with an antiques glass dealer to purchase the appropriate cleanser for your depression glass. Wearing rubber gloves to clean your glass piece will keep the glass from becoming too slippery when handling in the water or soapy water.
Don't put your depression glass in the dishwasher as the pressure and heat from the dishwasher will break or damage your depression glass.
Do not use extreme temperatures of water, too hot or too cold, as this may cause your glass piece to crack.
Clean only one glass piece at a time to avoid the pieces bumping together and breaking.
