How to How Clean Hard Water Stains on a Crystal Vase

Grandma had it right with this simple home remedy for removing hard water stains from crystal and other fine glassware.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large plastic tub for soaking stained item
• 1 gallon White Wine Vinegar

1. Determine where the calcium and lime scale build up is on your vase or bowl. if it is only on the inside of the vessel note this. If it is on inside and out note this as well.

2. If you determine that the vase has build up only on the inside, you will need a weak acid to remove the alkali mineral deposits that have caused the build up. IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA Carefully pour full strength White Wine Vinegar to top of vase. Wait until bubbling stops and scaly material stops floating to surface.

3. Empty vase, rinse and repeat until free of build up. I have used a soft basting brush to gently loosen scale in narrow necked vases I could not otherwise reach into.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes highly intricate crystal vases will benefit from complete immersion in a vinegar bath and a very soft rub down with the softest of basting brushes. By brushes I am referring to soft hair type brushes only not anything stiff or harsh that could scratch.
• Never stick a hand or part of a hand into the neck of a bottle, vase or bowl lest it shatter and cause serious injury.