How to Clean Glass Bottles

Finding a glass bottle, either a buried bottle or at an antique sale, can be like finding a treasure. Now, how do you clean your find? Here are some items to try that might help. Not all of the "Things You'll Need" are needed. Just pick a step and use the items described.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Vinegar
• Rice
• Tin (optional)
• Brush
• False teeth cleaner
• Dish detergent
• Sand
• Bits of copper wire

1. Put a tablespoon of vinegar, a teaspoon of dry rice (or sand) and a drop or two of liquid dishsoap. Fill the bottle halfway with water. Shake it and let it sit for a few minutes. Repeat this process. If you are satisfied with the results, rinse and dry. You can also use a bottle brush to scrub. If that doesn't work... try Step 2
2. Get some denture cleaning tablets and soak the bottle overnight in luke warm water. Do not make the water too hot or cold because the bottle might crack. Rinse and dry. If that still didn't work, try Step 3!
3. Fill the bottle with paint thinner and let it sit for a few days. See if that takes care of it. You might also want to try a piece of copper or copper scraper, but be very careful not to scratch the glass; or
4. If the stains are still there, try Lime Away, but I would be careful with that as well. Lime Away is very strong, so try a little bit first and see how it works.
5. If all else fails, try an old wives tale: lay the bottle out on a piece of tin in the sun. Some people swear it works! Good luck.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes patience is needed. Soaking the bottle for a number of days might do the trick.
• If you can't get the stains out, try a professional if it's worth the cost to you.
• Be careful with any of these methods because you cannot replace the bottle if you scratch, break or wreck it.