How to Clean Soot From Glass Lanterns
Traditional burning lanterns require lots of maintenance. This is because the burning oil produces a lot of soot, which collects in a murky layer on the insides of the lantern's glass panels. The more you burn your lantern without cleaning it, the dimmer its light will be. For optimal brightness, clean your lantern's glass panels in the method described below. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Glass lantern
- Ammonia
- Water
- Glass or plastic container
- Paper towels
- Newspaper
- Screwdriver (optional)
Instructions
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As long as you can easily reach all of the glass panels on the lantern from the inside, there is no need to remove the panels. Some models are difficult to clean without first disassembling them, so you may need a screwdriver to complete this step.
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In a glass or plastic container, create a mixture of 10 parts water and one part household ammonia. Shake the mixture well to mix.
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Use a paper towel to apply the ammonia mixture to the inside of the lantern's glass. Wipe down all of the panels, using firm pressure when necessary, until all of the soot has been removed.
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Crumple up a section of newspaper and use the wad to wipe all of the panels dry. This will dry them quickly while producing a streak-free shine.
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Use a fresh paper towel to wipe down the outsides of the glass panels with the ammonia solution. Although the outside of the panels should be soot-free, they may be covered in dust and dirt that is also clouding the lantern's light.
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Dry the outsides of the panels with another sheet of crumpled-up newspaper.
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Tips & Warnings
Some commercial glass cleaners feature ammonia as a primary ingredient. I
Do not clean the insides of flame lanterns with kerosene or any other flammable liquids that are sometimes used for cleaning purposes.
