My wife has a Waterford crystal vase in which we keep cut flowers in a solution of water and the little packets of 'keep fresh' stuff the grocer includes with the flowers. The vase has developed an inch wide band of rough feeling, hazy crystal at the water line. I've tried scrubbing, soaking with vinegar, and soaking for several hours with CLR - all with no discernable improvement.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
JustDave
Try a 1/4 cup of Bleach, then fill the remainder with warm water, and let sit for 15 minutes. This might do the trick. Mark
There are some lead-crystal cleaning tips at this website:
If it's a calcium deposit on the glass, some acid that's stronger than vinegar should work well. Try lime-away or some commercial lime/calcium carbonate remover and let it soak in that. Andy
Muriatic acid will clean it.I don't think it affects glass, but you might check that out as for that type of glass.. They use that to clean out those concrete trucks you see on the road.It doesn't affect the paint on them but takes of spilled dried concrete. What do labs use to clean microacope slides with? That should work..
Sparklekleen is what we use...but I can't find it anywhere. Alconox from
is a similar product. The bottom line is it is a mild detergent, with calgon...and it makes glass shine like new.
Thanks to all for the replies. I'll try more vinegar and some bleach (separately, of course) this weekend when the vase is empty again.
JustDave
Dave--
If it's hard water (calcium) CLR, vinegar, muriatic acid will take it oof.
Some causitc (not acidic0 condiitons can etch glass.
If the acids don't work, a glass hone/polishing compound will work.
Think drill motor with a threaded shaft & buffing wheel / rag bundle arrangment .
Let us know how it works out.
Thanks to all for the replies. I'll try more vinegar and some bleach (separately, of course) this weekend when the vase is empty again.
JustDave
Dear Just:
Do NOT use bleach, as it may etch the crystal glass. Do NOT put in dishwasher for the same reason. I would not use CLR either.
Most hand-cut crystal is made of slightly softer glass to facilitate the cutting and harsh cleaners will make it cloudy.
Here's what one expert suggests for Waterford:
"To preserve its clarity, wash the bowl with mild liquid soap and warm (not hot) water; do not wash in dishwasher as this may permanently etch surface of crystal. Certain water may leave a lime or mineral deposit on the crystal; if that happens, vinegar on a soft, nonabrasive cloth will help remove the deposit. Rinse with warm water and polish with a lint-free cloth. Do not store upside down on its rim or stand on its rim on a draining board. Crystal can focus sunlight into a concentrated beam that could potentially scorch rugs or furniture, so do not store or display in direct sunlight. --Garland Withers
If this doesn't work and you really want the vase, I'd take it to a specialist in cut glass for buffing and cleaning. I know of one in Flemington, NJ, but of course I don't know where you are located.
replying to JustDave, Clevergal wrote: Wipe it with mineral lil and the haze will disappear.
I'd use a Binford 6100 polisher with various shaped wire wheels. Be sure to wear safety goggles or a face shield.
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