How to remove deposits from crystal decanter?

Discussion in 'Pottery, Glass, and Porcelain' started by Jaime Riggs, Aug 24, 2023.

  1. Jaime Riggs

    Jaime Riggs Well-Known Member

    I have this Waterford crystal decanter that has something on the inside, deposits of some sort? Almost looks like it is etched into the glass. I have used soap, vinegar, baking soda, ammonia, even put coca-cola in it and let it sit overnight. They are still there. They seem to disapper when you pour liquid in them. Anyone know what this is?

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  2. Joe in PA

    Joe in PA Well-Known Member

    Nice decanter! Are you sure all the etching is on the inside?
     
  3. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    It’s glass sickness, caused by liquid being left in the decanter. There’s no easy fix. Muriatic acid can work, as can polishing it out.
     
  4. Jaime Riggs

    Jaime Riggs Well-Known Member

    Yes, it is all on the inside.
     
  5. Jaime Riggs

    Jaime Riggs Well-Known Member

    I was afraid of that. I was hoping it wasn't that because it didn't look as cloudy as others I have seen. Ah well. But thanks for the info.
     
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  6. KSW

    KSW Well-Known Member

    OBB is probably correct (as she usually is :p) but I’d try a good limescale remover such as Viakal as a last ditch effort!
     
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  7. Rclinftl

    Rclinftl Well-Known Member

    the only proven method I know of is having it turned in sand - a company in chicago does it - it takes months and is very expensive - if you could come up with a true way to get rid of it you would probably be a billionaire - no chemicals work - it is ETCHED in the glass thus it's not coming out with cleaners
     
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  8. bosko69

    bosko69 Well-Known Member

    Quick blurb from Popular Mechanics-'When handling muriatic acid, always wear protective gear, including wrap-around eye goggles, dual-cartridge respirator, face shield, acid-resistant rubber gloves, rubber boots, pants (not shorts), and long-sleeved shirt. → Always dilute muriatic acid in water; never use it full strength.'
    I'd also do your own investigation before using.
    PS-I knew Bottle Collectors who turned (tumbled) delicate bottles in a modified rock tumbler using a very fine silicate mix.If there's a local bottle collectors club near you might contact them-they do this w/ 1K to 10K antique bottles.Obviously there's right & wrong ways to do this.
     
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  9. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    Can’t hurt to try a gel limescale remover, I’ve used Lidl cheap ones before now.
     
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  10. Rayo56

    Rayo56 Well-Known Member

    When I collected glass insulators I would clean them by soaking in a mixture of Oxalic Acid powder and water. Soaked for a few days.
     
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  11. Jaime Riggs

    Jaime Riggs Well-Known Member

    Oh, that's a good idea! I'll try it, thanks.
     
    KSW likes this.
  12. Jaime Riggs

    Jaime Riggs Well-Known Member

    Thanks, will try that too.
     
  13. KSW

    KSW Well-Known Member

    We live in a very hard water area and Viakal is the only thing that works to shift it. I suspect that if it was limescale vinegar would have shifted it but worth a try.
     
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  14. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    Nothing is harder than London tap. Tastes good though. I’ve a trick with soaking kitchen towel in vinegar and squishing it round my taps to get the crud off.
     
    johnnycb09 likes this.
  15. johnnycb09

    johnnycb09 Well-Known Member

    Ive left some lovely glass on the shelf just because Ive learned the hard way that stuff is almost impossible to remove.
     
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  16. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    https://www.acidmagic.com/
    This is a buffered, full-strength muriatic acid that is very safe to handle an' use; I keep it available for various projects. It can be purchased at Home Depot here inna US. For household use, it is unsurpassed in safety.
    Regular Muriatic has nasty fumes, an' eventually damages its container. Acid Magic has no fumes, an the container doesn't grow blisters. Check it out, folks!
     
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  17. bosko69

    bosko69 Well-Known Member

    Thanks Whit,sounds more-user friendly than the full strength Dr. Frankenstein concoction.
     
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  18. terry5732

    terry5732 Well-Known Member

    "full strength" is only 33.5%

    I've had some success with rolling steel balls around inside for a while
     
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  19. bosko69

    bosko69 Well-Known Member

    Like BB's ?
     
    Jaime Riggs likes this.
  20. Jaime Riggs

    Jaime Riggs Well-Known Member

    Wow, thanks for this, I ordered some muriatic acid, but may not use it now, but if I do I will know to be well protected.
     
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