Antiques guide: how to clean a glass vase
Keep antique glass vases sparkling with these cleaning techniques
Whether you keep them lined up empty on a shelf or flled with fresh fowers, leaves, twigs or anything else that takes your fancy, glass vases can provide eye-catching decorative elements in any room. Condition is key to visual appeal, and cloudiness – a common problem in old glass – can mar its appeal. So what is the best way to treat and prevent it? We explain all…
You Will Need
- A plastic washing-up bowl
- Lukewarm water
- Washing-up detergent
- Cotton wool pads
- A bottle brush or artist’s bristle brush
- Soft sponge
- Paper kitchen towel
- Microfibre clot
- Vinegar
- Denture tablet
Using a plastic bowl rather than the sink (in case you knock the vase and chip it) fill it with lukewarm water and a drop of detergent per litre. Make sure the water isn’t too hot: glass is extremely susceptible to sudden changes in temperature and can shatter or crack if exposed to extremely hot (or cold) water. Avoid using the dishwasher to wash old or fragile glass – the heat and abrasive detergents will damage the surface and turn glass cloudy.
Dip one object at a time into the lukewarm water, then wipe the surface gently with cotton wool pads to remove any grime or dirt, using a long-handled artist’s brush or a bottle brush for narrow areas. If the vase is gilded or enamelled, use a soft sponge, minimal water, and avoid rubbing in case any of the beautiful decoration wears away.
Rinse thoroughly in a bowl of clean water or, if you prefer, use damp cotton wool pads.
