Newbie needs help cleaning

[capt. sparrow]

I am sure this has been asked a thousand times, but what it the best way to clean bottles. A lot of mine have caked dirt and stains. Are there any things to soak them in or will soap and water do it. Thanks.

 

[MonkeyBoy]

OK, first get a set of bottle brushes.. I googled and got a set for about $5.. 3 sizes and bendable. Try just soap and water first go around. Then people use all kinds of cleaners. I have had good luck using vinegar and rice.. I put about a tablespoon of rice anf then fill the bottle up about 1/3'rd full and shake it.. that gets rid of a lot of crud. For rust stains on the glass try CLR, you can just soak the bottle in it. Also, for stains inside the bottle I break up some denture cleaning tabs and warm water.. that helps to.. you will end up using some of all of the methids depending on what the stains are. Also, a guy I meet a couple weeks ago said he pulls off a wad of SOS pads and bends a coat hanger into a hook and attaches the SOS piece for getting the inside clean.. that sounds like it would work!!

Good luck!!
MonkeyBoy

 

[treasurekidd]

Brushes are a great way to clean caked on dirt and dried up contents, another way to clean some of the worst crap is to fill the bottle about 1/4 full with a mix of clean sand and liquid dishsoap, seal it up and shake it a while. A poor mans tumble, if you will. Good luck!

 

[taropatch]

treasureKidd's suggestion works well -- I use water only but I would imagine the soap is even better.
don't forget to keep the sand and re-use it.

 

[wreckvalle]

In order to clean glass, all that is needed is fresh water, some powdered dish washing detergent and a little elbow grease. If stubborn stains are present, a 50% solution of muriatic acid and water can be used. Remember to wear plastic gloves and to rinse the artifact with fresh water after using acid. For bottles that are stained on the inside, use a bottle brush with a mud-like solution of detergent and water. If you don't have a bottle brush, just shake the sloppy mixture around. It will have enough abrasiveness to remove most stains without damaging the glass.

Check out http://www.shipwreckexpo.com/shipwreckdivingartifactpreservation.htm

Sincerely
Capt Dan
http://www.thewaterfrontexpo.com/