PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Hello Forumites! However well-intentioned, for the safety of other users we ask that you refrain from seeking or offering medical advice. This includes recommendations for medicines, procedures or over-the-counter remedies. Posts or threads found to be in breach of this rule will be removed.

Cleaning Old Glass Bottles

We found an assortment of little old bottles that were dug up. We've filled them with water & tried to clean the dirt inside but so far haven't had much luck. Is there something that we could put in them to disslove the old grime left from being in the ground. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia. ;)


Comments

  • Nasnowt
    Nasnowt Posts: 2,743 Forumite
    If you can get hold of some small metal or ceramic balls they should do the trick.

    Put them in the bottles with soapy water and give them a gentle shake. Risky if the bottles are very old though.

    I think Lakeland Ltd sell some as vase cleaners :D
    :wave: In my new basket: A slightly whiffy blanket; Racy’s 2nd favorite jumper; remains of a slipper; 2 sticks (1 chewed); bouncy ball collection (4); Racy’s iPod :shhh: and a large sock (found under Racy's bed) :confused:

  • Edinburghlass_2
    Edinburghlass_2 Posts: 32,680 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Denture tablets are quite good or the sterilizing tablets for babies bottles?

    Or good old Soda crystals ;)
  • AussieLass
    AussieLass Posts: 4,066 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thank you both for those suggestions. The bottle openings were too small for the round ball technique but it go me thinking so I hit upon the idea of using some rice & adding a little bit of hot water and shaking vigoursly. Did it a couple of times and it worked a treat. It was abrasive enough to clean inside the bottle without damaging them. The denture & baby sterilising tablets might have worked as well but I didn't have any of them. :T
    Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia. ;)


  • Wickedkitten
    Wickedkitten Posts: 1,868 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    yep, rice is definitely the way to go with a bit of vinegar.
    It's not easy having a good time. Even smiling makes my face ache.
  • Noozan
    Noozan Posts: 1,058 Forumite
    500 Posts
    yep, rice is definitely the way to go with a bit of vinegar.

    :rotfl: I was going to suggest rice and vinegar! :rotfl: I have some pretty bottles with narrow necks that I use for flavoured oils and vinegars and that's how I clean them.
    I have the mind of a criminal genius. I keep it in the freezer next to Mother....
  • pol
    pol Posts: 643 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Sand is brilliant for this sort of cleaning. Just pour a couple of spoons in with a bit of water and shake well. Strain it back through a cloth if you want to use the sand again when dry.
    37 mrstwins squares, 6 little bags, 16 RWB squares, 1 ladies cardi, 4 boobs, 20 baby hats, 4 xmas stockings, 1 scarf, 4 prs wristwarmers
  • wains
    wains Posts: 1 Newbie
    If you dig up an old bottle or find a special treasure at a flea market or garage sale the first thing to do when you get it home is soak it in room temperature water and dishwashing liquid. Make sure to place a towel into the sink, or container, to cushion the glass. The temperature of the water is extremely important since water that is much hotter or colder than the bottle itself can cause it to crack. Allow the bottle to soak for a few hours or overnight if possible. Rinse the bottle with room temperature water. For many old bottles this will remove the dirt and grim that has built up over the years.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.3K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.2K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 597.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.6K Life & Family
  • 256.4K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.