In the previous articles, we discussed various glass bottles for liquors. But one topic we skipped was cleaning glass bottles. Remember, bottles can be used repeatedly. However, when they are left unchecked for long, they can get cloudy and dirty. So, the question comes: how to clean old cloudy glass bottles?
A basic know-how of cleaning old bottles can reduce your effort and time. With some simple methods, you can regain the beauty of your bottle in no time. Are you looking for those easy-to-understand methods? Worry not! This guide covers all the cleaning tips you need to know. So, without further delay, let’s get started!
Why Do Glass Bottles Become Cloudy?
The main reason for cloudy bottles is an accumulation of various minerals in the bottle. But the question arises: Where do those minerals come from? Sometimes, we leave the bottles with some water in the bottom. We think that a tiny amount of water cannot affect a bottle. But this water contains several minerals, such as calcium and magnesium.
With time, water evaporates, but those minerals cannot evaporate due to their higher density. Therefore, they stick to the glass surface and create a blurred white layer. That layer is known as the cloudiness of bottles. However, sometimes you leave a bottle dry, and it still gets cloudy. WHY?
It is because of dust or grime that accumulates on the bottles for many years. This case is with the oldest bottles, such as vintage antique bottles. Another reason for cloudy surfaces is minor scratches or pores. Those scratches are microscopic and form due to improper production processes. They allow dust particles and other pollutants to enter the bottle, making it foggy.
Different Methods to Clean Old Cloudy Glass Bottles
From the above section, we have grasped the main reasons that make bottles cloudy. However, there are specific ways to restore the condition of old bottles. Let’s explore those methods to give your old bottles a crystal-clear appearance.
1- Soap and Warm Water Method
It is the easiest and oldest way of cleaning cloudy bottles. All you need for this method is warm water and dishwasher or soap. Heat the water to some extent, ensuring it doesn’t boil. Pour this hot water into a container and add a small amount of soap.
Place the bottles carefully into this hot, soapy water and leave it for half an hour. After this time, rub a narrow neck brush inside the bottle until all spots are gone. Rinse the bottle with clear water. If some spots are left over, you can repeat this process.
After removing the clouds, dry it with a cloth or air dry. I advise you not to dry it in direct sunlight, as water droplets might leave spots. But remember, you can clean ordinary dust spots with this method.
2- Use of White Vinegar
Vinegar is effective for cleaning minerals from glass bottles. WHY? Vinegar is acidic, so it can easily dissolve those hard minerals. For this method, you need half the quantity of vinegar as the size of your bottle. Simply put, if your bottle holds one liter of liquid, you need a half-liter of vinegar.
Pour this vinegar into the bottle and leave it for at least 12 hours. At this time, the vinegar starts precipitating and dissolves calcium and magnesium. Drain the vinegar once the precipitates settle down on the bottom of the bottle. Rinse the bottle with clear water and dry it; now you have a mineral-free bottle to reuse.
3- Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda paste is the most efficient and easy way to clean glass bottles. It is effective for removing persistent stains. For this method, take a measured quantity of baking soda and soak it in water for 20 minutes. Ensure that the paste is not too thick or thin.
Apply this paste on the surface of glass water and leave for a maximum of 10-15 minutes. Leaving it for more than a limit can damage the bottle’s surface. Scrub the bottle with a brush and rinse it with water. Mind that no baking soda is left because it creates a hazy layer after drying.
4- Use of Denture Tablets
Denture tablets are the most hygienic way of cleaning cloudy glass bottles. Are you unfamiliar with these tablets? Worry not! I will not leave you with any queries in your mind. Actually, these tablets are made of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. Combining these two materials allows it to dissolve into the hot water.
When dissolved, these tablets stick the dust and pollutants with them. Therefore, their usability is most common in cleaning dental equipment. You can also use these tablets to clean glass bottles without any concern. Let me explain how to use them to clean the glass bottles.
Fill the bottle with moderately hot water and drop two to three tablets. Leave it for 5 minutes, and the tablets will dissolve and form bubbles. These bubbles settle down and stick to dust or stains. Leave it for 10 minutes and rinse the bottle with clean running water. Dry the bottle, which will be 100% pure for subsequent use.
5- Salt and Ice Method
It is the most common and ancient household method for cleaning glass bottles. I like this method because it is cost-effective, fast, and eco-friendly. Just two gradients are required for this method: salt and ice cubes. To implement this method, pour 2-3 tablespoons of salt into the bottle.
After this, add ice cubes according to the size of the bottle. Shake the bottle gently; these two ingredients will act as scrubbers to remove stains. For more efficient results, leave it for 5 minutes. After that, wash the bottle with hot water and let it dry.
6- Rubbing Alcohol or Acetone
Rubbing alcohol or acetone is a reliable option for cleaning grease spots. It may cost more but works well for stubborn, nearly permanent spots. For this method, you need a small quantity of acetone. Soak a smooth cloth with acetone and clean the outside of the bottle. For inside cleaning, you need a small and narrow stick.
Properly rub the soaked clothes in every corner of the bottle. When you see no stains left over, wash the bottle with clear water. Acetone removes cloudy dirt and makes the bottle’s surface very shiny. However, using acetone directly on glass bottles is not a good idea. It can vanish the glossy surface of the bottle.
7- Use of Commercial Glass Cleaners
Commercial glass cleaners offer a modern type of cleaning procedure. They come in spray form and are valid for inside and outside cleaning of bottles due to their design. What you need for this method is just spraying the bottle with these cleaners. It is better to keep the bottle aside for 5 to 10 minutes for better results.
After this time, wash the bottles with hot water. Remember that these sprays contain several chemicals that are harmful to our health. So, it is crucial to remove them properly and ensure no smell is left. Dry the bottle, and it is ready for reuse.
Why Cleaning Old Cloudy Bottles is Important?
Are you planning to set your old cloudy bottles aside? Before doing this, I want you to read why cleaning old, cloudy bottles is crucial. Let’s take a short look at those reasons.
- If you have an antique piece of the bottle, you must not want to throw it. So, by using simple cleaning methods, you can restore their uniqueness.
- By reusing the bottles, you can directly contribute to the sustainability of the environment. These old bottles can be harmful to some living things.
- Cleaning and reusing old bottles decreases the production process and cost of the bottles and decreases the waste.
- Their presentation is crucial if you are a professional collector and want to sell antique bottles. If those bottles are cloudy, it can impact your profession. Therefore, it is essential to clean them properly.
- If you have an old glass bottle, it is best to use it for decoration. If the bottle is cloudy and dirty, it will ruin its appearance as a decor piece.
- Using an old, cloudy bottle without cleaning it properly can endanger your health. As I said above, cloudy bottles have harmful minerals that may affect your health.
- Lastly, If a bottle connects you to your cherished past, you’ll likely want to keep it. Therefore, proper cleaning keeps those memories alive and lasts for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to clean old glass bottles?
In my recommendations, a denture tablet is the best thing for cleaning old glass bottles. It maintains the hygiene of glass bottles. Moreover, these tablets are cost-friendly, fast, and safe.
How do you remove haze from old bottles?
Vinegar is a trustworthy option for removing haze from old bottle glass. Its acidic nature allows it to dissolve dust particles easily and give the surface a shiny finish.
Is baking soda safe on glass bottles?
Yes, baking soda is safe for ordinary glass bottles. However, applying it for more than the specific time can affect the bottle’s surface. I recommend not to use it for more than 10-20 minutes.
Conclusion
Lastly, it is straightforward to clean old cloudy bottles. You can clean those bottles with simple methods, such as using salt and ice. Moreover, you can use commercial spray cleaners and dentures for advanced cleaning. All these methods are helpful for different types of stains.
Therefore, it is crucial to understand the nature of taint before applying any method. All these methods are safe and easy to implement at home without special skills. I hope this guide has proven helpful and easy to understand.
