How do I clean unearthed antique bottles?

Ra
by Ra
I have unearthed some old bottles some of them dated 1800s. I inquired at an antique dealer and the cost is prohibitive. Does any one know a DIY method? Thank you for your help

  7 answers
  • JanieB JanieB on Oct 23, 2017

    Just a guess but I"d try two methods: baking soda and vinegar -mix and fill and cover bottle and soak. Second method try using Cocao Cola

    • Ra Ra on Oct 23, 2017

      Thank you very much. I will try your suggestions.

  • Doreen Doreen on Oct 24, 2017

    ive used both of the above and denture fizzy Cleaner.

  • Cio27962601 Cio27962601 on Oct 24, 2017

    Here is an addition to the suggested methods. Use cold water, add in the suggested baking soda, vinegar, denature fizzy, or the like. Let it soak. THEN add some uncooked rice to the bottle and shake. The rice works as an "abrasive" of sorts as it moves around and will loosen the materials from the inside of the bottle. Empty the bottle out, rinse, repeat if materials still remain.


    • Ra Ra on Oct 24, 2017

      Thank you, I will follow your advice.

  • Susan Susan on Oct 24, 2017

    Believe it or not but I've had success using denture cleaning tablets. First, rinse the bottle out with hot water and then drop a tablet into the bottle filled with clean hot water and let it sit for a bit then shake it (covering the opening with your finger), pour it out, refill with hot water and use a bottle brush to scrub out. Rinse and dry. Good luck.

    • Ra Ra on Oct 24, 2017

      Thank you, Susan I will try your suggestion

  • Emily Emily on Oct 24, 2017

    If the bottles are really antique there may be not way to clean them. They sometimes are sun colored and other permanent changes. Those I would enjoy for what they are and the changes time has made to them.


  • Gloria J. Renner Gloria J. Renner on Oct 24, 2017

    I was also going to suggest using raw rice and liquid cleaner if some sorts. Seal and shake well.

  • Cio27962601 Cio27962601 on Oct 25, 2017

    That little rice trick works for all kinds of "bottle insides". Like when flowers are left in a narrow neck vase too long and that lovely green film forms? Dish soap, cold water and uncooked rice cleans it right out! Best of luck to you with your old bottles.