How can I take haze off antique crystal that has been crated 50 yrs?
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I inherited my mother's 60 piece cut glass fine crystal that my father purchased while stationed in Japan after WWII which had never been taken out of the original crates. The glasses were wrapped in hay (?) and decomposing 50 year old newspapers. I've tried all sorts of detergents, soaking in vinegar, soaking in bleach, but each time when they dry the haze returns. Too pretty to trash so please help!
15 answers
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wondering if its etching? if it is then there's nothing you can do...try some softscrub in an inconspicuous spot, maybe the bottom, and see if that works, or baking soda
LaJean Dowty
on Apr 15, 2014
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If it isn't etched. You could try an oil, to see if itis oil based. Or the baking soda and vinegar, together. I was thinking maybe, look up cleaning shower doors for ideas. Oh and I have seen something about lemon aide mix for dishwasher build up. That is wonderful that you have them. I have my great grandmothers dishes that were given to her when my grandfather was a year old. He will be 85 this year. I have never seen them. They are in the attic, and never been taken out either. I should see if this is happening to them. Good luck.
Beth Lloyd
on Apr 15, 2014
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If it's etched it should feel a little different than regular glass. But if it's just a cloudy film soaking in a vinegar solution should do the trick. It's ok to let it soak for several hours in 50/50 vinegar water solution. Otherwise I use dryer sheets on my glass shower doors to get the water spots off, I wonder if that would help. Wet the dryer sheet and wipe it on the glass. Let sit for a few minutes then rinse thoroughly. It does wonder on the shower glass.
Abbie
on Apr 15, 2014
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I don't know if this will work but it came highly recommended, so it might be worth a try. Crystal chandelier manufacturer Schonbek recommends a solution of one part isopropyl alcohol to three parts distilled water. Be sure to soak them and be patient. Then wipe and dry with a soft clean white rag. Hope this helps you.
Palemoon4
on Apr 15, 2014
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I HAD PRISMS ON A LAMP AND I DIPPED THEM IN AMMONIA WITH A LITTLE WATER AND THEY CAME OUT SPARKLING. iowaqueenbee FERNIE
FERN VITENSE
on Apr 15, 2014
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Word of caution... just be sure to remove ALL the metal jump rings or findings so they do not corrode while you are soaking or cleaning... I think any of the above cleaners will work,or even a little cascade highly diluted in water,but i would pick one crystal that will be kinda hidden in the chandelier and try it alone... Best of luck,I bet it is gorgeous...
Sharon
on Apr 15, 2014
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I know jeweler's rouge takes scratches off eyeglasses so it just might work with this. Whatever you do, you are in for a big job!
Jeanette S
on Apr 16, 2014
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If none of the above work, you can take the next step and buy a Haze remover at Home Depot in the tile section. It is an acid that will remove haze of any kind but is caustic so use with caution. I would test it somewhere also but it doesn't harm glazed tile so glass should not be a problem. I hope the lesser remedies work....I only use harsh chemicals when there is no other option.
Leslie Long
on Apr 16, 2014
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I have used windex on old prisms successfully and for glassware, a run thru the dishwasher did the trick. I inherited my grandmother's packed in old newspaper glassware that sounds like what you are dealing with. I was surprised at the outcome, hope you are pleased as well.
Melissa
on Apr 17, 2014
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Thank you for commenting @Melissa . I tried the dishwasher and also windex, both to no avail. I'm afraid it's probably as some of the other comments have mentioned, the glass is etched. I think it being crated for so many years out in a shed in the Southern heat has taken it's toll on the glass. It was a whole bar set of around 50 different pieces of super thin crystal with a wheat pattern cut into it.
Dannie Schafer
on Apr 17, 2014
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Two remedies I've used have worked when the crystal is "saveable". Place the crystal pieces in very warm water and add a couple of denture tablets, leaving to soak. For pitchers or decanters, fill with very warm water and drop a few denture tablets in. I've also had success soaking crystal stems in Mrs. Stewart's Liquid Bluing added to cool water.
Darleen L~ Places In The Home
on Apr 17, 2014
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Thank you @Darleen L~ Places In The Home . I'm going to have to try this, it just might work. Noticed you're from P'ville, I'm from Tioga!
Dannie Schafer
on Apr 17, 2014
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Dannie, I hate to hear this! I have some of that thin thin crystal. It is beautiful, wish you could have saved it. I think you are right, the acids in the paper, the inks back then and that HOT Southern sun probably did etch it...so sorry!
Melissa
on Apr 17, 2014
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if it isn't "sick" glass, try soaking it in peroxide for a few days. I've used it on crystal and glass with good luck. It also works well on stained china if you just plan to display it. And I read somewhere to soak glass/china in OxyClean. I haven't tried that yet.
Grace Gleason
on Apr 19, 2014
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Be very careful when using chemicals such as vinegar. This is an acid and will etch the surface of the glass if used incorrectly. Have you tried to contact companies that make fine crystal pieces? Waterford Crystal has a web site where you can ask questions and perhaps they can answer this one for you. http://na.wwrd.com/ae/us/customer-service/contact-us/page/contact
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Apr 22, 2014
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