| Cleaning vintage glass and antique porcelain should be | | | | If the glass you are cleaning is stained by alcohol or |
| done with the utmost of care. Before you wash your | | | | usage of hard water, you can use citric acid or white |
| porcelain piece you have to remove the dust and the | | | | vinegar with warm water to clean such glasses. |
| dirt from it. For un-restored antique porcelain you can | | | | For glass that has a foggy look to it, that is not |
| use a soft brush to remove the dirt and use a mild | | | | original to the glass, toothpaste or denture whitening |
| dishwashing liquid to wash it. Never ever use abrasive | | | | paste will work. Simply put a dab of the paste on |
| cleaners or put porcelain in your dishwasher. Never | | | | your finger and gently rub the glass. This also |
| immerse your porcelain in water completely, it is best | | | | removes smoke stains from being in a house where |
| to use a damp cloth to clean porcelain items. Use a | | | | there are smokers. |
| dabbing or gentle wiping motion. If the porcelain piece | | | | For glass with mineral or chemical deposits, you can |
| has no stains, it is best to leave it alone and use a | | | | use the same chemical cleaner that you use to clean |
| dry cleaning method instead. Use a dry, soft brush to | | | | your bathtub or tile from calcium deposits. Be sure to |
| remove dust and any particles. While cleaning your | | | | rinse the chemical off quickly though. |
| antique piece you have to take extra care to place it | | | | When cleaning any glass, it is critical to use lukewarm |
| on a soft towel or other soft fabric. | | | | water to rinse only. Using water that is too hot or |
| If there is a need to remove some stains from the | | | | too cold may risk shattering the glass. |
| antique porcelain you can use cotton soaked in | | | | For very expensive or old cut glass, etched glass or |
| hydrogen peroxide (20% vol) and ammonia. You can | | | | painted glass, be extra careful. Cleaning may damage |
| re-soak the cotton swabs if needed during the | | | | these surfaces. For very fragile glass like this, it may |
| cleaning process. | | | | be best to consult a professional conservator. |
| Vintage glass should also be never cleaned in a | | | | Avoid using strong acids while cleaning older glasses |
| dishwasher or by using an abrasive cleaner. Wash one | | | | since they may etch the glass and spoil the look of |
| piece at a time using mild dishwashing liquid and warm | | | | the vintage glass. |
| water. Use a plastic bowl or bucket while you wash | | | | After cleaning, it is best to let your antiques, whether |
| vintage glass pieces. | | | | glass or porcelain to air dry for a bit, then use a soft, |
| Before cleaning glass, take off any jewelry you have | | | | lint free towel to gently dab any excess water off |
| on your hands such as rings or bracelets so you don't | | | | of them. |
| risk scratching your piece. If you have hard water, | | | | With careful cleaning and handling, your vintage glass |
| consider using bottled or filtered water instead of tap | | | | and antique porcelain items will look beautiful for |
| water. Also, pad the washing and drying area with | | | | years to come. |
| some soft towels or cloths. | | | | |