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Sunday, November 20, 2011

Hard to Clean Bottles/Decanters

Bottle brushes are very useful for cleaning bottles but sometimes it's hard to get the brush effectively into the bowl of the bottle.
This little bottle I acquired is about the size of my hand and though pretty in shape and a beautiful emerald glass, had residue on the inside from many years ago. I was tempted at first glance to toss it. Sometimes these cleaning jobs look improbable.
I used a couple of teaspoons of uncooked rice in the bottom of the bottle as gentle abrasive. For good measure I also added a couple of teaspoons each of bi-carb soda and vinegar.
Holding my thumb over the neck, I swished and swirled and shook the rice around the bowl.
Within a few minutes, as you can clearly see, success.
Some of you will know this method well but I think it is helpful to keep passing these simple well known household tips along.
Now the jug will take on a new role as an oil/vinegar bottle.
This method works well with decanters and awkward vases. They can take a while to dry out completely but placing a roll of absorbent paper or cloth into the bottle neck creating a "wick" will help it dry in no time.

8 comments:

  1. Thanks for the tip - I have found that Napisan powder also removes grime from inside bottles like this. Bi-carb and vinegar would be a greener alternative. :)

    Joolz

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  2. Thanks for the tip!
    I have a decanter like that.
    Do you have a green tip for cleaning silverware?
    Chris

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  3. I'm afraid that I have been guilty of getting rid of bottles because I couldn't get them clean. Thank you very much for the tip Tanya.


    p.s. I will be in touch re soaps and sunflowers tomorrow x

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  4. This is great! I recall this the next time I try to clean a difficult shape container.

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  5. I'll give this a go on some old glass bottles that I unearthed in the garden. I've haven't had much success in cleaning them so far.

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  6. You're right about passing around well known household tips. I've used this method in the past but had forgotten about it. Thanks for the reminder.

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  7. Thank you for the tip! I've always avoided bottles like this in the past but no more.

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  8. ahha! Thankyou, you have solved a dilema for me :)

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