Glass flower vases, cruets, or carafes used to hold water, wine, oil or other liquids may develop stains in the bottom when allowed to set for a long time. Normal washing w/ soap and water may not get off all the stain. To remove these stains, try the following steps:

• pour vinegar (brown or white) into glass so as to be above the stain mark. Allow to stand 30 minutes to overnight, depending on intensity of the stain. Before emptying vinegar, add about 1/2 teaspoon dry uncooked rice or 6-10 pieces of dry bean. Shake glass rapidly so hard grains can rub off loosened stain w/ a scouring action. Pour contents out. Rinse w/ water. Repeat if necessary.
  
  
  
• if entire stain isn't removed, pour ammonia into the glass above the stain mark & allow to stand over night. Add rice or beans & shake. Repeat if necessary.
  
  
  
• commercial "lime reducing" products can remove some stains. Read labels & follow directions exactly. You may need to add grains of rice or beans & shake to get scouring action w/ these products also.
  

Related Plumbing Articles • how to care & clean brass • how to clean copper • how to clean silver

Plumbing Tools & Materials • soap and water • vinegar (brown or white) • 1/2 teaspoon dry uncooked rice or 6-10 pieces of dry bean • ammonia or commercial "lime reducing" products

Difficulty: Beginner

Repair Time: varies, 45min - overnight

Advice by Friendly Plumber ® • If you have crystal vases or carafes, do not leave flowers or food in them any longer than necessary, since chemical changes can occur which permanently stain crystal.