Bottle Fogs

FLORIDAWRITER · May 26, 2016

I'm new here so please excuse my ignorance...

I've got a collection of old bottles, etc. and one clear glass bottle looks great after a light washing with Dawn detergent. Then it fogs up. Am I doing something wrong? I figure I am but just don't know what.

Thanks so much!
Ann

Harry Pristis · May 26, 2016

Hi, Ann . . .
The glass surface is etched --'sick' in collectors parlance. The components of the glass have started to break down under attack from (probably) humic acids during burial. (River bottles are a different story.) The 'fog' is actually light being reflected from the micro-pits in the glass surface. You cannot restore the glass short of tumble-polishing it with abrasives. You may mask the sickness with mineral oil or you can try acrylic floor wax.

FLORIDAWRITER · May 26, 2016

Harry, many thanks for that explanation & hello to another Floridian! It's disappointing news. But I may just keep it for myself - it's a quart-sized Florida Store Bottle with an outline of the state on it.

CreekWalker · May 27, 2016

Try soaking in straight white vinegar , sometimes it's ground haze and not a chemical etching of the glass. Just completely submerge it for one week, seven days, remove it and rinse in cold water. After it dries , check it's condition , holding it up to a bright light. If it's condition is clearly better, but not clear, soak it another week, and repeat. If there was no improvement, then tumbling is answer.

Harry Pristis · May 27, 2016

Hello! I do know the bottle of which you speak. There are others in better condition out there somewhere . . . keep looking!

Creekwalker is talking about mineral deposits, usually a calcium mineral. A few drops of vinegar or LimeAway or any acid will tell the tale in two minutes or less. Just drip a little down the side, then rinse.
Glass is impervious to even strong acids like muriatic (swimming pool acid); but, there's no reason to soak a foggy bottle for a week. The acid will not help a sick (etched) bottle.

CreekWalker · May 27, 2016

True, true, and I base that on our local soil , which must be dripping calcium! Thanks, Harry.

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