I don't know about the viniger & water theory, however, I have found that soaking the bottles at least overnite in denture cleanser ( I prefer Efferdent) works great. You may want to give that a try, I think you will be pleased with the results.
try a gun cleaning kit use the soft brsh not the wire though. they also make an attachmet to oil muzzel loaders with it has an eye that you put apiece of cloth though I use windex after cleaning to make streak free
Cut a piece of wire coat hanger to the desired length,bend ends over so the glass won't be scratched. Use a small piece of thick cloth,old socks work well.