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Stained Glass & Mosaics

x post How to Clean Antique Glass

10 years ago

Hi I have this posted in antique section and was suggested I also post here. I bought a stainglass light from a old house. The shade is very dirty, I think people in house where smokers the dirt doen't wpe off almost glued on. The shade is made up of many small pieces held togather with lead. I started cleaning small area with windex and was surprized some of the glass was white thats how dirty it is. I am worried about hurting the lead while cleaning.What would be best way to clean?

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Comments (8)

wackyweeder
10 years ago
Most of the recommendations call for using non ammonia cleaners etc. I am here to tell you, that kind of dirt does not come off without some some heavy duty degreaser. I would use DAWN dish soap. And if it were mine personally, I would use ammonia to remove that stuff. Id rather have a clean lamp than a dirty one, But thats me and depending on age and condition who knows what would happen.
nyboy
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks funny, people in antique forum almost all said use ammonia
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texaswild
10 years ago
Best cleanser I've EVER found for ANYTHING is Ala's Totally AWESOME. No acid, no amonia, no bleach and non-flammable. Cleans everything washable - spray on, wipe off. It practically melts it off instantly. Washing walls, door facings - this house wouldn't be w/o it. Get it at the $ stores. I've noticed Walmart has started carrying it too.
nyboy
Original Author
10 years ago
For that price I have to try it lol. Ps the dollar stores in southern NY are $1.25 now.
wackyweeder
10 years ago
Sounds good to try Slow. I know that sticky tacky greasy dusty stuff just wont come off without ammonia and dawn. Like I said if it was mine, a one time cleaning with ammonia I dont think would hurt, But I cant judge for someone else. But that stuff sounds cool to try.
meadel
10 years ago
My friend swears by "awesome " cleaner.
I'm afraid to try it..I hate to clean ~ she said she couldn't stop! :-0!
Sorry, I'm not a help on. The SG lamp. I couldn't resist the 'awesome 'plug !
silvamae
10 years ago
409 spray cleaner is good at cutting through sticky tacky greasy stuff too. That's what I use on almost everything. However, I've put the "Awesome" cleaner on the grocery list and will try it.
Flash
10 years ago
I know this is an old thread but I thought I'd comment. I have used Tilex bathroom cleaner on some very greasy things (stainless steel shelving that I bought from a KFC, a stove hood vent that hadn't been cleaned in a very long time) and it worked great. I just sprayed it on, left it sit for several minutes, then wiped it off and all the nasty dirt and grease came off with it. Then I used a damp cloth to wipe of the Tilex. I was amazed that it seemed to act as a degreaser.

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