Cleaning a Decanter

Okay gang, I'm back after a long haitus. Anyone got any tips on how to get the semi-permanent red stains out of a decanter? Thanks. Bill

[David M. Bueker]

Hi Bill - try denture cleaner

Bill.
I've heard that OxyClean does the job but have no first hand experience.
Wm.

Another vote for denture cleaner. I use it in my vases too.

For reference-- I tried OxyClean (since we had some in the house). Half scoop, hot water to go above the stain line, swirled it every 5 minutes or so. After 20 min it was clean. Thanks for the help.

Bill

Will that work on white waxy stains as well? My inlaws have a beautiful ship's decanter that hasn't seen use in probably two decades and has white streaks all on the inside that make it look hideous, like hard water stains on a shower door. I thought it had 30 years worth of dust on it on the outside until I picked it up and nothing came off. I want it to shine like it just left the factory because it deserves to. How long does the denture cleaner take to work?

Bill, I'd try white vinegar on those first.

For how long? All white vinegar or some diluted in water?

I generally start out with something like 50/50. Using hot tap water seems to help.

I'd fill the decanter and just let it sit for an hour or so. Then take an old toothbrush to the deposits.

What about the deposits I can't get to? It's a pretty big decanter so not everything is reachable, but I'll do my best on what I can reach.

You can buy a brush for cleaning carboys at home brewing and wine making suppliers. These are long-handled and easy to use. If you lived closer, I'd loan you mine!

You might also check pet supply places for brushes used to clean aquariums.

I agree with Oxyclean for red wine stains.

We don't get hard water stains here. But vinegar should work.

If you actually need to scrub after soaking, and don't have a brush, you might try buck or bird shot, dried beans, or even rice.

Okay gang, I'm back after a long haitus. Anyone got any tips on how to get the semi-permanent red stains out of a decanter? Thanks. Bill

Bill, I agree with David. use warm to hot water and drop in a denture tab let. Let it sit for an hour or so, and the stain will likely be lifted away. Any chance you can join us in Cincinnati on Saturday?

I agree, denture cleaners. Also can be used on glasses. This was also referenced in a recent decanter magazine I think.

The fight continues with my decanter. It looks like these stains have been in it for forever and aren't giving up anytime soon. White vinegar overnight didn't seem to do much of anything. Jiggling rice around in it for a while didn't help much either, and I hit it hard with the denture cleaner but I'll try it again with a longer soak. Am I right in using lots of tablets, like 6-10 of them, since normal strength is one per glass and the decanter holds lots of volume?