Dirty Glass? Here are some Tips!

Do you struggle with dirty clear glass? Are your beads plagued with…scum? Well we can help! It might just be how you’re cleaning that clear glass. Try some of these methods used by some of the best bead artists around:

Here is Heather Trimlett’s method:
Supply List:
Sparex, also known as Rio Pickle when purchased from Rio Grande
Crock pot
Copper, wood or plastic tongs
Clear or filigrana glass rods
1. The first step with any cane is to start with clean glass, REALLY clean glass, particularly when using clear or filigrana in a twist. This process is not necessary for opaque colors. Opaque glass needs to be cleaned, and wiping it down with a damp towel is sufficient.

2. Clean all clear rods by soaking them in a hot bath of Sparex . This is also known as “pickle” to metalsmiths. Use a designated crock pot in the studio for Sparex. (Be sure to follow the instructions on the package for neutralizing before disposing of the Sparex.)

3. Fill the crock pot with water, add a couple of tablespoons of Sparex to the water. Once the mixture is hot, place the clear and filigrana rods in the pot.
A standard crock pot is not deep enough for the rods to be fully submerged, so after 10-30 minutes, turn them upside down in the pot and let the other end soak.

4. After soaking the rods, scrub them with a non-scratch Scotch Brite pad and Dawn (Dawn, because it is a great degreaser) dishwashing liquid. Rinse the cleaned rods in hot water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

(*Please note: Double Helix says not to pickle their glass!)

Alexx Cheng uses water and very fine “Wet Or Dry” sandpaper or 0000-steel wool to scrub his clear glass. He recommends doing this the day you intend to use it.

Janie Jones suggests using a mild solution of warm water and liquid dish soap, and drying the rods with a coffee filter so it doesn’t leave cotton or paper fibers on the glass. Other ideas include using a slightly abrasive scrubbing pad used for dishes, white household vinegar.

Jeri Wiskus uses little rubbing alcohol pads available at drug stores and pharmacies.

Tillie Smith O’Kelley says, “I use hand sanitizer, which I already have on my hands, add a bit more and just run the rods across my palms. Sometimes I roll the rods as if I’m trying to start a Girl Scout campfire, to make sure the sanitizer covers every bit. Then I use a lint free microfiber towel and dry them off. Sparkling clean and COVID-free!!!”

Eileen Robbins says if the ends are really scuzzy, nipping them off with glass nippers is faster and easier than heating the end and pulling it off.

Of course, there’s always the old “armpit swipe of desperation” when caught at the torch with a dirty rod! Any of these techniques would work well with clear or transparent glass to ensure making sparkling beads.

 Do you have a method that works that you might like to share? Perhaps you have another tip that you think other beadmakers should know.
Email it to: Tips@theglassdragons.com