For the New lampworkers

[Abacus Beads]

A few years ago I had to clean the bead release out of some crystal clear bead I had made. I ran out of my regular cleaner so put on my thinking cap. Since I use vinegar for my windows I just dumped a handfull of beads in a glass of vinegar, Mom called and when I got back to the beads the bead release had almost disolved out of the mandrel holes as if by magic. It only took a turn or two with my diamond drill to get it 100% out.
If you have transparent glass beads give it a try. I've even used it on beads I had made and cleaned with my regular old stuff and the vinegar leaned those as well
Liz R

[ellabeads]

Thanks for the tip, Liz!! I will give it a try.

[Bead Trixx]

Thank you!!

[fyregallerie]

Great Tip - ty ty

[Eileen]

Thanks! I'm curious on what your regular cleaner is too :D

[echeveria]

Doesn't vinegar remove reduction sheen though? I think you have to be careful using it, depending on the bead.

[5betsy]

I am a transparent glass freak! Thanks for the tip.

I'm going to try it.

[Ilene]

I wonder if it does that to our teeth. Hmmm, might limit that Italian dressing tonight.

[Abacus Beads]

It doesn't seem to have any effect on the DH reduction glass I use. I've soaked the reduction glass beads in vinegar for 3-4 ndays at a time and it hasnt bothered the reduction in any way. I hate to clean the beads I make so sometimes it takes ma a few days to get to the ones I am soaking in vinegar.
Liz R

[uncle louie]

Thank you Liz, I've been having a heck of a time cleaning my transparent beads just tried the vinegar and it' great, thanks again.

[flaming_fools]

OK people, how long in the vinegar?

I have had to large focals soaking now for over 6 hours and have gotten a lot out with a stiff brush I have that fits in the 2.5 mm holes. But there is still a lot there.

Will this give a very clear core? Trying to avoid the 'etched' look that results from the dremel and diamond bit drill.