Recently when I shared my latest Hull finds, suzieQ asked how I go about removing those nearly impossible calcium deposits, which were pretty bad on the pink Hull bird planter.
I failed to get a before picture of the planter, but the build-up was some of the worst I have ever come across.
To remove the deposits, I needed a few things. First, my nice deep kitchen sink. Second, a bottle of CLR cleaner. Third, a magic eraser. Lastly, plenty of water.
I stopped up the sink, poured a decent amount of CLR in, and filled it up with nice hot tap water. Finally, I put the piece to be cleaned in. Make sure there is enough water in the sink to cover the piece you are cleaning. I let the piece sit in the cleaner for quite a while (I don't remember exactly how long, it was somewhere between 12 and 24 hours). Keep checking the piece periodically and rubbing the areas of concern with the magic eraser. The calcium will rub off eventually!
Hopefully you have a nice double-bowl sink like me, so that you still have use of at least part of your sink.
Good luck!
P.S. Next time, I will try to remember to get pictures of the whole process. I realize this post is rather boring without any photos.
Mid Century For Sale!
5 years ago
Good morning, Michael! Just sitting here with my morning iced coffee and saw the heading of your post today. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. I have a couple of pieces that need this treatment, I will let you know how I make out. I too have a double bowl sink and have had many, many pieces that have spent a lot of time soaking, for various reasons. However, if you love vintage, sometimes you do what ya gotta do. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteI've got a NECCO candy jar with bad calcium deposits on the lid. I'm gonna give this a go.
ReplyDeleteThanks
That is some good info. I have a lot of vintage planters and some of them have that build up and now I will get come CLR and give it a try.
ReplyDeleteBe careful of ceramic glassware that has crazing. If you put it in water, the water will get in under the glaze and things can go very wrong. Just an additional tip. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for this cleaning tip. Also, I have acquaintances who have replaced their double sinks with singles, since they have dishwashers and don't think they need the double sink. But, the double sink is just so much more useful, as you've shown.
ReplyDelete