Removing Fire Smoke Residue from Glass and Crystal Surfaces
Parker Green
Fire smoke leaves a sooty film on surfaces.
Smoke from indoor and outdoor fires, oven mishaps, cigarette smoke, and fireplaces can circulate throughout a home. The resulting soot lands on glass and crystal objects. As it accumulates, these items may develop a dull appearance. Although cleaning product companies often suggest that only special, costly cleaners can effectively remove fire smoke residue, you can use inexpensive items from your cleaning cabinet to get the job done.
Step 1
Pour 1 gallon of warm water into a bucket.
Step 2
Add 16 cups (or a 48 oz. bottle) of ammonia to the warm water. Before handling ammonia, put on rubber gloves to avoid skin irritation, and open a window to ventilate the room.
Step 3
Soak a lint-free cloth in the cleaning solution, then wring out excess liquid.
Step 4
Use the damp cloth to wipe the glass or crystal surface. Rinse the cloth when it gets dirty. For smaller glass or crystal items, you can submerge them in the bucket of solution and let them soak for a few minutes before wiping.
Step 5
Fold several paper towels in half and dry the item completely.
Step 1
For cleaning crystal chandeliers, put on a pair of white cotton gloves.
Step 2
Dip your gloved hands into the cleaning solution and wring them together to remove excess moisture.
Step 3
Wipe the fire smoke stained pieces with your hands. For small pieces like teardrops, roll them between your fingers to remove soot.
Step 4
Put on a dry pair of white cotton gloves and wipe the chandelier pieces dry.
