Ways to Clean and Maintain Antique Salt Shakers

The antique salt shakers are older models that often become very attractive to collectors and shoppers. In fact, these are items for inheritance, passed down from a generation to another. In some homes, you will find a very old salt and peppershaker, which looks as good as new. If properly maintained, these items can last for years and years with zero scratches, marks or stains.

When considering antique, you are basically looking for Victorian Era products. These are the products that emerged first between 1860 and 1910. They were mainly made of high quality glass and are available until today. However, you should also expect to find several porcelain, crystal, and silver salt and peppershakers.

They are all very beautiful and have the potential to last longer only if one is willing to give them the attention they deserve. How should you clean and maintain the antique salt shakers? Although there are many different types available, the cleaning procedure is generally the same. Buy some baking soda because it will be necessary in your kitchen for other reasons.

Then, boil some water and put it in a bowl or another clean basin. Pour a few teaspoons of baking soda into the water and then soak your salt and peppershaker in the solution for a few minutes. Next, remove it, rinse with clean water and place it upside down on a clean, flat surface. As mentioned above, some of these old versions are very sensitive and require careful handling.

That is why you want to use a sharp item to remove dirt, such as a toothpick or clean stick. Before you can do that, remove the contents from the shaker and use the sharp object to scratch the clogged holes and sticky dirt. Any antique saltshaker made of metal, such as a silver shaker will develop rust stains. In order to remove these stains you want to soak the appliance in ammonia solution. Ensure that a room has good ventilation so as not to pollute for the ten minutes the shakers would remain in the solution.

Sometimes the rust stain will not come out because it might have grown to a permanent level and in such a case the shaker would require refinishing treat. If you do not have to redecorate your silver saltshaker, then look for professionals who are willing to do it for a fee. In order to protect these items so that you can use them in the long run, keep them empty especially if you do not have to use them.

By the way, you do not have to clean these appliances often. Twice every year wash will give them a constant sheen and beauty. If properly maintained, these antique salt shakers are little cute items that most people would love to collect. Are you a collector? If you are, the Internet is a good resource for you since it has information as well as products. Choose lovely products that you can soon or later put on sale online or offline.

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