Designing a crystal decanter cleaning apparatus

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design of a cleaning apparatus for crystal decanters, exploring various methods and materials for effective cleaning. Participants consider both mechanical solutions and chemical cleaning methods, with a focus on practical applications and safety concerns regarding the materials used.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using a box fan motor to create a spinning motion inside the decanters, questioning how to keep the liquid from riding up one side during the process.
  • Another participant suggests considering ultrasonic cleaning as an alternative method for cleaning decanters.
  • There is a recommendation for using a 10% alcohol in water mix with an ultrasonic cleaner, along with the use of bicarbonate of soda as a safe abrasive for glass cleaning.
  • A participant raises concerns about the safety of cleaning lead crystal glass, noting that organic stains may seal the surface and that care must be taken to avoid exposing the lead-bearing surface during cleaning.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about using ultrasonic cleaning due to the size of their decanters and the cost of large ultrasonic machines compared to a simpler spinning device.
  • Another participant shares personal experience regarding the risks of lead leaching from full lead crystal decanters, emphasizing that while short-term use is generally safe, long-term storage of certain liquids should be avoided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the best method for cleaning crystal decanters, with no consensus reached on a single approach. Concerns about the safety of lead crystal and the practicality of ultrasonic cleaning versus mechanical spinning are highlighted.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the effectiveness and safety of various cleaning methods, particularly in relation to the specific materials of the decanters. There are unresolved questions about the mechanics of the proposed spinning device and its interaction with the cleaning liquid.

urbango
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I need to create a machine that'll help me clean out my crystal decanters. Brown rice and soap work great, just shake and viola...however some decanters need a bit more shaking, or 'spinning' of the rice and soap than I can provide so I've devised a plan with a box fan motor that would create a continual spin motion going along inside my decanters... only I am not exactly sure if there's even a way to make this where the liquid won't just ride up against one side while it's spinning.
Is there a way to make the bottle spin while the insides remain stationary...I don't know but my first thought was using a lazy susan device...
Any ideas would be appreciated.
 
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Interesting idea...
 
You may get good results with an ultrasonic cleaner using a 10% alcohol in water mix. If you need an abrasive material that is safe with glass then consider bicarbonate of soda from the kitchen. Warning, bicarb will damage softer plastics.

Crystal glass is a very clear and often heavy glass, originally made with 25% lead oxide. Before you use the decanter for drink, make sure it is not made from lead oxide glass. The organic stain from the wine on the glass will have sealed the surface. Be careful when you clean lead glass, the stain removal will expose the lead bearing surface again.
 
Thanks for the tip...not sure if I'll go the ultrasonic direction. The decanters would be too large for them unless i buy a really large ultrasonic machine, which translates into more money than I would want to spend and for sure what a simple spinner would cost.
 
Baluncore said:
You may get good results with an ultrasonic cleaner using a 10% alcohol in water mix. If you need an abrasive material that is safe with glass then consider bicarbonate of soda from the kitchen. Warning, bicarb will damage softer plastics.

Crystal glass is a very clear and often heavy glass, originally made with 25% lead oxide. Before you use the decanter for drink, make sure it is not made from lead oxide glass. The organic stain from the wine on the glass will have sealed the surface. Be careful when you clean lead glass, the stain removal will expose the lead bearing surface again.

Well, I remember well the research on lead leaching from (esp.) full lead crystal. The upshot is you don't want to store anything in such a decanter for several days or more. However, the realistic risk for 48 hours or less is minimal. I routinely continue to use my beautiful decanters to serve, or hold for the next day. And serving and full lead crystal glasses for a meal is obviously fine.

What you definitely don't want to do is store sherry or port (as my father used to do) in a full lead crystal decanter for a month.
 

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