There are many hazardous chemicals. Particularly acids, bases and solvents - that are routinely utilized by collectors to clean their antique glass, and you do not have to be a "rocket scientist" to be able to procure them. Many can be purchased at your local drugstore, hardware store or builder's supply center, as they are sold for such other uses as stone and concrete cleaning, wood bleaching, metal cleaning, paint & tar removal, etc.

Some are even marketed specifically for cleaning and removing stains from antique bottles and glass. It is of the utmost importance that you understand the chemicals that you choose to work with, that you are aware of their hazards and that you follow proper safety precautions and practices when using them!

There are two important sources of information about chemical hazards that are available to a user - labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Knowing how to properly read labels is important, and it is the legal right of every user to know the contents of a product, or at least the hazards associated with the product, if the ingredients are proprietary. MSDSs, which serve as standards for hazard communication in laboratories, schools and industry, contain in-depth information about a chemical's properties, hazards, precautions and control measures. If a supplier cannot provide you with an MSDS at the time of purchase of a specific chemical, contact the manufacturer or distributor for a copy.

When using a specific chemical, there are three main areas dealing with personal safety that you should be aware of: the chemical's corrosiveness, toxicity and its reactivity/incompatibility with other substances. As a minimum, use the following safety practices when using other than common, safe household cleaning agents: know the chemicals, wear proper chemical-resistant gloves and protective workwear for skin protection, wear goggles or proper eye protection and/or use a Plexiglas "splash shield", work in an area with adequate ventilation and use good housekeeping practices!

Always store chemicals safely, and keep any long-term soaking-baths covered and located where curious children or pets can't get into them. In case of skin or eye contact with most of the chemicals of concern here, immediate first aid would be to flush the exposed area with plenty of water and seek medical attention, as necessary. Follow local laws and safe practices for the proper disposal of spent chemicals and cleaning solutions. Corrosive and/or toxic materials cannot be simply washed down a sewer, dumped in a stream or landfill or allowed to get into your home septic system!

Author: Rick Baldwin from Brunswick, Ohio