Title

Heart of Glass - Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass is a West Virginia treasure that spans generations. Nothing symbolizes the state of West Virginia better or more beautifully than Blenko Glass. We will discuss current and former craftsmen and designers and how important it is that Blenko and West Virginia glass be appreciated and valued by the younger generation.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Cleaning Blenko Glass

This is a photo of glass stopper  - that was dropped while being cleaned.  If you are like most collectors,  you know all too well the feeling of breaking glass.  In my home we use the glass cleaning clothes, and also the  swivel duster to keep the glass clean.  Maybe once every five or six years, my dad will line the sink with towels and attempt to clean a few pieces.   I am attaching links to websites with 'How to Clean Your Blenko.'
Photo from Dr V. ,  should anyone have an extra stopper ( see photo)  please email theblenkoproject@aol.com .
Blenko Archive - How to Clean Blenko Glass
www.blenkoarchive.org/blenko_cleaning.htm -

  • Blenko Collectors - Cleaning Blenko Glass - Blenko Glass ...

    www.blenkocollectors.com/cleaningblenko.htm -
  • 10 comments:

    Anonymous said...

    Beautiful stopper.
    I use windex wipes on my glas
    and never wash.
    Also use gripper gloves when I handle.
    Gloria Dodd

    Anonymous said...

    thanks for helping me find a replacement. I glued it with epoxy and it looks ok. But I know its not perfect.
    Regards,
    V

    Anonymous said...

    Some craftsman from Blenko Glass would either have or be able to make this stopper.
    Why not ask them?

    Anonymous said...

    Blenko is so inexpensive, why not replace when its broken?
    Jeff W.

    Anonymous said...

    Hello Jeff.

    This is stopper of blenko lady. Blenko lady was made in mid 60s. Blenko does not make them any more. Also, using heat to fix the 2 parts together might change the color of tangerine pieces.

    I was looking for this piece for 4 months before I found it.

    Thanks,
    V

    Dr.BOB said...

    Vivek
    Over the years most any collector has lost a couple of nice pieces.
    It happens.
    We learn two lessons, one glass breaks, #2 Careful next time.
    Repeat.

    Anonymous said...

    So you need a stopper for the Blenko Lady?

    Anonymous said...

    yes, if you have one, do let me know.
    Thanks,
    V

    Tim said...

    I have used a restorer to repair broken valuable pieces of Blenko. I use one here in Dallas and they are very reasonable in their pricing. Plus they do a much better job than I ever could. In several instances you cannot see the repair unless you look extremely close up. Here is a link to the folks I use. Broken Arts Restoration , but really any decent restorer should be able to help, just ask around. I have used Windex or generic glass cleaner and even diluted vinegar to wipe the exterior of my glass, which I try to do quarterly. It keeps the glass shiny and sparkly, Blenko will start to look dull even if you dust it daily. My cleaning method starts with a simple rinse in tepid water, followed by a gentile washing with a mild soap solution, rinse thoroughly, followed up with a 90% alcohol rinse and let it dry overnight. For tougher issues I will use a soft bristle bottle brush (watch out for those that have a wire it will scratch your glass)If the glass has a narrow neck or I cannot get a bottle brush inside, I use small ball bearings or even BBs. I don't like to use rice because they take a lot more effort to get them to remove a small stain, but then the liquid becomes cloudy from the rice leeching out starch and I feel I should not be creating a bigger mess than what I am trying to clean. So I use the BBs or small ball bearings with 90% alcohol and swish away. Finish up with another soapy wash, water rinse, alcohol rinse, drain and dry. If this doesn't clean it nothing will. BTW watch out for the faucet as well, while maneuvering a piece in a sink the faucet often gets over looked.

    Anonymous said...

    Poor poor Dr v.
    Alicia