hugo50•1mo ago

Tried two different ways to clean a fragile pot and one worked way better

I was working on a really thin clay pot from a dig site near Tucson, and the dirt was stuck on hard. First I tried a stiff nylon brush with water, which just scratched the surface and didn't get the crust off. Then I switched to a soft bristle brush and a mix of distilled water with a tiny bit of vinegar, letting it soak for about 20 minutes first. The dirt came off in sheets without hurting the clay at all. The key was being patient and using a softer touch with the right liquid. Has anyone else found a good mix for cleaning really delicate stuff like this?

3 comments

3 Comments

troyjackson1mo ago

Vinegar on old clay sounds risky to me, even diluted. Couldn't that mess with the material over time? What about just using a dry soft brush first?

-2

oliviadixon1mo ago

Ever try cleaning concrete with vinegar?

the_mason25d agoMost Upvoted

My buddy tried that on his patio last summer. He ended up with these weird white streaks that wouldn't come out. Had to rent a power washer to fix it, total pain. Honestly, a stiff brush and some soapy water seems way safer for most jobs.