Is it true that mineral oil from the drug store can remove cloudy white spots on antique glass?
Cloudy white spots on antique glass are not deposits. They are tiny holes that result from leeching or the loss of some of the chemicals in the glass. This kind of deterioration is often made worse by repeated washing with strong detergents. Because the spots are the result of loss, they cannot be cleaned off, although the appearance can usually be improved by a light application of mineral oil or baby oil. An improved appearance results from the oil seeping into the chemically deteriorated areas and filling up the holes. It seems like no two susceptible pieces of glass deteriorate in the same way so there is no guarantee that the oil will work every time or completely remove the cloudy areas. Eventually the oil goes away and the cloudy areas return. If you want to give it a try, start on a small spot to see if it’s going to work for you. Use a piece of an old cotton T-shirt to apply the oil. Remember that oil makes glass very slippery so place a thick bath towel on your work area befo
