Good Ole' Bottles        

TYPE of BOTTLE Cleaning -

The method I use is the tumble method using cut copper and environmentally safe cutting and polishing compounds. 

OVERALL TIME of BOTTLE Cleaning -

The general rule of thumb is that a bottle should be able to be cleaned within 1-2 weeks given the cleaning process can be started right away.   However, there are many factors that effect the turn-around time of your bottle(s).  

• The level and type of stain on a bottle are the primary factors  determining how long the bottle will need to be tumbled. If the bottle has excessive stain on the inside and/or outside, the cleaning process could be extended several days to a week.  
• Physical makeup of the bottle itself, such as depth of fine scratches, bottle shape, and condition of embossing. 
  
• Long neck bottles such as Wine Bottles require longer cleaning times to ensure all haze has been removed. 
• Bottles needing manual work such as pontiled bottles, bottles with hinge marks or large bubbles needing extra care.
• And of course - workload.  It's inevitable that from time-to-time a backlog will develop.  When your order is received, the date received is logged and your order is placed in a work line.  As orders complete, your order will move up in the line until it's time for the cleaning to start. Customers are given a 'guesstimated' start time and then notified when one or more of there bottles are started. 

More accurate estimates of time can be made when the bottle has been received and manually inspected.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS - All cutting and polishing compounds are environmentally safe.

 So, what happens to your bottle after it's received?

INSPECTIONS and PHOTOS -

Inspections are very important.  Your bottle will be inspected several times throughout the cleaning process.

The first inspection is right after the bottle has been received.  A complete, magnified, visual inspection for stain level, scratches, chips, large bubbles, burst bubbles, small fractures, and in general, 'tumbling worthiness'. 

Next, high-definition photos cataloging 100% coverage of the bottle will be taken.  Sometimes a photo will identify a tiny crack or chip not detected by other means.  (It is highly recommended that the customer thoroughly inspect and take their own set of photos prior to shipping their bottle for cleaning).

Next, an email will be sent to you that your bottles were received 'safe and sound' or with bottle condition, specific problems noted, areas of concern, and photos if necessary.  

When all questions and concerns are resolved...

...the tumbling begins!  Along with more inspections.  For as long as the bottle needs to be tumbled, inspections are performed at regular intervals. Intervals can range anywhere from 12-hours to 48-hours depending on the type of cleaning being done.

Lastly, a final inspection is done along with another set of photos to catalog the bottle condition after the cleaning process is completed.

"What if my bottle is 'DAMAGED' in shipping?"  

Shipping damage is rather rare, but it is a possibility. If your box appears damaged when it's received photos are taken of it before it's opened.  After it's opened, the bottles are carefully inspected.  If there appears to be any damage on the bottles, photos are taken of that particular area.  The customer is notified about the damage and sent email with the attached photos.

The best insurance is to insure your bottles when you ship!

 RISK

There is always a certain amount of risk involved when you submit your bottle(s) for cleaning.

Even with the most careful procedures and attention to detail there is always a chance a bottle could unfortunately become damaged during the tumbling process.

The best rule to follow is this...Do Not present a bottle for cleaning if you are in any way unsure that you do not want to take the risk.

All bottles are cleaned at the owner's risk.