Cleaning hollows

[DawnT]

I thought I saw a thread about this somewhere recently but I can't find it so hopefully this isn't redundant.

I made my first hollow beads today =D> . Well when I took it off the mandrel the release stayed in one piece inside. Sooo how do I get it out? :confused:

[Slaterville]

I let my hollows soak for about an hour in vinegar water to soften the pieces inside, then use a syringe filled with water to flush them out. A water pik would also work. Afterwards, instead of letting the bead dry naturally, I use a blow dryer to dry the inside. This helps with water spots.

Good luck,
Penny

[chrisdd]

I use plain water and a syringe...works great! If type of bead release makes a difference, I use FosterFire.

[DawnT]

I used Foster Fire on these too and have soaked them overnight in vinegar and water and the release is still whole inside the bead... ](*,)

[Curly Irish Girl]

After I take mine off the mandrel, I just hold it over the trash and gently blow thru it - like blowing a whistle - excess pops out the opposite side - then I soak in vinegar water.

[Islandgirl]

:waving: I clean mine with a dremel tool as soon as I take them off the mandrel, let the bits dry, then shake what will come out, out then pick the rest out with a thin wire then I soak them in vinegar to clean out the dsut and crap. I use Franz's Bead Separator.

Lynne

[Shawn T]

All these ideas are wonderful, if you don't get the results you are wanting try compressed air.
You can get bottles from Office Depot or any supply store. They are frequently used to clean your computer equipment. Comes with a tiny long tube that fits on the end of the bottle, insert into the bead hole it will push the bead release right out the other end of your hollow beads. Works wonderfully to get every last bit out.

[DawnT]

Great thanks for all the tips! I'm sure something will work! [-o<