Hi Helen,

Just read your column in the September issue. I noted your response to the question about cleaning residue out of old decanters. Over the years I have found the quickest and easiest method is to throw in some Polident with a little water.

I have used the Polident tablets to clean out old decanters, crusted vases, etc. and it works wonders on jewelry. I do not use it on pearls or opals but it works wonders on everything else. One vase took three applications while the worst vase took four. That stuff will even clean a badly stained toilet bowl. Sincerely,

Jon Scarborough, Melrose, MA

Dear Jon,

Thanks for the tip. I too have used denture cleaner tablets with success, but not always with glass. Some of those sickness stains are pretty tough. I appreciate your comments. You are right about pearls and opals and possibly other stones such as emeralds. Many require special care.

You should not clean pearls yourself. They should be restrung once per year by a professional who will clean them at the same time. Always replace the silk threading because it stretches and can also rot, causing the loss of the pearls. Caution should be taken when using perfume or hair spray. Both contain alcohol, which is death to pearls, so you should don your pearls after the substances have been applied to minimize contact with either. Both substances permanently discolor the nacre (the mother of pearl substance that makes up each pearl). Pearls should also be worn as often as possible because the oils on your body will keep them lustrous; pearls should also be exposed to sunlight every once in a while to keep them bright.

If you must clean your own pearls, they should be cleaned with no more than a cloth dampened with water. Always lay them out on a towel after cleaning to be certain that the silk doesn't stretch. Pearls should not be stored in plastic, and special care should be taken when wearing a pearl ring. Always remove it before washing your hands.

Opals also require special care. They easily dry out and crack. They need moisture, so centrally heated storage areas are bad for them. Most opals have moisture inside them, so once every year you need to give them a bath in cold water. Never set opals in the sun or allow them to freeze. Either treatment can make them craze.