'Kiln Wash'.

Q: Awhile back, 'Cleaning Beads' discussed, specifically, how to get rid of that white powder that I believe was called "kiln wash." I ordered some India glass beads and was warned that they might have significant amounts of 'Kiln Wash', so I was wondering if anyone could post the cleaning information again. Also, I seem to recall that there was something special about where you had to dump the used water, something about the kiln wash made it dangerous. Any clarification on that would also be of help.

A: You need to soak the beads in water, then you can use a pipe cleaner to ream the holes. I use a 'Welder's Tip' cleaning tool. It's a personal preference. Some people have success with soaking in denture cleaner, which will not harm the glass. Both bead release and 'Kiln Wash' contain diatomaceous earth, which is hazardous to breathe in, (when dry) and will set up like cement in the low spots of drain traps. I soak my beads in a old dishpan, clean them in that same water, rinse them in clear running water, and dump the bead release water in the street/driveway/stormdrain. Pour it in a garden that has evidence of slugs or snails as it will help get rid of them, as well as any other crittters. Remember, that the tiny particles of diatomatious earth are very sharp and will irritate the slug as it crawls over it and cause them to dehydrate....

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