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Does anyone know how to get the top off one of these bottles for cleaning? It looks like some kind of a snap ring holding the top on so there must be a way to remove it?? A friend told me that they weren't removable but that seems wrong as they certainly would have had to clean them at some time or another, wouldn't they??

Thanks ---I really thought there must be a way to remove the tops since there was a snap ring involved. Is there any certain kind of cleaning fluid that you'd recommend? I tried gasoline and it took out the sludge but left a light film at the bottom of the bottle. Thanks--KEVIN

[This message has been edited by K W FRITH (edited 11-24-2008).]

Hi, Kevin. I'm sure people have their own "favorite" chemicals. Here's what I like to complete your cleaning project, once you've gotten rid of the oily gunk on the inside of the bottle with solvent or soap and water.

I've found the product "CLR" very effective in removing the cloudy film that can remain on the inside of oil bottles after the usual cleaning. CLR is found in the household products section of many general merchandise and hardware stores. Heck, maybe grocery stores have it as well. Just follow the package instructions and be sure to dilute with water, if that is recommended (I've forgotten the exact instructions on the package). Then, slosh the solution around the inside of the oil bottle, and follow-up with a couple of clear water rinses. You may have to repeat this process once, in case your first effort didn't quite do it. Your oil bottles will eventually come out sparkling. Best, John

[This message has been edited by Jolly-John (edited 11-24-2008).]

Oven cleaner first then the CLR.
Ron http://www.gaspump.com

I use toilet bowl cleaner,, done lots of them,,

Don't even think about removing the top to clean bottle. They were not designed for removal.


The top on this bottle was Badly corroded & must have laid in water for years.

[This message has been edited by Dick Bennett (edited 11-24-2008).]

aw heck,i was just gonna point out that that was not a bottle!!LOLheres a pic of the snapring intalled in the cap.
now if i could just talk db out of that bottle!

[This message has been edited by oldnfuelish (edited 11-24-2008).]

I want to thank all of you for the information! My darling wife is out at the kitchen sink right now and is loading toilet bowl cleaner into each bottle for the first go round! After that, its the oven cleaner treatment and then on to the CLR!!! I'm sure the repeated treatments will have the desired effect! Thanks again!!----KEVIN

The lid can be taken off but it's tough, I did one only to put a better spout on mine that had been cut and j-b welded up. If you drill 3 small holes around where the snap ring goes then put a nail or pin in each hole and push (easier with another set of hands) it pushes the snap ring in and you should be able to wiggle the spout off, a lot of work just to clean but the only way I know of to replace the spout, good luck...Frank

I wanted to give everyone the final verdict on all the advice I got! First stage was raw gasoline to cut the oil & sludge. Next was plain soap and water to clean it up enough that the wife would let me bring it into the house for her to attack! She used liquid toilet bowl cleaner and let them soak for 2 days. They were in fair shape by now but still had a brownish film at the bottom, so it was back out to the shop for a big dose of C L R, and I used it straight with no dilution. I shook the bottles up real good every time I walked by for the next 2 days and finally dumped the stuff out tonight! I doubt if they ever looked this good when they were new! A little patience, some good advice and the proper chemicals did the trick! A big thank you to everyone that gave advice! THANKS AGAIN!

Let's see some pics all cleaned up!!!!

I have yet to figure out how to post pictures yet! My wife is a lot better on computers than I am, so maybe she'll help me today!

Heres a picture of the 95% finished bottles! I really apreciate everyones help with this project! Combined knowledge really works wonders!
I intend to work on the aluminum spouts with some more Mother's metal polish yet so the shine improves some. Does anyone have a suggestion for a metal polish better than Mother's?

Now that your Wife is an EXPERT cleaning these bottles, send me your address. I still have 8 that need cleaning ! LOL