Thrifting

How to Rescue & Restore Thrifted Pyrex in 10 Steps

Have you ever noticed how extreme the prices of Pyrex can range?

Thrifted Pyrex can range in price based on pattern, country of origin, and condition — sometimes to a significant difference.

If you’ve ever passed over a piece of secondhand Pyrex because it just looked beyond rescue, you’re not alone. I’ve found the dirtier it is, the less you’ll have to pay. For some folks all that grime can be totally off-putting but I say bring it on.

Here’s the good news: Pyrex and other dishes with years of gross baked-on grease can be restored to their former glory with a little grease of your own…elbow grease, that is.

Some collectors swear by one method over another but I’m here to tell you that the best solution is ALL of them. I’ve found the trifecta combo to clean, polish and shine even the dirtiest Pyrex is this: dish soap, OxiClean, and Bar Keeper’s Friend.

When your thrifted treasure needs a little TLC, just follow these simple steps to restore and rescue that precious Pyrex.

Tools:

rag
toothbrush
toothpick
dish soap
OxiClean
Bar Keepers Friend
coconut oil

Steps:

Fill sink or bucket with hot soapy water. Immerse the dish and soak for 4 hours to loosen the grime.
Rinse the dish and scrub gently with a toothbrush in small circles to lift off any of the baked-on grease that was released during the initial soak.
Re-fill sink with hot water and add 1-2 tablespoons of OxiClean powder. Immerse the dish and soak overnight.
Rinse thoroughly.
Using a rag, squirt a small amount of Bar Keeper’s Friend (if using the powder, mix a small amount with water to form a paste.
Gently scrub remaining corners and grime with the Bar Keeper’s Friend paste.
Rinse throughly.
Using a toothpick, work out any grease stuck in crevices, corners, or glass imperfections.
Do a final gentle scrub with the toothbrush and rinse once more.
Buff the clean dish with a small amount of coconut oil on a rag to restore the Pyrex to its former lustre.