Ask the Experts Cleaning Beads Q&A

When I buy beads in bulk, they often have a white powdery substance in the bead hole. I am using a small file or a fine drill bit to clean out some of them, but there must be an easier way to do this.

- Pat

Sometimes rinsing the beads in warm, soapy water can help clean them and remove the white powdery substance that accumulates near the drill hole. You may also consider using a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean away the thicker powder. If there is powder inside the bead, a bead reamer will help clean the inside of the stringing hole. Leave them to air dry. If you find some colors bleed during the washing process, wait until the beads are completely dry and apply an artists' fixative like Mona Lisa™ Metal Leaf™ top coat sealant to coat the bead. After the fixative has been applied and the stone has dried completely, you will be able to use your beads in your designs.