DIY Network

I have a lot of old bottlecaps with the cork inside that I want to clean. Any ideas?

ok i will be the wise apple, soap n water
arn't those things worth something?
i heard, that if you clean them up.
they would be worthless.
i don't know what i'am talken about,
i just had to say something

If you are using the old bottlecaps for a craft project to keep, soak them well in hot soapy water. Get as much of the old cork out by hand first but then you will have to soak and do alot of scraping. If you are just wanting to clean the tops and you are going to sell them, use a hot soapy rag and clean well but try to preserve the cork.

Some of these tops are highly collectible so you might want to research their value before ruining the cork. Check on bottle top and bottle collecting sites or go to the library and check the antique reference guides for specific tops and their value. If they are 'really' old, be careful about scrubbing off flaked paint and NEVER seal them with ANYTHING!
Good Luck!