A preserved rose globe displays a single, treated rose suspended within a clear liquid preservative. This environment keeps the rose petals supple and maintains the flower’s appearance. Changing the liquid is necessary if the fluid level drops due to slow evaporation, or if the water becomes cloudy, discolored, or develops algae due to microbial growth. Replacing the solution is a meticulous operation that demands careful handling to avoid damaging the fragile preserved bloom.
Preparation and Necessary Supplies
Establish a clean, well-lit, and protected workspace before beginning this maintenance. Lay down a waterproof material, such as a plastic sheet or old towels, to catch any spills of the old liquid or the new solution. Gathering all materials beforehand prevents interruption during the process, which is important for maintaining focus and care.
Specific tools are needed to open the globe, which can vary depending on how it was originally sealed. For globes sealed with a simple plastic cap or light adhesive, a small flathead screwdriver or precision knife may be needed to gently work the seal free. Cleaning supplies should include a small soft-bristled brush, mild dish soap, and a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth for the glass. The new solution components must also be ready: distilled water, pharmaceutical-grade glycerin, and a small amount of a household antimicrobial agent.
Safely Draining and Cleaning the Globe
Access the interior by carefully separating the globe from its base, which may be glued, screwed, or pressure-fitted. If the base is glued, a specialized craft sealant remover can be applied minimally to the seam, or a thin, flat tool can be used to slowly pry the two components apart. Once separated, immediately drain the old, cloudy liquid into a sink or container, taking care not to splash any residue.
Once the old liquid is removed, the preserved rose must be handled with extreme gentleness to prevent the petals from breaking or detaching. It is advisable to submerge the entire rose in a small bowl of clean, lukewarm distilled water while you clean the globe. The empty glass globe can then be thoroughly cleaned internally using a mild dish soap and warm water solution to remove any residue or microbial film. The preserved rose should be gently rinsed in the distilled water bath to remove surface contaminants, avoiding direct scrubbing or forceful water flow that could cause damage.
Mixing and Refilling the Preservation Solution
Creating the new preservation liquid requires precise measurement to ensure clarity and microbial stability over time. The base of the solution should be distilled water, which lacks the minerals found in tap water that cause cloudiness and residue. To increase the liquid’s viscosity, which helps the rose stay buoyant and prevents air bubbles from adhering to the petals, pharmaceutical-grade glycerin is added. A common and effective ratio is approximately one part glycerin to ten parts distilled water.
To prevent the future growth of algae, mold, or bacteria, a small amount of a biocide must be incorporated. A single drop of household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) per 16 ounces of the water-glycerin mixture is typically sufficient to act as an effective antimicrobial agent. Alternatively, a tiny splash of isopropyl alcohol can be used, although this may increase the risk of damaging the preserved rose’s color. Once the solution is mixed, carefully pour it into the globe, filling it nearly to the brim.
Gently reintroduce the preserved rose into the globe, ensuring the stem and base are correctly positioned. The final and most careful step is to top off the liquid so that it slightly overflows as you press the base back into place. This displacement method minimizes the entrapment of air, which can form distracting bubbles inside the globe. Allowing a small amount of the solution to escape as the base is sealed ensures the internal volume is completely filled with the preservation mixture.
Sealing the Globe and Post-Maintenance Care
The final step is to permanently seal the globe to prevent evaporation and accidental spillage. If the original seal was a screw-on type, ensure the threads are clean before tightly securing the base. For globes that were originally glued, a waterproof sealant, such as clear silicone or a specialized craft adhesive, should be applied sparingly around the exterior seam where the globe meets the base.
Allow the selected sealant to cure completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which may take up to 24 hours. During this period, the globe should remain upright and undisturbed to ensure a tight, leak-proof bond. Once the sealant has fully set, the globe is ready for display, but its placement remains an important aspect of long-term care. To maximize the longevity of the preserved rose and the clarity of the liquid, the globe should be kept away from direct sunlight, which can quickly fade the rose’s color and encourage excessive heating. Avoid placing the globe near heat sources or in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, as this can accelerate evaporation and potentially compromise the integrity of the seal.