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An hourglass is a mesmerizing sight as sand gracefully descends, but dealing with a stuck hourglass can be frustrating. Moisture buildup inside the glass can cause the sand to clump and adhere together. Fear not! Here are several methods to prevent and remedy a stuck hourglass.
Ways to Prevent Jamming
Give the hourglass a vigorous shake.
Sometimes, a simple shake is all it takes to loosen the sand. Moisture buildup can cause clumping, so shaking the hourglass horizontally helps break apart the sand, allowing it to flow freely once again.
Store the hourglass in a cool, dry environment.
Excessive humidity is the primary culprit behind a stuck hourglass. High humidity leads to increased moisture content. To ensure your hourglass functions smoothly, keep it in a cool area with well-regulated humidity levels. Employ a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels.
Gently blow warm air onto the hourglass using a hairdryer.
Using a hairdryer to gently warm the hourglass can effectively evaporate excess moisture from the sand. If condensation has formed inside the glass, indicating high moisture levels, this method can help dry out the sand and restore proper flow.
Utilize silica gel to absorb moisture.
Did you know that silica acts as a moisture absorber? Those little packets with “DO NOT EAT” warnings are meant to keep your items dry. You can even rejuvenate your hourglass with silica gel. Either submerge it in the beads or seal it in a bag with silica gel packets.
- Silica gel absorbs 10% of water in just an hour.
- After an hour, check your hourglass for condensation and repeat if necessary.
- Rice is another desiccant you might have heard of. If you've ever used rice to dry a wet phone, you're familiar with desiccants.
- While rice can help with moisture, it might not be potent enough for an hourglass.
Revitalize your hourglass by baking out the moisture.
Dry out the inside of your hourglass in a 100 °F (38 °C) oven. Glass melts at around 2,552 °F (1,400 °C), but thinner glass can shatter at 302–392 °F (150–200 °C). Check if your hourglass is made of tempered glass before attempting this method.
- This technique should be a last resort and is potentially hazardous.
- Monitor your hourglass closely to prevent any damage or accidents.
- Remember that hourglasses can be made of various materials. Avoid putting wood or plastic-framed hourglasses in the oven.
Consider purchasing a new hourglass.
If all else fails, it's time to go shopping. Sometimes, a broken hourglass can't be salvaged, and that's alright. Keep it as a decorative piece and explore the stores for a replacement. Who knows? You might find a new favorite antique!
