Question:
My water cooler has been stored in a clean spot in the basement for over 10 yrs until this past Labor Day when I filled it with water and ice. About 2 hrs or so later, the outside was oozing a sticky, reddish substance up to the water line inside. It sort of looked like the stoneware was sweating! The inside remained clean. I washed the stoneware’s exterior but after a few hours, it appeared again. This cycle repeats even though it has been a couple of days. Ever seen or heard of this happening before? What is it and what do I do about it? So unappealing it renders the crock unusable. Thank you. Bethany

Answer: Bethany, I have never heard of this type of wicking before. Now with a reddish substance it is even harder to understand. I wish I could help, but without knowing what was in this cooler before or where the reddish substance came from, I am at a lost. Sorry I could not be of help. Al Kohlman