How do you keep a decanter stopper from sticking?

[Vinca]

I bought an old tantalus at the thrift store today. It consists of an open metal carrying apparatus (with lock and key) and 3 very nice glass decanters for gin, scotch and rye. One of the stoppers was stuck and after a half hour of messing around with it I got it unstuck and could remove it from the bottle. I washed them all and they're now air drying on a towel, but I'm wondering if I should oil the stoppers or do something to prevent them from sticking again. Any suggestions?

[Paper Roses]

1. I bet the stoppers were sticking because of sugar or something else in the booze.

If the stoppers and decanters are polished, they should not stick. Oil would be only a temporary fix and can leave a residue or smell you don't want. I'd just make sure the parts that meet are really clean. If they are rough, perhaps a quick sanding with 'wet & dry' 400 or 600' to smooth the parts.
Good luck. So often these old decanters have one problem or another.

[Vinca]

2. Thanks for the sanding idea. I hadn't thought of it.

I ended up wiping them with a little coconut oil and then polishing it off. So far so good. I took them to the shop to sell so I'll keep my fingers crossed.