How to Clean Cloudy Dishes & Crystal

Clean cloudy dishes and crystal with a low-cost cleaner.

Dishes and crystal accumulate cloudy residue over time. The residue can be caused by a high mineral content in the water, a dishwasher cycle that is not properly cleaning the dishes or a hand-wash and air-dry routine that leaves the items with cloudy spots. To keep your dishes and crystal on display properly, you must use cleaning elements that safely remove all cloudy residue and buildup without causing any deterioration or harm to the crystal or dishes.

Things You'll Need

• Sink
• Water
• White vinegar
• Dish soap
• Nylon scouring pad
• Dish rag

Instructions

1. Fill your sink with water and vinegar, using 1 cup white vinegar to 1 gallon water.

2. Place your dishes, glasses and crystal carefully into the sink. Let them soak for about 1 hour.

3. Remove each piece carefully, making sure not to bump the dishes into each other or against the side of the sink; all can crack easily.

4. Gently scrub the crystal and dishes with a nylon scouring pad; do not use metal cleaning tools, as these can scratch the surfaces.

5. Drain the sink, refill with soapy water and wash all of the dishes and crystal once more to remove any vinegar solution. Rinse the dishes with clear water and dry each piece with a dish towel. Hand-drying the crystal and dishes prevents new cloudy residue from developing.

References

• Vinegar Book: Cleaning Drinking Glasses with Vinegar
• University of Maryland Cooperative Extension: Alternatives for Household Products