How To

How to Hand Clean Antique Glass Spotlessly

Clean and ready!

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By Sharon Neth
eHow Community Member

Article Rating: (3 Ratings)

Do you have a great deal of glass antiques that were given to you by family? Are you just like my family and collect all sorts of hand blown glass items that are from Europe? In this article I will give you tips on how to care for your antique glassware and dishes so that they sparkle as they are displayed on your lit dinner table.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Warm soapy water
Clean soft cloth
Electrostatic dust cloth
Solution of distilled water, ammonia & alcohol (50/50)

Step 1

Hold firmly.

Select the glass piece that you would like to clean. Hold the piece by the strongest section of the items and not the weakest. For example, when holding stemware never hold the glass by the lip's edge but by the neck or base of the glass for a firm grip. That way, the glass won't shatter in your hands from the lip's fragile nature.
Step 2

Top to bottom

Take a electrostatic dust cloth and gently wipe the surface of the glass starting with the top of the item and work down to the base of the item so that the dust does not resettle onto the glass again.
Step 3

Soft damp cloth.

If the glass ware is really dirty, you should clean it, using a cloth dampened with a solution of distilled water, ammonia & alcohol. Dry the glass with a soft dry cloth.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure you have a clean area where you can have your supplies at hand. You will also want to have a pair of latex gloves, to protect your hands while cleaning the glassware. You will also want to have a supply of cotton swabs & cotton balls.
Do the cleaning in a well ventilated area & wear a mask while cleaning the glass with the water, ammonia & alcohol solution. The fumes from the mixture is very strong.