How to Hand Wash Fine Glassware

Wine glasses and other fine glassware should not be washed in the dishwasher. Extremely hot water and/or pressure will break the glass and regular dishwasher detergents either scratch the glass or leave streaks and watermarks. The best way to clean and preserve crystal and other fine glassware is to hand wash. Here are some tips for doing it safely and effectively.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soft washcloth or sponge
• Vinegar
• Dish detergent
• Drying rack
• Rubber mat or towel

1. Lay a rubber mat or towel in the sink to prevent breakage. Swing the faucet away from the center to give you more room. Remove rings and bracelets that could hit or scratch the items while washing.

2. Wash the glassware in warm water with a little dish detergent. Too much detergent will generate a lot of bubbles and make the glassware very slippery. Use a soft washcloth or sponge, holding stemmed glassware by the bowl, not the stem.

3. Prepare a first-rinse tub with tap water and a little vinegar. The vinegar will help prevent watermarks.

4. Prepare a final-rinse tub of tap water. If there's no room for another tub, simply final-rinse with a light shower of tap water.

5. Air-dry by placing glassware upside down on a drying rack or very gently wipe dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Never air-dry glasses by placing them upside down on a flat surface, because air will not circulate, causing the inside of the glasses to fog up and leave watermarks.

Tips & Warnings

• To remove stuck-on dirt, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush or a pinch of baking soda.
• To remove food dye stains, soak in a mild mixture of water and household ammonia, then rinse with tap water. Consider soaking the stain in oxidizing detergent or denture cleaner.
• For not-so-fine glassware, consider rinsing in hot water to speed up drying and minimize water spots.
• Never use scouring pads or anything abrasive on glassware. Scratches on glass are permanent.

Resources

• Cocktailtimes.com: Glassware

[MyJB]

on 1/16/2009 This is interesting info. Thanks.