How to Clean Waterford Crystal

Waterford, founded in Ireland in 1783, manufactures a variety of crystal pieces including dinnerware, gifts, art, chandeliers and glassware. The company's crystal products are known world-wide for their high quality, fine craftsmanship and intricate design. Waterford crystal is actually made from lead glass processed and cut to increase the amount of reflection it gives. Like all fine crystal products Waterford crystal is delicate and care must be taking when handling and cleaning Waterford pieces. Waterford crystal must be properly cleaned and maintained in order to prevent wear, chipping and breakage.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mild detergent
• Ammonia
• Uncooked rice
• Soft cloth

1. Line the bottom of the sink with a clean towel to prevent accidental breakage.

2. Fill the sink or a dish pan with hot water, 1/4 cup of ammonia and a small amount of mild liquid dish detergent. Do not use water that is hotter than what you can tolerate with bare hands.

3. Place the crystal items individually in the hot water solution. If the items are very soiled allow them to soak for a few minutes.

4. Using a soft cloth gently wipe the surface of each piece with the ammonia-detergent solution.

5. Fill any decanters or vases that have residue remaining with the ammonia detergent solution and 1/2-cup of any uncooked rice. Swirl the mixture to remove any residue.

6. Rinse the pieces thoroughly in warm water.

7. Set the pieces on a rack or soft clean cloth to air dry. The ammonia added to the cleaning process should help to reduce any potential water spots on the crystal pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• When cleaning Waterford crystal with stubborn stains soak the crystal in a solution of warm water and add a denture cleaning tablet. Allow the mixture to sit until the tablet dissolves, then clean the piece according to the directions above. Quick changes in temperature can cause a crystal item to crack. Always warm or cool pieces slowly when washing crystal. Do not stack crystal pieces during washing or drying. To prevent chipping in breakage it is best to handle each piece individually and gently set it aside to dry before cleaning a new item.
• Never use abrasive pads or cleaners on Waterford crystal as these will scratch the crystal. Do not clean Waterford crystal in the dishwasher unless the dishwasher has a crystal setting. If the washer does have a special setting run the crystal with half of the required dish detergent leaving plenty of room between pieces so they do not chip. Never place crystal which contains a metal accent in a dishwasher.

Resources

• More information on cleaning Waterford crystal