How to Repair Glassware

Fine glassware and crystal can be easily damaged or broken. These steps will help repair minor damage and prevent breakage.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic bowls
• Ice cubes
• Fine sandpaper
• Bleach
• Dry mustard

1. The first step you should take is to prevent damage. Never expose fine glassware to high temperatures during washing, drying and storage.

2. If your glasses become stuck together, do not try twisting them apart - this can cause breaking and cracking.

3. First, stand the stuck glasses together in a plastic bowl. Place a few ice cubes in the top glass to make the glass contract. Next, pour warm water into the bow to cause the bottom glass to expand. The glasses should now come apart easily.

4. To repair small chips on the rims of glassware, use a piece of very fine sandpaper to rub the rough edges until smooth. To make the repair less obvious, also rub the entire rim to smooth it out.

5. Repair wine stains from glassware by preparing a mix of water and household bleach. Let the glasses sit in the bleach water until the stain disappears, then rinse with clear water to remove the bleach smell.

6. Finally, if your glassware has absorbed a strong smell, soak them overnight in a mixture of 1 tsp. of dry mustard and 4 cups of water. Rinse well and dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Safe storage and proper care can prevent chipping and breaking of glassware.
• Glassware can be repaired if the damage is not too bad - don't just throw away chipped or stained glassware before trying these basic repairs.