How to Care for White Milk Glass

Vintage milk glass glassware was first used in Victorian times as an alternative to porcelain dishware. Milk glassware was used through the 1960's for everything from store jars to fine vases and candle holders. The glassware pieces can be used as beautiful accents around the home and are popular as collector items. If you are a collector or if you just have one or two items of milk glass glassware, proper handling and cleaning are important factors in maintaining the quality and beauty of your glass.

Things You'll Need

• Two large bowls
• Clean cloths or towels
• Warm water
• 1 tablespoon mild dish soap
• 2 teaspoons distilled vinegar

Instructions

Cleaning Your Glassware

1. Line two large bowls with clean towels or cloths to prevent knocking your glassware on a hard surface. Fill both bowls with warm water.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of dish soap into one of the bowls with water. Mix the water and soap until you see suds. Add 2 teaspoons vinegar to the other bowl with water and mix well.

3. Wash each piece of glassware one at a time in the bowl with the soapy water. Gently rub stubborn stains with a clean towel or cloth, being careful not to scrub or soak your glassware.

4. Rinse your glassware in the warm water in the other bowl. The vinegar will help remove any soap residue.

5. Dry the glassware with one of the towels or cloths.

Caring for Your Glassware

1. Store or display your milk glass glassware away from direct sunlight, harsh light and heat sources.

2. Change the water in vases used to display flowers every two days. Wash the vase thoroughly before returning the flowers to the vase.

3. Hand wash your glassware regularly once a week.

Tips & Warnings

• Any liquid can stain glass. Never soak your glassware or wash glassware in dishwasher. Never place your glassware in cold or hot water as the temperature change can damage the surface.

References

• Milk Glass History
• Caring for Vintage Glass