Three Essential Tips for Cleaner Crystal – Keeping it Gleaming

Ever wondered if there’s a secret to keeping fine crystal glassware gleaming for the long-term? Well, the truth is there are actually hundreds of them, but with the following three essentials you’ll be well on your way to sparkling results every time:

Dishwasher Disasters

Never, under any circumstances no matter how much of a rush you might be in put your crystal glasses in the dishwasher. The trouble here is that even the most advanced dishwashers that claim to have the gentlest setting for these kind of products can get up to God knows what away from view and once the damage is done there’s no going back. Dishwashers are notorious for destroying the finish of crystal glassware and it’s really not worth taking the chance when you can clean them yourself in no more than a minute or two. Seriously…don’t do it.

Mild Temperatures

Next up, don’t be tempted to use really hot water to helm get the glasses shining and never use ice-cold water to rinse them either. Crystal might be durable, but temperature changes cause natural expansion and contraction of the glass which can lead to cracks, chips and breakages. Instead, opt for lukewarm water for both washing and drying with only an approved detergent. Or better still, try polishing crystal items with a weak mixture of water and vinegar for a superb shine without streaks.

Drip Drying

Last up, you might think it’s best to let nature take its course and dry your glasses for you, but it isn’t. As the water dries up and evaporates, it will inevitably leave calcium deposits all over the place which not only look a mess from the start but can permanently damage the finish of crystal. Always dry by hand immediately after washing but remember that you should never, ever hold a wine or champagne glass by its delicate stem while drying…for obvious reasons. Instead, hold it by the bowl and use the gentlest drying action possible with a soft, dry and spotlessly clean cloth/towel.

By Lisa Morton

Lisa Morton is a full-time blogger who also loves well-designed coloured crystal champagne glasses and likes to share her findings with the UK public.