Crystal glassware is a type of glassware that has high clarity and brilliance. It is usually lead-free crystal glass.
To clean crystal glassware, you must use warm water, dishwashing liquid, and towels or sponges. You can also use a household cleaner approved for cleaning lead-free crystal.
Related: How to Clean and Charge Your Crystals
Let’s learn about why crystal glass is so difficult to clean, some easy-to-follow steps for cleaning it, and when to replace your crystal glass.
Why is Crystal Glass so Hard to Clean?
The reason behind the difficulty in cleaning crystal glass is that it is a type of glass that has a high level of transparency, and this means that if you clean it with soap and water, you can still see the dirt on the glass.
One way to solve this problem is by using a window cleaner with ammonia. This will help remove all dirt from the glass and make it look as good as new.
Another option would be to use a dry towel or cloth to wipe down the surface of the glass and then use a wet towel or cloth to remove any remaining residue.
4 Steps to Cleaning Crystal Glass
Crystal glasses are delicate and require special care. It would be best to clean them with a soft cloth or paper towel, not a harsh abrasive scrubber that can scratch the glass.
If your crystal has a dishwasher-safe label, you can carefully add them to your dishwasher. Make sure that they have enough space ensuring that they are not jammed up against other dishes where they can crack or get chipped.
It’s best practice to make sure that chilled glasses sit for a while to reach room temperature. Sudden changes in temperature can cause the glassware to crack. Next, add a small amount of detergent and run on a normal cycle.
If you do not see a “dishwasher-safe” label on your crystal glassware, it’s not worth the chance of putting them into the dishwasher. You can follow these simple steps.
Avoid placing the glasses on a surface that might scratch them. Keep a good grip on your glasses, especially when cleaning them, so they don’t slip and fall to the floor. Be careful not to allow water or other liquids to get inside the stem or base of your frames and damage the lens.
To clean your crystal glass, you should:
How Do You Know When To Replace Your Crystal Glass?
The lifespan of crystal glassware varies depending on the quality of the product and how often you use it. Some experts say you should replace your crystal glassware every five years, while others say you should replace it every ten years.
You should replace your crystal glassware when you notice any of the following:
- Dulling of the surface
- Cloudy or hazy appearance
- Water spots or stains on the inside surface
- Chips and cracks in the glassware
Household Items to Clean Crystal Glass
You don’t have to go far to find high-quality household cleaners that are safe to use on crystal glassware. Remember that preparing your own cleaning solution may have varying effects since it isn’t a tested glass cleaner.
Some household items that you can use to clean crystal glass:
- Lemon Juice
- Vinegar
- Dishwashing Liquid
- Alcohol
- Toothpaste
These items are better for cleaning small areas such as cloudy patches or adding some of the above to warm water to dilute them and letting your crystal glass soak.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember when cleaning crystal glassware is not to use abrasive materials, like steel wool or scouring pads; these materials will scratch and dull the surface of the glassware.
The best way to clean crystal glassware is using non-abrasive dish soap and water. You can also use a mild dish detergent, but make sure that the dish detergent does not contain chlorine bleach.
