Wine glasses and crystal stemware are the only drinkware that fits the complex flavors of wine - and red wine stains! Red wine can easily stain glassware, and hard water from your tap can leave mineral deposits on the surface of the glass that shows up as a hazy, cloudy patch.
What You'll Need
The best tool to use to clean wine glasses is a soft sponge. The sponge should be able to scrub away dirt and grime without scratching the delicate glasses. Avoid placing wine glasses in the dishwasher as the high heat and pressurized water may shatter the stem. Wash wine glasses by hand instead. Here's what you'll need:
- Dish soap
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Soft sponge OR
- Soft-bristled brush
- Microfiber cloth
How to Clean Wine Glasses: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Clean Wine Glasses with Dish Soap
Wash your wine glasses as you normally would. Use a warm soapy water solution to wash your wine glasses. A soft sponge should be able to scrub your wine glass clean without scratching the surface. Go through the interior of the glass, as well as the exterior. Carefully sponge the stem, and support the glass by holding it on the base of its bowl, not the stem.
Step 2: Add Vinegar and Baking Soda into the Glass
Rinse the glass, and fill the glass with vinegar and baking soda solution. Swirl the solution around. Vinegar will dissolve any mineral buildup from hard water, and baking soda will lift out any hard water spots. Vinegar will also remove stains from red wine.
Step 3: Let it Sit
Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes to clean the cloudy wine glasses. Afterwards, use a soft sponge or brush to scrub the stained areas away. The stains should be soft and easy to remove. If not, swirl the solution, and let it sit for 5 more minutes.
Step 4: Rinse with Hot Water
Rinse the glass with hot water to remove as much of the white vinegar residue as possible - the glass should be squeaky clean, and crystal clear! Place glasses securely upside down on a drying rack to allow the excess water to drip.
Step 5: Dry and Polish the Wine Glasses
Drying wine glasses and polishing them with a lint-free towel is part of wine glass cleaning. This will protect your glass from stains and fingerprints, leaving a crystal clear finish on the glassy surface.
Take your microfiber polishing cloth, and polish the glass in circular motions. Using circular motions will prevent streaks on your glasses. Holding the glass using paper towels will help prevent your fingers from leaving prints on the cleaned glasses.
Tips On Maintaining Your Glass Stemware
Any wine enthusiast knows that wine tastes better when drank from crystal clean wine glasses, but these drinkwares can be difficult to maintain, especially as they gather fingerprints and hard water spots. Here are ways for you to maintain your wine glasses:
- Store your wine glasses bowl up. Storing your wine glasses right side up will help prevent you from chipping the rim of the glass.
- Do not stack wine glasses together. The stem of a wine glass is the most delicate part of the glass, which can break or shatter under heavy weights.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes. Glass easily shatters with sudden temperature changes, often from hot temperatures, to sudden ice-cold temperatures. Let your glass cool after washing wine glasses before adding your cold wine.
- Avoid hitting the rim of the glass - an activity often done in weddings and parties. Doing so can shatter or chip the rim of the glass.
- Avoid placing your glass in the freezer. While glass can withstand cold temperatures for short periods, prolonged storage in the freezer can cause glass to crack.
Keeping Your Home Clean
Keeping your home clean may sound like a chore, but with our professional cleaning services at Luce, home maintenance has never been more convenient! Upkeep your home, and enjoy your cozy wine nights in a completely clean space.
Need more cleaning tips? Check out our blog to learn how to clean different kitchen appliances and utensils!
