Whether you’re prepping a cocktail for a dinner party or winding down with a glass of wine at the end of the night, the last thing you need after spending time getting a drink is to serve it in stained, streaky, or otherwise dirty glassware.
Smudges, odors, stains, and residue can impact the flavor of said drink, even if you’re just serving water. And, as you might imagine, serving up cloudy glassware isn’t the greatest look—for both taste and sanitary reasons—while hosting.
We've got you covered with every tip you need for cleaning and caring for your glassware, including how to extend the life of each piece and ensure that every glass you pour into is crystal clear.
How to Clean Glassware
Just like plateware, most drinking glasses (including ours) can be cleaned either in the dishwasher or by hand. Here’s how to clean your glassware correctly and thoroughly using each method.
By Hand
While the dishwasher is certainly convenient, some glassware items are too delicate to be used in the dishwasher. When hand washing glassware, use a microfiber cloth, soft sponge, or other non-abrasive material to carefully clean each item, along with dish soap or a specialized glassware cleaner.
Step 1: Prepare the Area
Make sure your sink is clear of other delicate items and sharp objects, and be sure to have your cleaning tool and dish soap or detergent of choice nearby.
Step 2: Clean and Rinse
Carefully clean the glass using hot water and the microfiber cloth. Then, rinse thoroughly to ensure all of the detergent or dish soap is completely removed from the glass—the last thing you want on clean glassware is soap scum.
Step 3: Dry
Dry the glass immediately with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent water stains. Store the glass immediately.
In the Dishwasher
While delicate items, like your inherited 100 year-old pure crystal stemware that's reserved for special occasions only typically need to be hand washed, glassware you're using on the daily can go in the dishwasher.
Each piece in our Glassware Collection can be run through the dishwasher, and our Wine Glasses in particular are built for it—they looked good as new, even after being tested in over 1500 cycles in a household dishwasher.
Step 1: Load Glassware into the Glass Rack
While loading your glassware into the dishwasher, make sure all items are placed in the glass rack (usually on the top rack). This ensures that your glassware avoids contact with sharp objects like knives, forks, or utensils.
Step 2: Run the Dishwasher
Set the dishwasher to your desired setting, and run until completely cool.
Step 3: Dry and Store
Remove your glassware from the dishwasher. Be sure to wipe any remaining water from each item with a microfiber cloth to avoid water stains. Store each item immediately.
How to Care for Your Glassware
While proper cleaning of your glassware is important for both the longevity of each item as well as its functionality, the way you store and otherwise care for your glassware is equally as important. Here's what else you need to know.
Store Correctly
Store your glasses in a clean, dry, cabinet or shelf that ensures that the rims of each glass don’t come in contact with other objects. To avoid getting a mouthful of dust with your wine, store glasses upside down.
Avoid Extreme Temperature Shifts
To ensure that your glassware doesn’t crack through extreme shifts in temperature, avoid sudden temperature shifts—like from the freezer to hot water.
If you chill your glasses prior to serving a beverage, let it come to room temperature again before cleaning it in warm water.
Never Scoop Ice With Glassware
While it may be tempting, never scoop ice with a glass. Scooping ice directly with your glass increases the risk of a chipped glass at best and a bleeding hand at worst (plus needing to toss out everything in your ice drawer). Instead, use a designated ice scoop or scoop it by hand.
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Now that you know how to properly care for your Glassware, you’ll never again pour yourself wine in a cloudy glass, or have guests politely exchange their glasses for something without prominent water stains. For additional Glassware needs, be sure to check out our sets, fit for any occasion or beverage.
