Cheers! Crystal-Clear Advice on Caring for Your Glassware
Drink a toast to Christmas and good times with gleaming glassware that you'll be proud to show off
“Wine is sunlight held together by water,” declared Italian philosopher-astronomer Galileo Galilei. Surely such an exquisite drop deserves to be sipped from glasses just as beautiful. Get yours ready for their close-up in time for Christmas, and keep them sparkling year round, with these practical tips.
Crystal gazing
Glass has been made for many centuries, but a discovery in the 17th century of how the addition of lead oxide transformed glass was a turning point. It became possible to make finer, clearer, stronger glass that could be more easily cut and etched – this was called lead crystal.
Glass has been made for many centuries, but a discovery in the 17th century of how the addition of lead oxide transformed glass was a turning point. It became possible to make finer, clearer, stronger glass that could be more easily cut and etched – this was called lead crystal.
The lead question
Are lead crystal glasses safe? “Occasional use of leaded crystal will not expose you to large amounts of lead, unless liquids have been stored in a leaded crystal container,” advises the Australian Government Department of Environment and Energy. While small amounts of lead eventually leach from crystal, the time wine stays in a glass is far too short for this to occur. Decanters should be emptied after use and not left containing wines and liqueurs.
Are lead crystal glasses safe? “Occasional use of leaded crystal will not expose you to large amounts of lead, unless liquids have been stored in a leaded crystal container,” advises the Australian Government Department of Environment and Energy. While small amounts of lead eventually leach from crystal, the time wine stays in a glass is far too short for this to occur. Decanters should be emptied after use and not left containing wines and liqueurs.
The unmatched clarity and refractive qualities of lead crystal demand care to stay pristine. Follow these tips from crystal specialist Waterford:
- Hand-wash crystal glassware one piece at a time in moderately hot water with mild detergent. Wash in a plastic container rather than in a sink, which may be made of a hard material that can damage glassware.
- Avoid temperature fluctuations. Never pour icy cold liquid into a warm just-washed glass or hot liquid into chilled crystal.
- Rinse well and air- or hand-dry with a lint-free cloth, holding glass by the bowl. Be careful not to twist the stem and bowl in opposite directions when you’re drying.
A twist on classic crystal
Between lead crystal and everyday stemware is a glass with the best of both – lead-free crystal. In response to today’s lifestyles, many glass makers are producing high-quality glass with the lead substituted with other ingredients. It looks great and (oh joy!) happily goes in the dishwasher. Even some traditional lead crystal makers are entering this market. It is usually labelled crystal glass, crystallin or crystalline glass.
See more beautiful dining rooms
Between lead crystal and everyday stemware is a glass with the best of both – lead-free crystal. In response to today’s lifestyles, many glass makers are producing high-quality glass with the lead substituted with other ingredients. It looks great and (oh joy!) happily goes in the dishwasher. Even some traditional lead crystal makers are entering this market. It is usually labelled crystal glass, crystallin or crystalline glass.
See more beautiful dining rooms
How to use the dishwasher safely
Mark Protheroe, The Age Food Guide 2014 Sommelier of the Year, suggests wiping the worst-off rims before popping in the dishwasher to prevent proteins ‘cooking’ onto the glass, and recommends air-drying when possible. Although Waterford sticks by hand-washing for its lead crystal, it offers these tips for safe dishwashing:
Mark Protheroe, The Age Food Guide 2014 Sommelier of the Year, suggests wiping the worst-off rims before popping in the dishwasher to prevent proteins ‘cooking’ onto the glass, and recommends air-drying when possible. Although Waterford sticks by hand-washing for its lead crystal, it offers these tips for safe dishwashing:
- Use ‘crystal and china’ setting if available, or a low-temperature cycle.
- Lower the top rack to accommodate stems comfortably.
- Space items so that none touch each other to avoid cracking or chipping from vibrations.
- Use half the recommended amount of dishwashing detergent.
- Hand polish when dry if spots occur.
Glass for every day
Although everyday glassware works hard, it doesn’t need to look unloved. Basic care such as not over-stacking the dishwasher, avoiding ultra-long, ultra-hot wash cycles, and keeping rinse-aid topped up to speed drying and prevent water spots, slows deterioration. Even with care, poor-quality glass soon shows wear – mid-priced glassware is a better investment.
Although everyday glassware works hard, it doesn’t need to look unloved. Basic care such as not over-stacking the dishwasher, avoiding ultra-long, ultra-hot wash cycles, and keeping rinse-aid topped up to speed drying and prevent water spots, slows deterioration. Even with care, poor-quality glass soon shows wear – mid-priced glassware is a better investment.
Frequently washed glasses may develop a foggy film over time, mainly from corrosion and hard water. Rub a milky glass with white vinegar. If the film disappears, it’s a hard-water issue. If not, it’s irreversible corrosion. Both can be delayed with low-temperature, shorter wash cycles and using a detergent containing a glass protector.
Hard-water deposits, such as limescale, can be removed with a soft sponge moistened with white vinegar.
Twinkle, Twinkle: How to Put Sparkle Into Your Silverware
Hard-water deposits, such as limescale, can be removed with a soft sponge moistened with white vinegar.
Twinkle, Twinkle: How to Put Sparkle Into Your Silverware
Champagne flutes
Keep long-stemmed crystal flutes well clear of the rigours of the dishwasher. Hand-wash using a gentle foam-tipped dish brush or baby bottle brush. Wash one at a time in a plastic container and rinse thoroughly as detergent residue can flatten the bubbles in sparkling wine. Dry flutes very gently with a dedicated cloth and avoid twisting the stem.
Keep long-stemmed crystal flutes well clear of the rigours of the dishwasher. Hand-wash using a gentle foam-tipped dish brush or baby bottle brush. Wash one at a time in a plastic container and rinse thoroughly as detergent residue can flatten the bubbles in sparkling wine. Dry flutes very gently with a dedicated cloth and avoid twisting the stem.
Bursting bubbles
Bubbles are an integral part of an icy cold one. Beer buffs demand a ‘beer clean’ glass, which maintains a foamy head that clings attractively to the sides of the glass. Home brew experts Brewers Choice recommend using no detergent at all or a specialised soapless beer-glass detergent. Fussy drinkers hand-wash, or dishwash glasses separately from the family’s dishes, with hot water and no detergent. Even a drying cloth with traces of fabric softener is verboten to the beer buff.
Bubbles are an integral part of an icy cold one. Beer buffs demand a ‘beer clean’ glass, which maintains a foamy head that clings attractively to the sides of the glass. Home brew experts Brewers Choice recommend using no detergent at all or a specialised soapless beer-glass detergent. Fussy drinkers hand-wash, or dishwash glasses separately from the family’s dishes, with hot water and no detergent. Even a drying cloth with traces of fabric softener is verboten to the beer buff.
Glasses with bling
Applied metal elements and transfers won’t last long in the dishwasher, where abrasive detergents will dim their lustre or remove the embellishment altogether. Some premium glassware has real gold rims or details, and should be treated with kid gloves. Maintain the luxurious lustre with gentle hand-washing and limit its use to special occasions.
Cheers to That! A Buyer’s Guide to Glassware
Applied metal elements and transfers won’t last long in the dishwasher, where abrasive detergents will dim their lustre or remove the embellishment altogether. Some premium glassware has real gold rims or details, and should be treated with kid gloves. Maintain the luxurious lustre with gentle hand-washing and limit its use to special occasions.
Cheers to That! A Buyer’s Guide to Glassware
Decanter dilemma
Narrow-necked decanters can develop dried residue from red wine and sticky liqueurs. A cup or two of warm soapy water and a handful of raw rice, swirled vigorously, removes most stains. Rinse well.
Some liquor outlets sell reusable decanter cleaning beads, decanter drying stands and purpose-made brushes for drying hard-to-reach corners. A wad of kitchen paper left in the decanter overnight absorbs most of the moisture. Remove the stopper before storing.
Narrow-necked decanters can develop dried residue from red wine and sticky liqueurs. A cup or two of warm soapy water and a handful of raw rice, swirled vigorously, removes most stains. Rinse well.
Some liquor outlets sell reusable decanter cleaning beads, decanter drying stands and purpose-made brushes for drying hard-to-reach corners. A wad of kitchen paper left in the decanter overnight absorbs most of the moisture. Remove the stopper before storing.
Put it away
Hanging glasses upside down in custom-built slots takes up space, but is the best way to protect rims, which are the weakest part of a glass. Alternatively, store upright on a shelf leaving space clear between each glass. Dust and a fine film from cooking fumes will dim their lustre after a while, so a closed cupboard is best. Be aware though – Protheroe warns that storing glasses upside down on a timber, rubber or lead surface may trap odours in the glass and affect the taste of a cherished vintage wine.
Lead crystal should be stored away from scented candles as it is more porous than other glassware. When you buy good boxed glassware, keep the boxes for safe storage.
Hanging glasses upside down in custom-built slots takes up space, but is the best way to protect rims, which are the weakest part of a glass. Alternatively, store upright on a shelf leaving space clear between each glass. Dust and a fine film from cooking fumes will dim their lustre after a while, so a closed cupboard is best. Be aware though – Protheroe warns that storing glasses upside down on a timber, rubber or lead surface may trap odours in the glass and affect the taste of a cherished vintage wine.
Lead crystal should be stored away from scented candles as it is more porous than other glassware. When you buy good boxed glassware, keep the boxes for safe storage.
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Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like, share or bookmark this story. Join the conversation.
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The sight of a table dressed in its festive best fills us with a pleasant sense of anticipation – fabulous food and fun with family and friends lie ahead. Spotless glassware and gleaming cutlery under candlelight help set the scene for a celebration, so make it a gala occasion with tableware that looks fabulous. The right care for your glassware ensures it won’t let you down when the party starts.