Clean Crystal
Crystal gathers dust. Whether on display or in storage, crystal needs to be cleaned using a specific method. Crystal on display should sparkle, and crystal used for dining or drinking should be cleaned before and after use. It helps to know how to clean crystal of various kinds in order to keep your crystal preserved properly.
Contents
Steps
Decorative Crystal
- Wipe decorative crystal objects, such as chandeliers, figurines, pendants, lamps, picture frames, bookends, etc. with a soft, lint-free cloth dampened in a warm water solution of mild detergent and white vinegar.
- The warm water solution is a mixture of 1 oz. (0.113652 metric cup) mild detergent and 1/4 cup (0.028413 metric cup) of white vinegar because white vinegar will add shine to the crystal.
- Lint-free cloths are absorbent without leaving behind lint or streaks on your crystal.
- Wash decorative crystal containers with wide openings, such as some vases or bowls, before and after each use.
- Fill the item with the warm water solution.
- Use a baby's bottle brush to move a sponge or soft cloth around the inside of the item.
- Empty and rinse with clear warm water.
- Wash decorative containers with narrow openings, such as decanters or bottles, with the warm water mixture.
- Fill the container half full.
- Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup (0.028413 to 0.056826 metric cup) of dry white rice or crushed egg shells to the container.
- Shake the item vigorously so that the water and rice mixture sloshes around in order to clean the insides of the container.
- Empty the item and rinse with clean warm water.
Fine Stemware and Dinner Ware
- Hand wash fine crystal because dishwashers and detergents can be abrasive and damaging.
- Line the bottom of the sink with paper towels or a soft towel to prevent damage.
- Prepare a warm water mix of 1 oz. (0.113652 metric cup) mild detergent and 1/4 cup (0.028413 metric cup) of white vinegar.
- Wash each piece separately with the solution to avoid damaging contact between items.
- Rinse in clean water.
- Dry with a lint-free cloth to avoid spots left by air-drying.
- Store the dried crystal in its original packaging or right side up in a cabinet away from everyday use to avoid contact damage.
Tips
- Fill the crystal with warm water and add a tablet of effervescent denture cleaner to eliminate gray deposits on glass.
- Handle fine drinking crystal by the bowl and not by the stem or foot to avoid breaking the stem.
- Ammonia can add luster to crystal, but it is also corrosive in large quantities. Substitute 1/4 cup (0.028413 metric cup) of clear ammonia for the white vinegar.
- Some crystal is etched with language or artistic designs; use a toothbrush dipped in the warm water mixture to brush dust and dirt out of the etchings.
Warnings
- Crystal that is edged with gold, silver, other gilding, or with paint should not be allowed to soak in the warm water mixture. Wash each item with a cloth or sponge dampened with the warm water mixture.
- Hold larger pieces in a dry towel in the hand you are not using to clean the item. Wet hands may let the crystal slip.
- Wash the crystal when it is at room temperature because fine crystal is fragile and temperature sensitive to sharp changes in hot or cold water.
Things You'll Need
- White vinegar or clear household ammonia
- Clear mild liquid dish soap
- Sponge
- Paper towels
- Lint-free cloths
- Bottle brush and toothbrush
- Measuring cup
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