Glassware requires the proper care and cleaning to remain crystal clear. Dishwashers are convenient, but they can cause damage to glass. If you have cloudy glasses, you know exactly how damaging your dishwasher is.
In many cases you can use a few simple techniques to safely remove the cloudy haze from your glassware. However, keep in mind that prevention saves you time and money in the long run. Use these glassware cleaning tips to keep you glasses shining.
1. Wash with cautionCarefully washing your glassware protects it from hazing, breaking, chipping, and scratching. According to this
tutorial, you may be able to place durable glassware in the dishwasher,
if you use the delicate cycle and skip the heated drying. For hand washing, stick with hot water and a minimum of dish soap.
If your glasses become cloudy despite precautions, there are many different methods available to eliminate the haze. Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon are popular cleaning solutions for cloudy glasses.
2. Remove hard water stainsDecanters, glasses, and vases can all develop hard water stains. This white residue appears only on the inside of the glassware. Elle Décor recommends using a warm vinegar bath to dissolve hard water stains.
You can also use ammonia, dish washing liquid and uncooked white rice to clean oddly shaped or small necked vessels. You follow
this recipe, fill the glassware, and then swirl the glassware several times. The rice works as a scrubber for you.
3. Use vinegar to get rid of the cloudThat cloudy haze on the outside of your glassware happens in your dishwasher. The combination of drying agents and heat creates a harsh environment. You can reduce it using the
Simple and Seasonal method of soaking in water and vinegar.
To prevent new stains from reappearing, the blog recommends using high-quality dishwasher soap, a rinsing agent, and the air dry setting.
4. Use the magic cleaning solutionThe combination of dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda isn't just for cleaning your shower. Life of Sugar and Spice found out it is an excellent solution to clean cloudy glasses. Although it takes a bit of soaking, you won't have to scrub your glasses to get them shiny new. Follow the directions
here to clean your glassware.
5. Start brushing your glassSometimes vinegar will work for a bit, but the haze reappears despite all the best precautions. For stubborn glassware stains,
Curbly recommends using toothpaste and a toothbrush. You don't need to purchase expensive toothpaste, the inexpensive Dollar Store version works just fine.
6. Get tough Serious clouding requires a serious solution. The V Spot had previously used Barkeeper's Friend scouring powder to restore her white plates. When she couldn't get her glassware nice and clear, she though she'd give the scouring powder a try. She used a soft sponge and gently rubbed the glass until it was clear again.
7. Eliminate the greaseIt may be your glasses are nice and clear, but your glass bakeware is a disaster. Pyrex easily becomes crusted with brown edges from burnt-on grease. Even baking soda refuses to cut through the grime without serious scrubbing. Tasteful Space discovered the perfect solution -- the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
A gentle scrubbing with a damp eraser is all it takes to return a Pyrex glass baking dish to its former glory. Rachael was able to clean a 8x8 square in 5 minutes.
Knowing how to properly care for your glassware allows you to be prepared with clean, clear glassware at any moment. Use these tips to extend the life of your glassware, then share with your friends and family on Facebook!
