Washing wine glasses can be a nerve-wracking endeavor: One wrong move and disaster can strike. No one wants an accident in the kitchen, particularly not one involving glass. The good news is that there are easy ways to safely wash wine glasses by hand and leave them sparkling clean.
While washing delicate wine glasses by hand is the best choice, many glass and plastic wine glasses can be washed in the dishwasher. This guide covers how to properly load glasses to avoid breakage, which dishwasher settings to use, and tips for ensuring wine glasses come out spot-free.
Tips for Washing Wine Glasses by Hand
Washing wine glasses by hand is the ideal way to clean them, even if they are dishwasher-safe. Following these instructions will help you get the job done right, while avoiding the accidents that can happen when delicate glassware meets slippery soap and slick wet hands.
Line the Sink with a Towel
To prevent breakage, chipping, and other damage when washing glass or crystal wine glasses by hand, line the basin of the sink with a dishcloth to provide padding and help protect shatter-prone glass from breaking.
Wash Wine Glasses in an Empty Sink
When hand-washing items like wine glasses that are easily broken, work in an empty sink to eliminate the chance of damage caused by two pieces hitting each other. Place dirty wine glasses on one side of the sink, and designate another space to place them on a clean, dry towel once they've been washed and rinsed.
Hold the Glass by the Bowl
When washing stemmed wine glasses, hold them by the bowl for a secure grip that will help to prevent accidental breakage.
Wash with Mild Soap and Warm Water
Delicate wine glasses are sensitive to temperature and should be washed in warm water; avoid the use of overly hot water. Additionally, take care not to use more soap than necessary, as soap residue will leave wine glasses looking dull and feeling sticky. Rinse wine glasses well after washing to ensure soap residue doesn't linger.
Avoid Abrasive Sponges and Cleaning Agents
Abrasive sponges or brushes can scratch glass or crystal, leaving etching that creates a dull appearance. Similarly, cleaning agents that contain abrasives, such as The Pink Stuff, should not be used to clean delicate wine glasses or crystal pieces.
Use a Bottle Brush to Clean Hard-to-Reach Buildup
Use a soft bristle bottle brush to wash out buildup or scrub stains in high-walled wine glasses and champagne flutes. Don't have a bottle brush on hand? Grab a fork, chopstick, or skewer, wrap it in a microfiber cloth, and use it to agitate any buildup clinging to the bottom of the glass.
To prevent stains from buildup from forming, rinse wine glasses with warm water before placing them near the sink to be washed. That way, if you're not able to get to washing them right away, you'll at least protect them from developing deep stains.
Sources:
- All photos used in this blogpost are sourced from the internet, and the rights belong to their respective owners
- Kerr, J. (2024a, December 24). How to clean wine glasses (Without breaking them!). Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/how-to-clean-wine-glasses-8758168