How to Clean Crystal Glasses

Before you start

• Line the basin with a towel: spread a soft towel in the bottom of the sink or basin; crystal can break if it knocks against a hard surface.
• Take off rings: rings and bracelets can scratch crystal.
• Keep the water lukewarm: hot water and sudden temperature changes can crack crystal.
• Wash one at a time: do not stack glasses or let them knock against each other.

How to clean crystal glasses: step by step

• Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a little TETİK Dishwashing Liquid.
• Wipe the glass inside and out with a soft sponge or cloth; use a soft bottle brush for narrow-mouthed glasses.
• Rinse the glass with plenty of lukewarm water until no detergent remains.
• Let the glass drain briefly upside down.
• Before the water drops dry, dry the glass with a lint-free microfibre or linen cloth.

How to clean crystal wine glasses

The most fragile part of a crystal wine glass is its thin stem and the point where the stem meets the bowl. When washing and drying, hold the glass by the bowl, not the stem, and do not twist the stem and bowl in opposite directions. Wipe the inside with lukewarm water, a little dishwashing liquid and a soft cloth, rinse with plenty of water and dry it with a lint-free cloth while holding it by the bowl. The rim of the glass is thin; do not press the drying cloth against it.

Can crystal glasses go in the dishwasher?

Wash crystal glasses and stemware in the dishwasher only if the manufacturer allows it. Crystal washed in the dishwasher can become dull over time and develop fine scratches and a haze, and thin stemware can break by knocking together inside the machine. If the manufacturer allows it, place the glasses in the top basket so they do not touch, choose a short or gentle programme and a low temperature, and when the cycle ends open the door and dry the glasses straight away.

Lipstick, wine marks and cloudy crystal

• Remove lipstick and wine marks promptly with lukewarm water and a little dishwashing liquid; dried marks are harder to remove.
• White rings and haze usually come from limescale in the water or from wear left on the surface by dishwasher washing, and may not always come off completely.
• Do not use limescale remover or hydrochloric acid on crystal.
• For haze on everyday glasses: how to make glasses sparkle.
• For crystal vases: how to clean a vase.

Drying, polishing and storage

• Dry crystal with a lint-free cloth right after washing; glasses left to air-dry get water marks.
• To polish, wipe the glass with a clean, dry microfibre cloth without pressing.
• Store glasses upright, not touching each other, in a dust-free cupboard.
• For crystal chandeliers: how to clean a chandelier.

What not to do

• Washing crystal in hot water or plunging it into cold water while hot.
• Washing crystal in the dishwasher without the manufacturer's approval.
• Using steel wool, abrasive powder, limescale remover or hydrochloric acid on crystal.
• Holding a wine glass by the stem and twisting it.
• Storing glasses nested inside each other.

For restaurants, hotels and bars

In restaurants, hotels and bars, crystal stemware and glasses are used often and are prone to breakage; washing crystal by hand separately from other dishes, drying stemware while holding it by the bowl and storing it on hanging racks or upright make for a consistent routine. For a product list, see our guide restaurant cleaning supplies. TETİK Dishwashing Liquid is produced in 750 g, 5 kg, 20 kg and 30 kg packs; for bulk purchases you can request a quote.