Nothing will make your restaurant or hotel look more inviting than a table that is set with stunning bar crystal glassware – as long as it’s looking it’s very best, of course. Many people are loath to invest in glassware for their premises because they are worried about it becoming damaged during cleaning. The good news is that it’s not as difficult as you think. In this article, we have covered our tips for cleaning crystal efficiently and without the risk of damage.
Washing
Crystal glassware should never be placed into the dishwasher, as the high heat and harsh detergents pose a real risk of damage. Instead, you will need to wash them by hand. Line the bottom of the sink with a dishtowel or two, then fill it with warm water and a mild dishwashing detergent. Only wash one item at a time to avoid clinking them together. Rinse each item in a solution of 3 parts warm water and 1 part vinegar, then dry with a soft cotton cloth.
‘Sick’ Glass
If your glassware has become cloudy, it could indicate that it has become ‘sick’ or is rife with calcium and mineral deposits. Stains that appear thin, milky and white are usually an indication of calcium deposits – these can be removed by soaking in vinegar. Similar stains that are comprised of millions of miniature fissures upon closer examination are an indication of true ‘sick’ glass. If this has occurred to your crystal, there is nothing to rectify the cloudiness.
Storage
Once you have finished cleaning your bar crystal glassware, it is important that you store it properly to maintain its cleanliness and prevent damage. Stemware should always be stored upright, as the edges are delicate and no unnecessary stress should be placed on them. You should also ensure that every item has a ring of space around it (a centimetre tends to be sufficient) to prevent them from rubbing up against each other (this can cause scratches).
We have also compiled some tips for cleaning specific glassware items:
Glasses – To remove hard water deposits, warm two cups of white vinegar in the microwave and pour them into a plastic basin. Place the glasses, on the sides, into the basin and soak them for around three minutes. To finish, rinse them in clear water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Decanters and Vases – To clean anything with a narrow neck, fill the item halfway with very warm water. Then, squirt in a little dishwashing liquid and add two tablespoons of ammonia. Add in half a cup of uncooked ride and swirl (to scrub the sides). Rinse and drip dry.
Candleholders – To soften stuck-on wax, immerse the holders in a basin of hot water for a few minutes. Peel off whatever wax you can and then use a delicate scrubber to remove any leftover bits from the crevices. You could also pop the holders in the freezer for a few hours instead.
We hope that you have found the above tips and instructions useful in learning how to properly clean your bar crystal glassware. If you run a prestigious hotel or restaurant, we understand that you want your tables to look their best but we also understand that you are concerned with damaging your expensive glassware. Never be worried to use your expensive crystal again by teaching your staff how to properly handle and clean it.
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