A lot of us are fans of having a sip of wine with our meals. It’s classy and tasteful, and goes with plenty of different foods. But whether you’re serving Merlot or Chardonnay, there are few things worse than using cloudy wine glasses.
It’s daunting to clean wine glasses – they feel so delicate and breakable. (Well, they are.) But so long as you handle them gently, you’ll be fine! Clean wine glasses by first removing the wine stain, then washing with warm water and dish soap. Wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Ready to wine and dine? This is your guide to cleaning wine glasses so that they sparkle the next time you serve up a glass – or have one for yourself!
Stemmed vs Stemless Wine Glasses
When people say ‘wine glasses,’ the usual stemware comes to mind. Stemmed wine glasses have an elegant look, evoking a glamorous party or a dressy dinner. But there are also stemless glasses, which feel more casual and cosy.
The stemmed version is better for chilled wines, since you avoid your warm palm coming into contact with the bowl directly. Meanwhile, stemless glasses let your body heat gently warm the wine inside.
In the end, it’s down to the type of wine you want to serve and the aesthetic that you prefer. Choose your wine glass brands wisely and be careful when you clean them!
Cleaning Wine Glasses
Be careful – wet glass is slippery, and you could easily drop one or two while cleaning. Hold it firmly by the bowl for safety. Then begin cleaning.
How to clean wine glasses:
- Empty any leftover wine into the sink.
- Pour some warm water into the bottom of the bowl and swirl to remove any wine stains.
- Spot clean wine glasses with white vinegar to remove smudges from lipstick or gloss.
- Wet the glass inside and out.
- Use a soft-bristled bottle brush dipped in soapy water to clean the inside.
- Rinse glasses with hot water.
TIP: You can remove stubborn stains with a combination of baking soda and white vinegar. Mix equal parts in the wine glass bowl and let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and wash as usual.
Also, if you’re having your house professionally cleaned after a party, you can leave specific instructions for your wine glasses!
How to Dry Wine Glasses
You can air dry wine glasses, but it’s not recommended since it could leave water spots on the surface. Instead, dry them with a lint-free towel (such as a microfibre cloth) and wipe gently.
Finish things off by using a microfibre polishing cloth to get your glasses sparkling clean with no streaks. You can spritz a little vinegar before buffing for extra shine. Then secure glasses on the wine rack.
Can You Clean Wine Glasses in the Dishwasher?
Ideally, no – especially for stemware. It may seem like easy wine glass cleaning, but you risk damaging the glasses themselves. Unlike hand washing, you can’t control the strength of your machine.
Now if your glasses are specifically dishwasher safe (especially stemless ones), then make sure that you place glasses securely upside down on the top rack. Don’t let them touch dishes or other glasses to prevent scratches.
Rinse each glass to remove the wine stain before placing them in the dishwasher.
You can use dish soap or dish detergent for the wash cycle, but avoid using too much since it could leave a soapy residue on the glass surface. To keep the glass clean, use a gentle detergent and a rinse aid. Then choose the air dry setting or gently wipe with a microfibre cloth.
Wine Glass Cleaning Tips
Do not hold a glass by the stem and twist. Always cup the bowl and gently rotate the glass. You could torque and snap the delicate stems.
If your glass has water spots, hold it over some hot water so that the bowl steams up. The moisture will help you wipe the spots off.
Be mindful of the most delicate parts, namely the stem and the rim. Use very gentle pressure when wiping so you don’t chip or break anything by accident.
Learning how to clean wine glasses may feel daunting, but with practice, you’ll become a pro. Then you’ll have crystal clear glassware to enjoy your next drink in. Don’t forget to raise a toast to yourself for a cleaning job well done!
