To make the crystal shine. How to wash crystal to make it shine? How to wash crystal

During use, crystal glassware gradually becomes covered with a coating of lime from water, fat, soot or dust (during storage). Washing the decanter and returning the bright shine and transparency to vases, glasses or salad bowls can sometimes be quite difficult. In these cases, you have to use special care products. There are many folk recipes and modern drugs that can help the housewife and make this difficult task easier for her.

Chemicals for cleaning crystal

When solving the problem of how to wash crystal again, you must first determine the origin of the plaque. In hardware stores it is easy to find a remedy for lime deposits, grease film, etc.

Glass cleaner

Glass liquid contains reagents that help easily remove dust, soot, and oily films. They are not very effective at removing heavy soiling and limescale deposits (for example, in a flower vase). The main advantage of using such preparations is the return of bright shine to dishes that are not too dirty.

To clean crystal in this way, you need to do the following:

1. The container must be washed in advance to remove food debris, dust and other surface contaminants. Wipe and dry.
2. The bottle with the product is most often equipped with a sprayer. The nozzle of the device must be set to the spray position.
3. Prepare a rag that does not leave lint and absorbs moisture well (special cleaning napkins, soft natural fabric, etc.).
4. Spray a little product on the outside and inside of the dishes, wipe with a napkin until the liquid dries and polish the crystal until shiny.

A number of glass cleaning products have antistatic additives, and the product will not attract dust. If the container is for food use, it will need to be rinsed and wiped before using for serving.

Dishwashing liquid

Crystal glassware contaminated with old fat deposits (due to poor washing or as a result of grease splashes) loses its luster, becomes cloudy, and sometimes acquires a yellow tint. Such stains cannot be removed by simple washing.

Pour dish soap (Fairy, Sorti, analogues) into warm water (about 3-4 drops per 3 liters). Leave the contaminated crystal container in the solution for several hours, and then wipe off the softened film. You can use the hard side of a dish sponge for this.

Rinse the washed product, wipe dry and polish with a cloth.

How to clean crystal with a special liquid?

Crystal cleaning liquid (VIK NK crystal, Bohemia, etc.) contains ammonia. When using a cleaning product, any surface contaminants are effectively removed, and the product becomes shiny. The products must be used in accordance with the instructions. After this, the container must be wiped dry so that there are no streaks left. The liquid is suitable for cleaning a glass decanter or narrow vase from lime deposits.

Limescale remover gel

Special products for cleaning tiles and other surfaces from lime can also help clean a crystal vase from white deposits: Komet, Domestos, Sif, etc. Do not use hard abrasives to clean crystal. It is better to choose gel cleaners and use them according to the instructions to avoid scratching the polished crystal edges.

How to clean a crystal vase using folk remedies?

When hardware stores did not yet have a wide range of cleaning chemicals, difficult stains on crystal were cleaned with improvised means. To remove lime and grease, substances were used that could quickly dissolve them.

Cleansing with vinegar

The acidic environment created by vinegar is good at corroding layers of lime salts on the walls of water containers. To prepare the working solution, take 2 tbsp. l. table vinegar for every 1 liter of water. The product should be poured into a vase or decanter, left for 10-50 minutes, and then wipe off the remaining limescale. Rinse the outside of the container with the same solution, and then wipe and polish it until it shines.

The smell of vinegar is not permanent, it will disappear over time, but before using the container for food purposes, you can rinse it with clean water with the addition of lemon zest.

How to clean with chalk?

Chalk will help restore the shine to cloudy dishes and wash crystal from grease film. It is best to use a ground, powdered product. You can buy it at a hardware store (available in 0.5-1 kg packs). If ready-made powder is not available, grind and sift the white school chalk. It is important that the powder does not contain large solid particles.

The dishes are washed, and then a little powder is taken on a rag, moistened with water and brought to a thick paste. Rub the inside, where there is often limescale deposits. The outer edges are polished with the same mass. After this, the container must be thoroughly rinsed and wiped dry to remove any remaining chalk.

Soda for cleaning a crystal vase

A powder that is more accessible at home, baking soda, has the same mild abrasive properties as chalk. It is used in the same way:

• make a paste;
• apply it to clean dishes;
• wipe the surfaces, trying to remove white deposits or film of grease.

To remove old grease stains, you can make a soap-soda solution from 50 g of soap shavings and 2-3 tbsp. l of soda per 1 l of water. If you soak the product in it, it will be easier to wash off the yellow coating.

Ammonia

To prepare the solution, use 1 tbsp. l. ammonia (pharmaceutical) per 1 liter of warm water. The washed dishes should be placed in a warm solution for 10-20 minutes. After this, rinse the crystal and dry it or wipe it dry.

Starch

Starch grains are a gentle abrasive. It will not be able to remove heavy deposits from the inside of a flower vase, but it will cope well with the problem of a tarnished surface. The powder should be moistened with water and the vase should be polished for several minutes. To remove the starch itself, rinse the container well and wipe dry.

How to clean a decanter with a narrow neck?

The inside of a decanter or vase with a narrow neck can be cleaned using simple means that are used to remove any limescale deposits:

• effervescent agent for dentures (Rox, Corega, Lakalut, etc.);
• Coca-Cola or other drink with phosphoric acid;
• vinegar solution;
• water with the addition of citric acid (1 tbsp per 1 liter).

The liquid is poured into a carafe and left for several hours. After this, the softened plaque can be washed off with a brush, and if the layer was not too thick, then a simple rinse with clean water is enough.

Proper care of crystal

To ensure that crystal products do not lose their shine or become covered with a dark or yellow coating, they must be looked after, cleaned of dust and grease deposits. Limescale deposits form inside containers where water sits for several days, but can also form after improper washing.

Rules for caring for crystal products are as follows:

1. To ensure that the surfaces of crystal dishes retain their shine, they should only be washed in warm water. The use of hot solutions not only leads to clouding of the crystal, but also to the appearance of cracks. To avoid the formation of a greasy film, it is better to use modern dishwashing detergents when washing.
2. You can prevent the formation of limescale by wiping the containers after each wash with a dry cloth. This will add shine and eliminate any water droplets.
3. Regular rinsing of products in water with blue (for linen) helps restore shine and transparency. After rinsing, the dishes are wiped dry.
4. Do not use dishwashers to clean crystal. The water temperature in them is too high: the polish will deteriorate, and the dried drops will leave a cloudy coating.

Even if the products are rarely used, they need to be cleaned at least 1-2 times a year. Cutlery is washed in compliance with all rules immediately after use, so that there is no need to scrub off a thin film of fatty substances.

Crystal is considered a sign of refined taste, luxury and celebration. No matter how fashion changes, even the most exquisite designer glass works will not replace crystal products. But in order to shine, crystal must be kept clean and properly cared for. It should be noted that caring for glass is many times easier than crystal requires. However, if you know how to wash crystal to make it shine, then such a secret will become your family heirloom, passed down from mother to daughter along with a collection of exquisite crystal products.

Read in this article:

Don't forget that crystal is easy to break

There are several simple but important rules which should be followed. In this section you will learn how to clean crystal without harming it. Despite its external density, crystal is a fairly fragile material that can be easily scratched or broken.

1. The first rule concerns the water temperature - the water should not be cold or hot. In hot or extremely cold water, crystal tends to tarnish and lose its strength, which can lead to cracks.
2. Rule two - do not forget that crystal products are quite fragile and easy to break, so a soft cloth, preferably a towel, should be placed at the bottom of the vessel in which you wash the crystal.
3. Rule three applies to crystal glasses - when washing, try to hold the product by the bottom. This way you can protect the product from accidentally falling.

Clean crystal from old stains and heavy dirt

Even if there are crystal products lurking on your shelf that are embarrassing to display due to severe contamination or old age, you should not write them off. The secret to cleaning crystal at home is quite simple.

Serious stains associated with long-term storage can be easily removed by briefly soaking the crystal in water and dishwashing detergent before washing it. The same goes for old wine stains left on a wine glass. When the dirt is washed off, rinse the product in a vinegar solution and wipe dry with a soft cloth. When wiping crystal, use a lint-free cloth.

If for some reason you do not use detergent, then you can use potato decoction to clean crystal from heavy contamination. Just soak the crystal in it for a while, and then wash it in warm water and vinegar and wipe dry. Instead of broth, you can use raw potatoes.

Achieve crystal shine

Another secret of a good housewife is how to wash crystal to make it shine. A good remedy is a solution of 1 tablespoon of vinegar and half a spoon of salt in one liter of water. This solution can be used both as a cleaning agent for crystal products and as a rinse. If there is a green residue left at the bottom of the crystal vase from the flowers, then a vinegar solution will easily remove it.

To achieve a crystal shine, regular alcohol will do a good job. Take a napkin (preferably flannel), soak it in alcohol and wipe the wine glasses, vases, glasses and any other crystal products. Then you should take a dry flannel napkin and wipe the product dry.

Regular starch can be an excellent cleaning agent for crystal. Before you begin cleaning activities, you should take a velvet napkin and apply a little starch to it, and then wipe the crystal product.

What not to do when cleaning crystal

It is important to know not only how to wash crystal correctly and easily, but also what should absolutely not be allowed during cleaning.

1. The first thing that is very important to remember relates to what to wash crystal with. Or rather, what you can’t even pick up when starting the cleansing process.
2. Second, before you start washing, wipe off the dust from the crystal product. Do not wash a crystal product that has dust on it. This way you can avoid the appearance of streaks on the product, and, accordingly, save time on additional rinsing.

Never use abrasive detergents or any products containing soda ash when cleaning crystal. Such products will damage the crystal. But washing in soapy water will cause the crystal to become dull.

Dazzling crystal chandelier

A crystal chandelier will decorate not only the high ceilings of private homes, but will also add luxury and classic charm to a small apartment. In addition to massive products, there are also small crystal chandeliers designed specifically for small rooms. The splendor of this product may fade due to dust. A crystal chandelier should be cleaned several times a year, at least twice. The cleaning process is not easy. Especially if the chandelier is decorated with many pendants.

You should start cleaning by brushing away any dust that has settled on the chandelier. The best tool for this purpose is a duster brush or a regular powder puff. Use the brush carefully so as not to break the pendants.

How to wash a collapsible chandelier

Next, prepare everything you need to wash the chandelier in advance: a bowl of water (don’t forget to place a soft towel at the bottom of the bowl), lint-free gloves (in order not to leave fingerprints on the crystal), a lint-free towel, a solution with vinegar and salt, and a regular detergent for dishes. If the design of the chandelier allows you to remove all the pendants and shades from it, then get to work. Carefully disassemble the chandelier and place it on a surface from which the parts cannot roll or fall. and start washing.

If the chandelier is not collapsible

In the case where the chandelier cannot be disassembled or is currently impossible to disassemble, you can clean it without removing it. To do this, you will need a reliable ladder and good physical fitness, since you will have to regularly go down the ladder and rearrange it. You should start washing from the very top edge and move in a circle. It is more convenient to use a lint-free glove during the washing process rather than just a rag. Wearing a glove will make it easier to reach even hard-to-reach places.

After the chandelier is washed, in order to add shine, you need to wipe it with ammonia and then with a dry cloth.

Modern reality makes it possible to simplify the process of washing any dishes by purchasing a dishwasher. Of course, this is true, but especially fragile products should not be trusted with rough equipment and should not be washed by hand. And of course, a dishwasher will not cope with all the subtleties of cleaning a crystal chandelier.

If you take care of crystal products and promptly clean them from dust and dirt, they can last not for years, but for centuries, and even claim to be a family heirloom.

In Soviet times, crystal dishes were in almost every home, and some still have them to this day. Today, luxury glass household items are also in demand among lovers of beauty and sophistication. However, they require special care, because over time they can become covered with a yellow coating that is difficult to remove.

Find out some simple ways and secrets on how and what to wash crystal glassware so that it shines like new.

How to clean crystal until it shines

The surface of crystal objects often has a complex relief pattern, which can be quite difficult to remove grease and other contaminants from. But even if you inherited a completely unsightly-looking vase or salad bowl, do not rush to classify it as unnecessary things or throw it in the trash. Take advantage of our simple tips about how to wash crystal to make it shine. Most of the funds that give good result, are quite affordable in price, and are available in the arsenal of any housewife.

Boiled potatoes

The use of this vegetable for cleaning yellowed surfaces is due to the high content of starch in its composition, which actively breaks down fat. In order to clean a salad bowl in this way, you should boil several peeled tubers, which can then be eaten, and the broth should be cooled.

Then the dishes are placed in the resulting liquid and left to soak for at least a quarter of an hour. If necessary, increase the time. Then you can remove acidified dirt from the surface with a regular damp sponge, without adding detergents.

This is interesting: There is another way to wash crystal using potatoes. The peeled raw tuber is grated, and the resulting mass is distributed over the glass. After five minutes, you can easily wipe off years of stains.

Dish detergent

The washing liquid or gel is dissolved in a small amount of hot water. The concentration of the substance must be high enough. In addition, you can add cleaning powder.

Dishes in such a complex composition should be soaked for at least half an hour. Fear of damage appearance It’s not worth it because of hot water - most crystal objects have quite thick walls that will not burst under the influence of high temperatures. The main thing is not to pour boiling water over them.

Afterwards, all that remains is to rinse the glass with enough cool running water and wash away any remaining soap suds.

Ammonia

You can restore the former shine to your favorite salad bowl with the help of ammonia. To do this, alcohol is combined in equal proportions with water and applied to the surface with a cotton pad. Before using the product, it is recommended to clean the crystal as much as possible from dust and other dirt.

Sea salt and table vinegar

If the question arises of how to wash your crystal from stubborn stains, then use one of the most effective products.

1. Dilute table vinegar and sea salt by eye (do not skimp on ingredients) in the required amount of water. To ensure that the components dissolve quickly, use warm liquid.
2. Soak the dishes in the resulting mixture and leave for a while. When the coating is gone, thoroughly rinse the items under running water.

Advice: If you don't have sea salt, use regular rock salt. On average, per liter of liquid you need to add a tablespoon of bulk ingredient, and the same amount of vinegar at a concentration of 9%.

How to get rid of yellowness

Before simply washing yellowed crystal, you need to prepare and use effective “homemade” cleaning compounds.

Tooth powder + blue

1. Combine a glass of water with the same amount of tooth powder (you can buy it inexpensively at almost any store) and add ½ teaspoon of blue. Mix thoroughly.
2. Spread the mixture over the contaminated areas on the crystal surface and leave for a while. Don't worry about the bluish tint, it won't leave marks on the material.
3. Wipe with a woolen cloth, removing the product along with the dirt.

Soap solution

The best option for washing glasses and glasses. To do this, you need to dilute the detergent in a basin with warm water, beat the solution into foam, and then place the dishes in the container.

After some time, the items are cleaned with a regular foam sponge, and then rinsed and polished with a soft cloth.

Hydrogen peroxide

You can wash crystal from yellowness in the following way:

1. Pour five liters of warm water (average temperature 30 degrees) into a basin or bucket, add one tablespoon of ammonia and three tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide.
2. Immerse the dishes in the solution for half an hour. Afterwards, remove any remaining stains with a cloth soaked in the same liquid, and then wipe the glass dry with a microfiber cloth.

How to clean a crystal vase

This item is most often difficult to clean from the inside of a white or marsh-colored coating. The first is formed by the evaporation of water and is of calcareous origin, the second appears after a long stay in a vessel.

Alcohol

Using alcohol or vodka, you can give the vase the shine of a new item. To do this, soak a soft cloth in the substance and wipe the contaminated surface.

To remove plaque inside the vase, fill it with a light alcohol solution and leave it for a while, then rinse it and, if possible, wipe it with a dry cloth.

Coca Cola

The aggressive properties of this carbonated drink are known to everyone, and therefore it is often used to combat all kinds of pollution.

To clean the inside of a crystal vase, just pour soda into it and leave it for a while. Afterwards all that remains is to rinse the product.

Soluble tablets for dentures

Original and effective method cleaning a flower vase. The only drawback is the long waiting period for results. To achieve this, you need to fill the container with warm water to the brim and add the drug. After eight hours, the vessel will again acquire an attractive appearance.

Important: required amount tablets increases in proportion to the size of the vase. So, for a small one you will need one piece, for a large one - three.

Knowing how to restore the shine of antique crystal glassware, you can update it, again with pride, with glasses and salad bowls made of luxurious glass. However, it is better not to wait for severe contamination, but to systematically care for crystal objects.

If there is crystal glassware in the house, then it is generally not used. Because these are luxurious and sophisticated items that require special care. But a long period of non-use also leaves its mark. How to wash crystal, thereby restoring its shine? This question worries many.

1. Cleaning crystal and restoring shine

In a container you need to mix 1 liter of water, 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 0.5 tbsp. spoon of salt. The crystal is immersed in the prepared solution and cleaned. Some places just need to be rinsed, and stubborn plaque should be gently rubbed with your fingertips. Products are rinsed and dried or dried. This solution is perfect for vases that have a dark coating on the inner walls from flowers

2. Cleaning crystal chandeliers

If there is a need to clean such interior items, then you should use special products. You should not remove the chandelier, thereby complicating the situation. Place newspaper, bags or rags under the cleaning area. The solution is carefully applied to all elements of the lamp, after which it flows off along with the dirt. At the end of cleaning, the chandelier is wiped down, residues are removed and shine and shine appear again.

3. If crystal things become cloudy

Cloudiness occurs most often due to prolonged non-use. To fix this problem, you need to soak the crystal in water and dishwashing detergent. The time is determined individually for each item and the degree of cloudiness. Afterwards, rinse with water and vinegar diluted in it. If this procedure does not help remove plaque from the bottom of the vase, then you will need another solution: vinegar and sea salt. This is poured into the vase for a few minutes. Then everything is thoroughly rinsed.

4. Plaque removal

If a light coating has formed on crystal glassware, especially vases, it can be removed using acetic, oxalic and citric acid. The solution must be gentle, but not weak, in order to cope with contamination. The liquid is poured into the vessel and left for 2-4 hours. Next, add a handful of any cereal, for example, buckwheat. And you need to shake everything carefully. If suddenly you don’t have cereal at home, then chopped carrots or potatoes are quite suitable, you can also use their peelings. The deposits after this procedure are cleared quickly, then the dishes are rinsed and wiped.

5. Potato decoction

Grandma’s method of cleaning crystal using potatoes almost never fails. A potato broth is prepared, which is poured into a bowl, or the crystal is soaked in it for about 15 minutes. Afterwards, the item is washed with dish soap, rinsed and wiped dry.

6. How to clean crystal

To clean crystal at home you will need the following products yourself:

• linen gloves;
• microfiber cloths;
• wool rag;
• paper towels;
• detergent;
• glass cleaner;
• alcohol;
• vinegar;
• sea ​​salt;
• fresh potatoes.

Crystal products must be wiped thoroughly. If such dishes are simply dried, then stains remain. Wearing gloves will help prevent fingerprints.

An impeccably clean and shining crystal vase or wine glasses can decorate any holiday table, but tarnished items lose their ceremonial charm. There are several ways to wash your crystal glassware and return it to its former shine and shine.

What you need to know before cleaning

At home, when starting cleaning, it would be correct to take into account some features of caring for dishes made of a special type of glass.

1. Crystal does not tolerate temperature changes. For washing, use warm water of about 35° C.
2. Do not clean such utensils with abrasive cleaning agents.
3. To avoid dropping slippery items when washing, and to avoid leaving fingerprints when wiping, use fabric gloves for convenience.
4. Clean crystal objects should be stored separately.
5. Washed items should not be stacked on top of each other as they may become cracked.
6. No soap is suitable for cleaning, as it leaves an invisible film, which affects the ability of the crystal to refract light.

We restore shine to crystal products

Every housewife does a thorough cleaning of the dish cabinet 1-2 times a year. Take out wine glasses, vases, glasses and rub them until they shine. This is done with special liquids or aerosols for cleaning. But to wash crystal products and restore their shine, you can also use folk methods.

To get rid of greasy deposits and cloudiness from long-term storage, soaking for several hours in water with the addition of liquid dishwashing detergent (the solution should be concentrated) will help. Next, all that remains is to clean the products.

You can use a soft toothbrush to clean the carved edges. For greater shine, rinse the dishes with slightly acidified water with the addition of vinegar, ammonia or citric acid.

To avoid breaking crystal objects during care, they should be cleaned in a container, the bottom of which is covered with a soft towel.

• At home, an alternative to specialized store-bought products is a solution of 1 liter of water with the addition of 1 tablespoon. l. vinegar and ½ spoon of salt. Products should be immersed in the solution for a while, then rinsed and dried. This method will also help rid the flower vase of a greenish coating on the walls.
• Baking soda will also help remove green deposits on the vessel. You need to pour half a glass or a glass of warm water into it, add soda, shake, leave the solution for a few minutes and pour it out. Rinse the vase with slightly acidified water and vinegar.
• You can remove yellowness from antique crystal by using a cut potato to rub the product. You can restore the original shine to a tarnished item by rinsing it after cleaning with a weak blue solution. Then rinse with clean water. If the solution was too concentrated, then blue stains on the walls of the products are removed with a napkin.
• You can use starch. Apply it with a damp sponge to the item that needs to be cleaned, leave it for a while, and then remove it with a napkin.
• Heavy stains from crystal objects will be removed more effectively if, before cleaning, they are placed in a decoction of jacket potatoes for 10-15 minutes. After this procedure, you can clean your crystal glassware in any way convenient for you, for example, wash it with dishwashing detergent, rinse and wipe dry.
• It will be easier to remove dried stains from juice (wine) after first soaking the products for a couple of hours in water with baking soda. Rinsing should be done with a weak vinegar solution.

Washed crystal objects are not dried; they must be wiped immediately with a dry cloth (lint-free towel or paper or linen napkin). This will help restore the original shine to the products, otherwise streaks may appear.

• Coca-Cola will help remove limescale stains from your items. The drink is poured inside, kept for a couple of hours, and rinsed.
• A crystal vase with gilded designs can be polished with freshly cut potatoes or a little detergent without pressing the design. When wiping, do not rub areas with a pattern, but dry them with a light application of cloth.
• You can get rid of greasy deposits (dust) in carved edges by wrapping the dishes in a napkin moistened with glass washing liquid. Then rinse and wipe dry.
• To make crystal glassware shine, you should wipe it with a cloth with alcohol and wipe it dry.

Similar methods are suitable for cleaning.

Crystal and dishwasher

As a rule, washing crystal items in the dishwasher is not recommended, but many housewives rightly believe that using a cleaning unit makes caring for them easier. In addition, the new models are equipped with many useful functions. In order not to harm the products, you should use the equipment correctly, then you will be able to clean them to a shine.

1. You can use the dishwasher in a gentle mode, excluding temperature changes.
2. To keep items shiny, use a non-abrasive, gentle detergent.
3. The products must be positioned in such a way that they do not touch each other.
4. Crystal objects made from barium rather than lead must be cared for in the car, so it is important to know their composition.

If it is not possible to comply with the requirements of these points, it is not recommended to clean crystal in the “dishwasher”, since the result will not be satisfactory. This is due to the fact that:

• in many machines, cleaning occurs due to temperature changes, and this will cause tarnishing of the crystal glassware;
• by reacting with detergent, products containing lead may be damaged;
• If an abrasive detergent is used in the machine, the surfaces of the cutlery and crystal may become scratched.