TEN TIPS TO KEEPING YOUR CRYSTAL AS GOOD AS NEW.
1 . It is not advisable to be washed in the dishwasher as the heat and detergent can scratch or mark the crystal and over time the crystal may become cloudy.
2 . Use polishing clothes that are not fluffy to avoid getting the fibre stuck in the cut crystal. Avoid leaving the crystal is a dusty place as dust can also be very abrasive. If the crystal gets dusty always wash it rather than wiping it off as this is likely to scratch.
3. Lead crystal is softer than glass or ordinary crystal so greater care needs to be taken handling it to ensure it is not chipped or scratched.
4 . When washing, It is a good idea to either use a rubber washing up bowl or place a rubber mat on the base of the sink as the glasses will chip easily if tapped.
5. Be careful when washing the crystal that the water isn’t too hot as a sudden change in temperature will cause the crystal to crack, a good guide is to use water which you can tolerate the heat with bare hands, hotter than this it is definitely too hot. Also use roughly the same temperature of water to rinse in so again there isn’t a change in temperature.
6. It is best to wash and carry the glasses one by one as the glasses touching can cause scratches and cracks.
7. If you have a stain on your crystal this can be removed by rubbing with lemon. Also good to remove stains on the interior of items such as decanters is a bubbling denture cleaner. (this is also good for cleaning out flasks).
8. When storing your crystal make sure there is enough room so the glasses won’t touch as this is a common cause of glasses being broken. Also always store the glasses the right way up as putting them upside down puts undue pressure on the delicate rim.
9. Adding some vinegar to the water will help stop water spots from appearing and keep your crystal sparkling. Also adding vinegar to the rinsing water used for the crystal can help reduce the lime deposits left especially in awkward to reach places in items such as decanters and vases. Also make sure that you only use a mild detergent as stronger washing up liquids can be abrasive. Another natural way of cleaning the glass is by using uncooked rice poured in with warm soapy water and swirled around can help again with vases and decanters.
10. If you are unlucky enough to break the crystal there are some very good quality glues available designed especially for crystal which if used correctly can repair some damage, there are also repair facilities that can help.
For more faqs on crystal please see Glass Creations.
