It’s been a long, tiring day, and you’re looking forward to chilling out with Netflix and your favorite wine.
You reach for the beautiful crystal wine glass you bought on vacation in Venice, only to find it covered in dust.
Kinda takes the thrill out of your evening, am I right? Who wants to wash dishes when their sore feet are screaming obscenities, and the couch is calling their name?
Dust happens, and while it’s easy enough to get rid of it, why not stop it before it starts? There are ways to keep your wine glasses free of dust and grime, and we’ve shared some of them with you below.
Remember, dust can affect the taste of your wine, so it’s not just about aesthetics.
1. Consider your storage location
Where and how you store your wine glasses can make a world of difference:
Cabinets
There’s a reason why people have been using furniture such as china cabinets for eons…they work! A closed cabinet, which doesn’t have to be a separate piece of furniture, will shield your wine glasses from dust while keeping them easily accessible, relieving you from the worry of dusting them off every time you want to use them.
Bottoms up!
Store your glasses upside down. Although dust can still collect on the outside of the glass, this simple trick prevents dust from settling inside the bowl…where your favorite drink goes!
2. Consider a Wine Glass Rack
Invest in a rack that holds glasses upside down. It doesn’t just save space; it beats dust, too, especially where it matters most!
Pro tip: If you love the look of open shelving, consider using glass doors. You get the best of both worlds – visibility and protection.
3. Proactive Dust Prevention
As the saying goes, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’. This is especially true when it comes to dust. These methods are not just preventive, they are effective in reducing the overall dust levels in your home, giving you a secure feeling that your wine glasses are safe from dust and grime.
- ⬥Seal it up: Keep windows and doors closed when possible, especially on windy days.
- ⬥Filter It Out: Use air filters in your home to reduce overall dust levels.
- ⬥Beware Candles: While candles are romantic, open flames from candles or fireplaces can add to airborne particles. Use them sparingly in places where you store glassware.
4. Cover Them Up
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective:
Consider using wine glass covers.
These nifty little fabric or silicone caps sit on top of your glasses, creating a barrier against dust.
Or, go the DIY route and use a clean paper cupcake liner to serve as a makeshift cover. It’s not glamorous, but it gets the job done!
5. Dos and Don’ts of Dishwashing
Finally, if prevention isn’t your thing, or life got in the way…doesn’t it always…and now you’ve got to clean those beautiful glasses, it’s not the end of the world… clean ’em! But when it comes to cleaning, not all methods are created equal:
Handwashing
Hands down (see what I did there?), the best way to get sparkling clean wine glasses is to wash them by hand using a soft cloth. It’s gentler on the glass and gives you more control. Keep in mind to:
- ⬥Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can affect the taste of your wine! Instead, choose a mild, unscented detergent and rinse thoroughly.
- ⬥Don’t let your glasses air dry. Water spots are just as unwelcome as dust! Dry your freshly washed wine glasses immediately with a lint-free cloth.
6. Quick Fixes
Despite your best efforts, you might occasionally find yourself face-to-face with a dusty glass. Here’s how to handle it:
- ⬥Use a clean feather duster or compressed air to quickly remove light dust.
- ⬥A quick rinse with hot water should do the trick for dust that refuses to leave. Hold the glass under hot running water for a few seconds, then gently wipe the glass with a soft cloth to remove any remaining dust.
- ⬥A solution of equal parts white vinegar and water can work wonders for tough cases. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward to ensure there’s no residual taste or smell of vinegar in your wine.
Keeping your wine glasses dust-free doesn’t have to be a chore. With these simple strategies, you can ensure that your glassware is always ready and waiting for you after a long day or for your next carefully planned dinner party.
Quick Cleaning Tips for a Sparkling Home, Fast
