care

caring for porcelain
caring for glass
caring for stainless 18/10

caring for glass

It is widely known that glass is a fragile medium and can easily break. However, it is not widely known that water in combination with carbon dioxide in the air can destroy the surface of the glass. Specifically, water releases the alkaline properties from the outer surface of the glass, which then combine with the carbon dioxide in the air and form potassium carbonate, which in turn will turn the glass milky white. The cloudy tarnish can be wiped off initially but it can return time and again and eventually destroy the glass surface. Having said that, glass should therefore always be stored away dry and kept in dry places. A progressive destruction of the glass surface leads the glass to become iridescent, as seen with glass that have been buried in the ground for a long period of time. Lead crystal is immune to this effect.

Glass in the Dishwasher
There are similar guidelines in the cleaning of glass as to the cleaning of porcelain. In the dishwasher, glass should not be washed at a temperature exceeding 60 degrees C, and using the mildest detergents. Glasses should be stacked in such a way that they don’t rub or touch each other. It’s advised not to allow water or soapsuds dry onto the glass but to dry it immediately. The older dishwasher models do not let the steam evaporate automatically, so it should be opened immediately after the rinsing cycle has finished. Any type of steam can damage the articles in the dishwasher. It is recommended that glass not be subjected to strong temperature changes, particularly too hot or too cold. Precious glassware with gold or platinum decoration must be hand washed only. Lead crystal and thick glass can be cleaned with lukewarm soapy water.