Clouding or a milky film on the surface of crystal glassware is frustrating to discover, to say the least.
How did it get this way? How do you clean it?
If the glassware is cloudy or filmy, there are three possible causes - and, yes, you can clean it and the milky film can be removed.
If the glassware is etched, however, the damage is permanent.
The surface has been scarred by acidic, caustic, or abrasive substances in the dishwasher. It will appear iridescent when held up to the light, or frosted.
How Glassware Gets Cloudy
When the surface of your glassware clouds or has a milky appearance, there are three possible causes:
- Hard water and not enough detergent. This combination allows hard water minerals to adhere to the glassware surface, creating the cloudy, milky film you see. Food particles that aren't rinsed away during the dishwasher cycle can also cause glasses to cloud.
- No Rinse Aid. Your dishwasher has a rinse aid dispenser for a reason - you need it to help your detergent wash away the food particles after cleaning. Otherwise, they're apt to hang out on your glasses and dishes.
- The Water Needs to be Hotter. When the wash cycle begins, the water temperature should enter the dishwasher at 140 degrees F to help your detergent and machine do their jobs.
How to Clean Cloudy Glassware
Before cleaning, be sure to remove your rings, and to turn the faucet aside so you'll avoid chipping the glass during the cleaning process.
After all, you really don't need to add a chipped glass problem to your to-do list today.
1. Soak Glasses in Vinegar.
Soak your crystal glasses in a sink full of undiluted white vinegar for 30 minutes.
2. Rinse Under Cool, Running Water.
Rinse the vinegar away under cool, running water. Buff dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.
3. If Any Cloudiness Remain...
If any cloudiness remains, wash the glasses again in a sinkful of warm water with a healthy amount of dishwashing detergent. (Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from the strong detergent for this one.)
4. Rinse and Dry.
Thoroughly rinse the detergent solution from the glass, again under cool, running water. Dry with a lint-free cloth.
How to Prevent Etching
You can help keep future glassware from becoming etched by:
- Increasing the temperature of the water entering the dishwasher to 140 degrees F.
- Use the no heat Energy Saver dry cycle.
- Adjusting the amount of dishwashing detergent you use according to the hardness of the water.
- Let the detergent do its job unaided: Refrain from pre-rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. This not only saves water, it gives your detergent what it needs to be effective: Food to remove. Without it, the alkaline concentration of your detergent increases, which is bad news for your glasses.
