How to keep glassware sparkling

By observing a few basic rules, you can banish smudges and water rings on decanters, vases, and glasses — without breaking them.

People have always treasured luminous stemware and beautiful crystal collectibles for centuries, and these are the gifts that are are proudly handed down from one generation to another. Being very fragile, they need a little special attention, and should be handled with care.

• Be sure to handwash high-quality glasses rather than cleaning them in a dishwasher.
• If you must use a dishwasher, slide stemmed glasses in sideways to ensure that they don't break.
• Place a dish towel in the sink while you're washing delicate glassware to prevent chipping.
• Remove lipstick marks with table salt before washing glasses.
• Clear a cloudy glass by dipping it in an ammonia solution and gently yet thoroughly washing it out.
• Add a dash of vinegar or lemon peel to the wash water to make glasses gleam.
• Keep cold glasses from cracking — wash them in warm water only. Scalding hot water will leach the shine from crystal glasses and dull the gold or silver rims on glassware.
• Wash glasses with painted decorations quickly. If you keep them in the water too long, the adornments may dissolve.
• Rinse out beer, wine, and champagne glasses with warm, clear water only. Detergent residue can change the taste of a drink, as well as taking the fizz out of champagne and the head off your beer.
• Dry glasses without leaving lint using a linen dish towel.
• Polish your glasses by rubbing on a thin paste of baking soda and water, rinsing thoroughly, and buffing with a soft cloth.
• Store wine glasses upright with the bowls open to the air; otherwise they may over time develop a musty smell, and there is a risk of damaging the rims if the glasses stick to the cabinet shelf.