How to properly clean the crystal to shine quickly

Shiny crystal products give any interior an atmosphere of luxury. But with poor care, they lose their beauty – they fade and become covered with plaque. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the advice of experienced housewives on how to properly clean the crystal, using safe tools at hand.

Five basic rules of crystal cleaning

Crystal glass is a fragile material, one careless movement can break or damage it. Therefore, when cleaning the crystal, follow the following recommendations:

• Use water for washing products at the correct temperature. It should not be too hot or cold, otherwise the dishes will become cloudy. The optimal temperature for crystal cleaning is 35 °C or slightly lower.
• Do not use aggressive cleaning agents and hard sponges. After their use, scratches or stains may remain on the crystal product, which cannot be removed. Wash dishes with soft sponges and remove water with paper towels. Wipe dry products from dust with microfiber cloths.
• Do not wash the crystal on a slippery or hard surface. A wet product can easily slip out of your hands and break. Therefore, spread a cotton cloth or a soft, thick towel at the bottom of the container where you wash crystal dishes.
• Hold the crystal product by the base or the foot, if any. So the dishes will not slip out of your hands. Do not squeeze it hard, the thin crystal may crack or break into pieces.
• Dry crystal products properly. To avoid spills and dirty spots, rinse the dishes well in clean water and wipe them with a napkin or paper towel. Do not wipe the product with a terry towel, as lint may remain on the walls.

Cleaning procedure:

1. To wash the crystal, take a basin of the appropriate size.
2. Place a large, thick towel inside.
3. Place the second towel where you will place the washed items.
4. Pour warm water into the basin and dissolve the cleaning agent in it. In the absence of severe contamination, you can use ordinary dishwashing liquid.
5. Soak the products for several hours.
6. Then gently rinse the crystal twice with cool running water.
7. Remove the remaining moisture with a paper towel.

Now let’s consider methods of cleaning various types of pollution at home.

How to remove lime scale

If hard water has been in a crystal vase or glass for a long time, a white coating may form on the walls. It is easy to remove with improvised means.

Vinegar or citric acid

1. Take 1 tbsp. l. vinegar or 2 tbsp. l. lemon juice or acid.
2. Dissolve in 1 liter of water.
3. Wipe crystal products with this solution. Use a soft sponge to avoid scratching.

Sometimes it is not possible to remove plaque the first time. Then leave the product in the washing solution for the night, and in the morning carefully wash it with clean water.

Coca Cola

If neither citric acid nor vinegar was found in the house, then use Coca-Cola or Pepsi. It is enough to pour it into a container, leave it for several hours and drain it. Then remove the remains of the drink with clean water.

Other home methods of crystal cleaning

• Grate laundry soap on a fine grater, dilute in water and wipe the product with the solution. Then wash off.
• Pour dry starch on a napkin and carefully wipe the dishes. Remove the remains of starch with your hand, it is not necessary to pour water at the end.
• Mix 3 tbsp. l. chalk on 3 tbsp. l. water You should get a stretchy mixture. Lumps of chalk should not remain. Wipe the product with this mixture, then rinse under running water.
• Grate a large raw potato on a fine grater. Apply the resulting slurry to the dirt, then wash it off. This method perfectly whitens the product.

Remove the yellowness

Crystal glass can turn yellow from old age and lack of care. You can return it to its original beauty with the help of ordinary potatoes.

1. Boil 3-4 potatoes in water and remove to a separate plate.
2. When the decoction cools, wash the crystal dishes with it.
3. You can soak the products for 10-20 minutes, and then wipe with a soft sponge.

We get rid of the green coating

If you do not change the water in a crystal vase for a long time, the walls begin to turn green. Plaque can also form from wine or juice that was not poured in time.

To clean such contamination, you will need ordinary baking soda.

1. Add a few tablespoons of soda to the product, cover the throat with your hand and shake well.
2. Then add some warm (but not hot!) water and shake the solution for about 1 minute.
3. Rinse the product thoroughly with cool water.
4. If the plaque is old, you can carefully wipe the darkened areas with a soft sponge dipped in soda solution.

We remove greasy stains

They usually appear on carved products when an oily substance gets stuck on the surface of the patterns. And also on old crystal dishes covered with a thick layer of dust.

To remove grease, you will need a windshield wiper and a soft cloth.

1. Impregnate the fabric with a small amount of product and wrap the product for a couple of hours.
2. The plaque will get wet and it can be easily removed with a sponge.

How to quickly return the shine of the crystal

1. Dilute ammonia with water in a ratio of 1:3.
2. Immerse the product in the solution for 2-3 minutes, and then wipe with napkins.

You can also use ordinary table vinegar.

1. Dilute 2 tablespoons in 200 ml of water.
2. Pour the solution into the crystal product and leave it for some time.
3. Then drain the detergent and rinse the crystal with clean water.

Care of crystal products

During the weekly cleaning, do not forget to pay attention to your crystal dishes. Otherwise, it will be covered with dust and plaque, and it will be more difficult to wash it.

A few care tips:

• Periodically wipe the dishes with a soft sponge soaked in ammonia. So crystal things will retain their shine and transparency.
• Do not pour boiling water into glass dishes and do not put too hot dishes. Otherwise, the product will suffer and visible stains will remain.
• Do not wash the crystal in the dishwasher. Fragile dishes may tarnish and receive minor damage.
• If drops of fat get on the crystal product, remove them immediately with liquid dishwashing detergent. Fresh stains are always easier to remove than old ones.

Using these simple tips, your crystal products will always shine and last for many years.