Stop Using Dishwashing Detergent on Wine Glasses
The wine world is known for its mystique. Legs? Tannins? Why is everyone squirming? So it makes sense that when it comes to caring for your wine glasses, many people have different opinions. In fact, when you’re looking for the best ways to clean wine glasses, you may end up with more questions than answers. Different sources say different things about hand washing, air drying, and whether it is safe to wash glasses in the dishwasher . However, one common theme comes up again and again: using soap to wash glasses can do more harm than good.
Here are the arguments against soap and how wine glasses should be washed instead.
I smell a hint of… detergent?
If you take a sip and notice that your wine doesn’t taste right, don’t immediately blame the bottle for being a bad batch. The real culprit may be your glass and the soap residue left behind. This soap residue has an odor, and any competing aromas have a huge impact on your wine experience.
Also, as Wirecutter points out , repeated use of detergent can scratch glassware and make it more and more cloudy. Over time, this can change the taste of any wine you drink from those cloudy glasses.
Other Ways to Clean Wine Glasses
So what to use instead of soap? Here are some of the best detergent-free ways to keep your wine glasses sparkling clean.
Steam method
We have previously used this steam method to get rid of stains on wine glasses . The technique is simple: bring water to a boil, catch steam in a glass, and wipe the glass with a microfiber cloth.
Rinse method
Some sources claim that hot water is enough to get a clean glass. Rinse the glass with hot water several times, making sure that there are no traces of wine left on it. This method is ideal when you’ve just had a quick glass of wine and wash it off immediately to avoid lipstick or food stains overnight.
Choose Vinegar
Maybe you are skeptical that hot water will help. If you must use something in addition to hot water, choose vinegar.
Add some vinegar and water to the glass and then wipe it down with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse well and dry the glass with a microfiber towel to avoid streaks or scratches.
To get the perfect polish, check out The Takeout’s restaurant-approved method for cleaning stains from glassware :
1. Fill a liter plastic container or dishwashing tub with hot water. The hotter the better, but of course don’t burn yourself.
2. Pour in white vinegar generously . In a quart-sized container, I usually add a tablespoon or two.
3. Gently dip the top of the glass into the water, sweeping it over all surfaces.
4. Using the edge of a non-rolling kitchen towel, hold the base of the glass to prevent your fingerprints from remaining on the stem. Use the free part of the towel to gently but thoroughly dry the glass flask. The fewer swipes the better
5. Now turn the glass upside down and dip the bottom of the glass into the water, still holding the glass by the stem with the towel.
6. Dry the bottom of the foot with a towel.
And voila. clean wine glasses; soap is not needed.