How to Properly Care for Antique Crystal

As I mentioned in my article "How to Care for Your Antique China So it Looks Its Best for Future Generations", I haven't inherited any china, but I have some antique crystal that I cherish. (Sometimes you can buy magnificent old pieces, or complete sets, at estate sales.) I want to keep it in fine condition so I can pass it on someday. To keep your crystal looking its best, whether you store it away in boxes, or in your cupboard so you can use it, there are "Do's" and "Don'ts" you should know. Read this informative article and find out how to properly care for antique crystal.

How to Carry Crystal Pieces
Since crystal can become scratched (or even cracked or broken) if it's rubbed against another piece, you should carry antique crystal one-by-one. Don't carry them grouped together, according to the Oldfashionedliving.com website. Hold stemmed glasses by their stems too.

How to Store Antique Crystal In Your Cupboards
Store your crystal glasses right-side up. Don't turn them upside down as this can cause the fragile rims to crack or chip. You can store antique china in your cupboards or in a hutch. Just make sure you leave a small space between each piece, according to the Wedding Channel.com.

How to Store Antique Crystal In Cardboard Boxes
According to Extraspace.com, crystal can be stored away much like antique china. You can use dish protection kits or glassware protection kits for the best results. Each kit typically contains a heavy box, cardboard pieces to separate each antique crystal item, and foam pockets for plates, glasses, cups, et cetera. You can find these protection kits at self-storage facilities.

How to Wash Antique Crystal
To properly care for your delicate pieces, always hand wash them and dry them. Place a thick towel in the bottom of the sinks to protect the crystal. Use warm water, a non-abrasive sponge and a mild liquid dishwashing detergent, according to Overstock.com.

If your antique crystal glasses look hazy or cloudy, add a few drops of household ammonia to the dish water to help clean off the residue. Pour a 1/4 of a cup of white vinegar into the rinse water too, says the Housekeeping Channel.

Warning: Don't soak crystal that has gold rims or edging in ammonia.

To remove stubborn hard water deposits from your antique crystal glasses, use a hard water stain remover such as a product called CLR. Pour some CLR into each piece, according to the Clean-organized-family-home website. Let it set overnight, then rinse the crystal well and dry it.

Resources
http://oldfashionedliving.com/crystal.html
http://weddings.weddingchannel.com/wedding-registry-ideas/bridal-registry-guide/qa/what-is-the-best-way-to-wash-crystal.aspx
http://www.extraspace.com/storage-tips/how%20-to-store-fine-china-and-crystal.aspx
http://www.overstock.com/guides/how-to-care-for-crystal-stemware
http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/a_270-Restoring_Gleam_To_Your_Old_Crystal
http://www.clean-organized-family-home.com/crystal.html