How to Clean Crystal
Everyone wants their crystal possessions to shine and gleam all the time, and for this, proper cleaning is very important. Cleaning crystal is an easy task, if you have careful hands and if you’re aware of the proper procedure. Here are several important steps to clean crystal.
Gather all the materials you need. If you’re cleaning a chandelier, remove the crystals from it first. Here are more tips on crystal chandelier cleaning. Prepare the sink, and make sure nothing stands in the way. Crystal should be washed by hand, and not placed in the dishwasher. The very high temperature of the water will cause the crystal to crack and the detergent soap to abrade its surface, giving it a permanently cloudy look. Prepare towels on a flat surface where the crystals will lie on later.
Plug the sink, and fill it with halfway with room temperature tap water. Add some mild dish detergent and two cups of white vinegar, then mix them well. Afterwards, get soft cotton towels, and line the bottom and sides of the sink with it.
Put the crystal pieces in the water, submerging them, but making sure they don’t clink and break against each other. Pick one crystal piece up, rub it gently with a soft cloth or your fingers, then move on to another piece.
If you’re cleaning crystal figurines, make a vinegar and water solution at a 1:3 ratio, respectively. Dip a newspaper in the solution, then use it to wipe the figurines. Use a soft toothbrush for tight spaces.
For crystal vases that have scaly mineral deposits, fill them with white vinegar, wait for five minutes, then add in half a cup of plain white rice. Cover the top of the vase with your hand, then shake it. Repeat this, until the stains are gone.
Some crystals can have stains on them. Make a rice mixture with two teaspoons of rice and water, then rub all over the stain. More stubborn stains can be removed with baking powder and lemon juice.
Prepare the rinse in a large bowl, lined with soft cloth as well. Fill it with one gallon of distilled water at room temperature. Using distilled helps prevent the crystal from spotting. Dip the piece a couple of times, then transfer it to the towels you laid out. Don’t stack them.
Dry the crystals with soft, lint-free or microfiber towels. be very gentle and careful not to break them.
Crystals look beautiful when they’re shiny and gleaming. Remember these easy tips and you’re sure to have lovely crystal items to show off all the time.