Cleaning tips will help you keep glasses crystal clear

As we rapidly approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, memories flood in of Grandma baking cookies in the oven and Christmas music playing on the stereo. Grandma would always ask me to help her clean the family crystal. She would explain that even though the crystal sparkled with brilliance and clarity, it was very fragile.

This week, I wanted to share a few techniques we've used in our crystal cleaning projects and hopefully your crystal will last just as long as ours has.

A. Before placing your crystal in the sink for cleaning, place a large bath towel in the sink, making sure you cover all of the exposed areas of the sink. Place a second smaller double folded towel in the bottom of the sink. This will help prevent chipping.

B. Fill the sink halfway with warm soapy water. Note: Any liquid dishwashing detergent will do. Clean with a non-abrasive cloth. If you have a double sink arrangement, fill the second one with warm water, add two tablespoons of either white vinegar or ammonia and one tablespoon of rubbing alcohol. This solution is an excellent rinse.

C. Wash each piece of crystal, one piece at a time.

D. If you have residue left in the glass, place some uncooked rice in the glass and swirl, this should remove the material.

E. Stemmed glasses should be held by the bowl to help avoid dropping.

F. Handle crystal delicately and always stand crystal upright before storing.

Note: Putting crystal in a dishwasher increases the chances of chipping or cracking. It also will cause tiny scratches and will cloud up the crystal over time.

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabric and paints before using any chemical compound. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed Madan at Northwest Environmental Services (255-2266) or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood and mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is chief executive officer of Northwest Environmental Services, LLC.