Crystal clear instructions keep dishes safe

Jeanne and Aunt Dolly called me last week and asked me to re-run my article on holiday crystal cleaning; so for those of you how have heirloom crystal I hope this helps and hopefully your crystal will last as long as ours has:

As we rapidly approach the holidays, memories flood in of Grandma baking cookies and Christmas music 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. Below are a few tips that I’ve used over the years to clean and preserve our heirloom crystal:

1. 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.

2. 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.

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

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

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

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

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do? For more information about Ed, go online to www.nwees.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified indoor environmental professional, forensic, fire, flood, mold Inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.