Tips for Handling Glassware

Glassware is the most delicate and fragile kitchenware. Without proper care and handling your glassware does not last. The more you use it the better you need to get at handling your glassware. This comes with time but there are things that you can do in order to significantly increase the lifespan of your precious glasses and vases. Here are a few tips for handling and storing glassware.

1. Most often glassware is broken through intense use, or just by washing it or handling it improperly for storage. It is advisable to keep you're your glassware out of dishwasher and micro ovens. Great care is always necessary and if you know you have a habit of dropping things rather let other family member handle your glassware.

2. Don't use hot liquids on glasses that are not suitable for them. Tea cups and glass mugs are perfect examples of hot temperature resistant glassware. If you do indeed need to pour hot liquid into a thin glass make sure you put metal object of some kind under the glass. Metals are perfect temperature conductors and will add another level of protection for your glass. Most often your glasses will not crack if they have a metal object under them like a fork or even a stainless steel surface.

3. Some glasses are not meant to be used with cold liquids. Make sure you check the manufacturer notes in this regard.

4. Prior to using them or even to wash them you need to rinse your glassware. In this way the detergent will have more effect on removing the stains. 

5. Whenever you wash your glasses, don't rush into getting them all done. Wash them gently with a sponge and detergent then rinse them thoroughly. Take them one at time.

6. Lint-free towels are perfect for drying and prior to storing they need to stand on a counter for sometime in order to let every drop dry.

7. Place the glasses individually on flat surfaces or shelves.

The most important piece of advice is to watch the extreme temperature changes.  Nothing deteriorates glass as temperature does. It creates minuscule cracks that with time make the glassware more fragile. So be aware of temperatures. Cold rooms and hot liquids on glasses are not good friends.

An extra level of care needs to come along with antique custom glassware. Due to age and intense handling, old glassware needs a different approach. There are products specially designed for this type of glassware and handling and storing them should be a more responsible process, since these pieces are most often expensive and also have the value of jewelry.