This 2-Ingredient Glassware Cleaner Is Martha's Go-To for a Brilliant Shine

Cleaning precious glassware can be a time-consuming and tedious task. It involves handling the delicate pieces carefully so as not to break them, while trying to prevent unsightly streaks. Of course, Martha has tips for making the work slightly easier.

During a cleaning session at her Winter House, she and her team tackled shelves upon shelves of glassware of all shapes and sizes, including American-cut glass, pressed glass, blown glass, vases, candlesticks, bowls, and crystals. "Cleaning these items takes time and a lot of elbow grease to complete, but now these pieces are shimmering once again," she said in a blog post.

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To wash glass and crystal, Martha advises using a mild dish soap and a soft sponge. For pieces that have developed tannin and lime deposits, add white vinegar. To get into tight, narrow spaces like those on candlesticks and vases, she recommends having a variety of soft bottle brushes on hand. To make the bristles even softer, wrap them in a small dishcloth before using. Scouring pads or abrasive cleansers are off limits, as they can etch precious glassware.

Rinse the items with barely warm water, not hot. And never rinse with cold water, Martha warns, because extreme temperatures can cause the glass to crack or break. She also recommends lining the bottom of your sink with a towel when washing anything delicate, just in case the object slips or accidentally hits the surface.

After rinsing, dry the piece immediately with a clean, lint-free towel to prevent spotting. You can also wrap a bamboo skewer with a paper towel to dry inside very tight areas and crevices. When storing the glassware, Martha says that the items should never touch each other.