Caring For your RIEDEL Glassware

Tips For Dishwashing & Handwashing & Polishing

Jul 20, 2022

You have made the investment into greater wine enjoyment, now do not let care and cleaning stop you from getting pleasure out of your glassware every day! Our simple instructions provide advice on how to wash, dry, polish, and store your crystal products to ensure a long life!

Our top tips

Glasses should always be washed carefully.

Most RIEDEL glasses are dishwasher safe. Learn more below at “What does “dishwasher” safe mean?" Be careful when loading and using a dishwasher. Find detailed instructions below at “How to wash your glasses by using a dishwasher?”

Some glasses require handwashing, please check out the glass care guidelines on the labeling of the respective packaging and our website in our Product Range, overview with detailed information on the respective product detail pages. More information can be found at "How to wash your glasses by hand?" and "How to dry and polish your glasses and decanter?"

Get best results with Hand Drying & Polishing. Learn more below at "How to dry and polish your glasses and decanter"

What does "dishwasher safe" mean?

Glasses should always be washed carefully. Most RIEDEL glasses are dishwasher safe and when properly loaded, can withstand at least 1,000 dishwashing cycles with no demonstrable change to their shine or clarity. The dishwasher safety was tested in reference to EN 12875-1:2005 and EN 12875-2:2001.

RIEDEL glasses labeled with or packed in packaging labeled "handwash only", "not-dishwasher safe", or not indicating any care/cleaning instructions on the box, indicate that they are not dishwasher safe and require handwashing.

How to wash your glasses by hand:

If washing by hand, wash the glass carefully under warm water (use detergent and rinse the glass carefully).
To remove superficial stains, soak your glasses in white vinegar.
To avoid detergent residue, rinse glasses thoroughly in clean water.

How to wash your glasses by using a dishwasher?

Glassware is best cared for by avoiding harsh detergents and choosing a low-temperature, short dishwashing cycle.
When loading your glasses into your dishwasher, make sure they are well-spaced out, so they are not touching one another or anything else.
If possible, load your glasses in the top rack and make use of the glass holder if your dishwasher has one. Such holder is meant to keep your glasses secure so they do not move during the wash. When loading, ensure that your glasses are not touching anything else such as metal utensils or mugs, and are stacked appropriately so they do not interfere with other racks or the spray arms.
Some RIEDEL glasses may be too tall to fit in the top rack. In case your dishwasher has a special glass washing cycle, glasses can be carefully loaded in the bottom rack following the above instructions. If not, they will need to be handwashed.

If available, use a stemware rack in your dishwasher, as it provides support and stops your glassware from moving around.
To avoid stains or cloudiness, use soft water (low mineral content).
To avoid scratches, avoid glass contact with other glass or metal.
Use a good quality dishwasher tablet specially recommended for glassware, and white vinegar as an environmental alternative as a rinse aid for an optimum shine.
After dishwashing cycle is finished, you should open the dishwasher door briefly to allow moisture to escape, as water vapor can accelerate clouding of the glass surface.

How to dry and polish your glasses and decanter?

To dry and polish the glass, use two drying cloths.
When drying or polishing, never hold both the base and the bowl at the same time, as any twisting or pressure can cause the stem to snap.
When drying or polishing the bowl of the glass, never hold the glass by its stem or by its base, as the stem could snap due to mishandling and can cause the stem to break at its narrowest point.
Firstly, hold the glass with one drying cloth under the bowl of the glass and with the second drying cloth in the other hand carefully polish the bowl inside and out. Then, hold the glass by the base and carefully polish the base.
Avoid drying your glasses upside down on a metal rack, as this may chip the rims.
Avoid using a tea towel to dry or polish, as this may potentially damage your glass, instead use a microfiber cloth.
We recommend using a RIEDEL Microfiber Polishing Cloth , which will easily dry and polish without leaving behind any lint when properly washed. Washing instructions [Link to the anchor] can be found below.
For extra shine, carefully steam the bowl of the glass over boiling water before polishing.
Admire the perfect result!

How to wash your RIEDEL Microfiber Polishing Cloth:

Wash drying/microfiber towels at boiling temperature (to kill bacteria) with odorless soap.
Should be machine washed at min. 170° F/75° C.
Do not use fabric softener when washing your drying/microfiber towels as this can cause a greasy film to transfer onto the surface of your glasses.
Attention: microfiber cloths must not be put in the dryer.

How to store your glasses and decanter?

Store your glasses in a closed cupboard, away from your stove and oven, to avoid picking up cooking smells, or gathering dust or grime between uses.
Store them standing on their bases to ensure that you do not chip the rims as they go in and out of the cupboard.
Avoid storing your glasses in their packaging/boxes, as they will take on a musty, cardboard smell that will interfere with your wine’s aroma.
Avoid storing your glassware in a temperature or humidity-controlled room or cellar as these conditions can affect the brilliance and clarity of the glass.