Caring for Waterford Crystal
- Crystal, due to its lead content, is much heavier than ordinary domestic glassware. This weight is not necessarily a sign of strength and much greater care must be taken in handling and washing crystal. Thorough washing at regular intervals will keep crystal at its gleaming best.
- Wash carefully, one piece at a time in warm soapy water, never hot and use mild soap.
- Rims and stems are usually the weakest part of stemware. Don't put undue pressure on the stem when washing and drying the bowl.
- Rinse water with vinegar added will help eliminate lime deposits from the insides of jugs, vases, carafes etc
- Polishing clothes should be non-fluffy to avoid pieces of cloth clogging the cut glass facets.
- It is not recommended to clean Waterford Crystal in a dishwasher since the heat and abrasive cleaners may mark the surface of the crystal. Over time the lustre or "shine" may become cloudy.
- Stains on glass can be removed by rubbing with a lemon. Vinegar, applied with a cloth is useful for removing some marks as well.
- Pouring in rice with warm soapy water and swirling the mixture around should clean the interior of decanters and vases, which are often inaccessible.
- To remove some stains on the interiors of decanters use a bubbling denture cleaner.
- A mild solution of Acetone can be helpful in removing the residue left after a sticker has been removed.
- Chandeliers should not be cleaned with spray cleaners. This leaves residue in the arms and may damage the brass components. A large vessel of warm soapy water and a lint free cloth are the best cleaning tools for the crystal parts of chandeliers. The metal parts should be rubbed with a dry soft cloth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Waterford Crystal be cleaned in a dishwasher?
We do not recommend cleaning Waterford crystal in a dishwasher since the heat and abrasive cleaners may mark the surface of the crystal. Read additional care information in the Usage and Care insert, included with the package of each piece.
How can I remove stains from a decanter or a vase?
Swirl a handful of uncooked rice in a solution of lemon juice or vinegar and warm water to remove residue inside a decanter or a vase. For tougher stains, try warm water with a denture-cleaning tablet, allowing it to soak.
Can a chipped glass be repaired?
Sometimes it is possible to repair a chipped stem, though the quality of the repair depends largely on the capabilities of the shop. Ask your Waterford retailer to recommend a local repair facility.
What is the lead content of Waterford Crystal?
Waterford crystal contains 24-33% lead, depending on the design, to ensure that special brilliance and to allow a greater depth of cut.
