How to make cloudy glasses crystal clear again? We’ve all been there—we just washed a batch of glasses, but they still look cloudy. For some reason, they still look like they need another round of wash! Cloudiness is a big hassle since foggy glasses are not a good look for your kitchen. They give off an impression of dirtiness and lack of proper upkeep.
However, if you have had this problem before, there is no need to worry. With a few steps, you can make your glasses sparkle again. You may even utilize available household items to help you during the process. With this beginner’s guide, we will help you clear your glasses effectively.
If you are ready, read on!
What is a Cloudy Glass?
Cloudy glass is also known as sick glass. This phenomenon is due to two main culprits: the deposition of hard water and etching.
What Causes Glass Cloudiness?
We must first understand what caused the problem to know how to remove the cloudiness of your glasses. Doing so will help you tackle the root cause of the issue.
Culprit #1: Deposition of Hard Water
What is the milky film on glasses from the dishwasher? Well, the most common cause is hard water. Hard water has high levels of natural minerals such as magnesium and calcium ions. These ions deposit themselves on the microfractures of the glass structure. Thus, these ions coat the glass surface with a foggy film.
Moreover, hard water may hinder the dishwasher detergent from meticulously cleaning the glasses. Since soap will not foam up as much in hard water, you may not be able to wash the glassware thoroughly. Thus, your glasses can come out of the dishwasher looking dull and dirty.
Culprit #2: Etching
Etching happens due to regular use of the glasses. This phenomenon is due to the wear and tear on the glass surface, which causes micro-scratches. Etching usually happens during washing with abrasive agents or tools such as kitchen steel wools.
How to Make Cloudy Glasses Crystal Clear Again?
If you are positive that the cloudiness is due to hard water deposits, you are in luck! We can fix your cloudiness problem with a few easy steps. Here are the materials you will require.
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Washing-up liquid
- Mixing bowl
- White vinegar
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloth
- Paper towels
In this method, you will have to skip the dishwasher and hand wash the glasses yourself. This technique is the gentlest and most effective way to restore their shine. With this method, you can also prevent future hard water build-up.
Step 1: Rinse your Cloudy Glasses
First, you must use warm water to rinse your cloudy glassware. Make sure that the water is not boiling to prevent cracking and further damage.
Step 2: Prepare the Washing-up Liquid
Add soap and water to your mixing bowl and combine thoroughly. Remember to avoid harsh agents such as bleach-based or scented soap. These chemicals will cause more damage to the glass and will cause more cloudiness.
Step 3: Gently Scrub the Surface of your Glass
Soak the sponge in your washing-up liquid solution. Then, scrub the surface of the glass with gentle pressure.
Step 4: Apply White Vinegar
Mix one cup of water to two tablespoons of white vinegar in the spray bottle. Then, apply the solution to your cloudy glass. If you do not have a spray bottle, you may also use a paper towel to apply the solution.
The acid in the white vinegar will break down the mineral deposit. Moreover, the vinegar solution will also add shine and sparkle to the glass surface.
Step 5: Rinse your Glass with Warm Water
Make sure to wash away the soap and the white vinegar solution thoroughly.
Step 6: Pat Dry
In this step, make sure to use a microfiber cloth to prevent introducing new scratches to the surface.
What to Do if the Cloudiness Doesn’t Come off after the Six Steps?
If you followed the indicated steps and your glassware is still cloudy, do not worry. There are still other cleaning routes you can take! You will need any of the three: toothpaste, white vinegar, or lemon juice.
Cleaning via Toothpaste Scrub
Cleaning your cloudy glassware using toothpaste is easy. Here are the steps you should follow.
- Spread any toothpaste variant onto the entire glass surface
- Use an old toothbrush to scrub your glassware
- Rinse the toothpaste with warm water
- Dry your glass using a microfiber towel
Cleaning via Overnight Vinegar Soak
Here are the steps for an overnight soak using white vinegar
- Combine half a bowl of water and five tablespoons of vinegar
- Soak your cloudy glasses in the water-white vinegar solution overnight
- The next day, rinse off the white vinegar solution with warm water
- Use a microfiber towel for drying
Cleaning via Lemon Juice
Just like vinegar, lemon juice also contains acids that can dissolve the hard water deposits. Here’s how you should do it.
- Combine one cup of water with three tablespoons of concentrated lemon juice
- Submerge your glasses in the lemon juice solution for ten minutes
- Rinse the solution off using warm water
- Using a microfiber towel, pat dry
Can the Cloudiness be Permanent?
If you followed all the steps above and your glasses are still dull, we have some bad news for you. There is a huge possibility that the fogginess is due to glass etching, which is permanent. To prevent this, you may opt to hand wash your glassware in the future instead of loading them in the dishwasher.
Moreover, your dishwasher detergents may contain phosphates, which are one of the causes of etching. Check the ingredients of your detergent before buying them to avoid this problem.
How to Clean Cloudy Glass Windows?
Like cloudy glassware, foggy glass windows are also a common problem for numerous households. To solve this, you will need:
- Water
- White vinegar
- Dish soap
- Spray bottle
- Cleaning rag
Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Get your spray bottle and combine five drops of dish soap, two cups of white vinegar, and two cups of water.
Step 2: Spray the Solution onto your Window and Wipe
Use the spray bottle to mist your cleaning solution onto the foggy window. Then, wipe the solution off with a cleaning rag. Remember to use large circular motions when wiping to remove all the residue thoroughly.
Step 3: Air Dry
Make sure that there is proper ventilation in the room to facilitate air drying.
The Maintenance Procedure for Clear Glassware and Windows
Congratulations on solving your cloudiness problems! For windows, make sure to clean them once a month to keep them clear and shiny. As for your glassware, remember to use gentle cleaning agents when washing them to prevent re-clouding. Moreover, you may also choose to handwash your glassware to avoid etching in the future.
Final Words
With just a few household materials, you can restore your glasses to their former glory. We hope this article taught you everything you needed to know how to make cloudy glasses crystal clear again!
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