The impracticability of crystal glassware

Primrose

I'm trying to declutter as with increasing age, I need to make my life simpler. That includes only having glassware and china that can be safely used in a dishwasher.

I have lots of crystal glasses which are beautiful, (wedding presents from many years ago) but utterly impractical. Can they ever be used in a dishwasher without going cloudy?

Do I just bite the bullet and get rid of them?. I notice our local charity shops don't seem to shift them, presumably because everybody else these days is also too busy to handwash them.

Is there any way these can be enjoyed, used regularly yet washed in a dishwasher without being damaged? If not I may have to bite the bullet and dispose of them somehow to a more appreciative owner. It seems sacrilege to use but damage such beautiful craftsmanship by not treating them correctly!

Any thoughts?

thriftwizard

I don't know if this would hold true where you are, but down here in the South, I'm seeing beautiful cut glass on every other stall on the vintage markets, and also seeing people eagerly buying it. I don't sell it - or anything else breakable - myself, but it's definitely "having a moment" down here.

Artytarty

I just use mine , now and again, for a g and t etc, I do put them n the dishwasher , so far it's been ok, and if one day they go cloudy well at least I'll have enjoyed using them! They are full lead crystal too, Tyrone and Waterford.

daveyjp

The only time our glassware went cloudy was when we opted for cheap Aldi dishwasher tablets. It wasn't damage, it was a film on the glass.

Started using Finish tablets again and the cloudiness disappeared.

VfM4meplse

We can file crystal glassware firmly under the category of things that are just too good to use so instead end up occupying space. As Erma Bombeck said:

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'.

Eenymeeny

I agree about using and enjoying them. I was left with one beautiful whiskey tumbler and used it for my breakfast orange juice for a long time. (It brought me joy ) If you have stemmed wine glasses how about giving them an outing as table decorations with night lights in a bit of fake snow and greenery? Lots of ideas on Pinterest

bouicca21

I love crystal, would happily hand wash it. Recycle the lovely glasses to me!

And yes, putting crystal in the dishwasher will eventually damage it, whether it is cheap Aldi tablets or more expensive ones. It does take time for the damage to show though.

PasturesNew

My friend has a few - and uses them for special occasions.

I daren't drink from them as it's too much responsibility as I know she treasures them, so she serves me a drink in a regular glass

lessonlearned

My DIL "borrowed" mine.:rotfl: I am gradually replacing them, trying to buy from charity shops.

Sea_Shell

If you're only going to dispose of them anyway, just put them in the dishwasher...what's the worst that can happen!?

Personally, I'd hand wash them separately...surely only a 2 minute job.

DigForVictory

If you have a proper sized bowl, hang onto it to add wow to trifle?

Of course hang onto a couple of glasses/tumblers for the occasional medicinal tot, but the rest - as you see fit.