Dial-a-Maid
Liquids left in Crystal can cause stains, so empty and rinse glasses soon after use, says a 40+ year old Residential Cleaning Company servicing Winnetka, Il. Even though many dishwashers have a setting for crystal, it's best to wash fine glassware by hand: the heat and detergent can etch and cloud the glasses over time. Long-stemmed glasses can also topple over during the wash cycle and break and chip. Before hand washing crystal, remove rings and bracelets. Line the sink with a towel and fill it with hot, soapy water. Wash glasses one at a time with a soft cloth. Rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth that has not been laundered with fabric softener, which can leave a residue: drip drying can create water spots.
To smooth a very small chip in a glass, you can use a sanding tool called a jeweler's belt stick. This process is simple, but no matter how careful you are, there is still a risk of breakage. Begin by wetting the stick and lightly rubbing it over the chip, then coat the area with clear nail polish. The chipped area will feel and look better, although it will no be perfect. For pieces that you value, have a professional polish the rim.
There are various types of Crystal Embellishments: Acid Etched gives a frosted effect that's more shallow than engraving. An artisan coats crystal with an acid-resistant resin, then cuts the design through the coating with a metal stylus. The glass is then dipped in acid: when the resin is removed, the design is revealed; Cut Crystal is soft enough to cut. Designs are ground into the glass using iron wheels. Smaller wheels of lead, wood, cork, or rubber are used to refine and polish; Colored Crystal if formed from two layers of glass, one colored and one clear. When the top layer is cut, the underlayer is revealed, creating a two-tone design: Engraved Designs are cut freehand using a variety of copper disks. The engraved areas have a matte, clouded finish, but they can also be polished clear. All of the above are in Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook and promoted by a 40+ year old Residential Cleaning Company servicing Winnetka, Il.
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