Gentle Care for Lasting Clarity: A Guide to Restoring Cloudy Glassware

Each piece of our LSA glassware is mouth-blown and shaped by hand, made to be lived with. Over time, however, glasses can develop a cloudy film, often after repeated dishwasher cycles or contact with hard water. With a little considered care, you can keep them as bright as the day you brought them home, catching the light on the cupboard shelf or the dinner table.

Featured: Tumblers from the Gio collection.

The dull, milky film usually comes down to one of two causes.

Mineral deposits, or limescale, are the most common cause. In hard-water areas, calcium and magnesium leave a chalky, white residue on the surface of the glass. To check, dampen the glass and rub gently. If the cloudiness disappears when wet and returns once dry, it is limescale. The good news: this kind of cloudiness sits on the surface and can be gently lifted away.

Etching is the more serious culprit. Hot cycles, harsh detergents and frequent dishwasher use can microscopically erode the surface of the glass. If the haze remains visible even when the glass is wet, the surface has been etched. Unfortunately, etching cannot be reversed. This is why thoughtful, ongoing care matters most for the pieces you love.

For limescale and mild dishwasher haze, the following method is effective. Top tip for our LSA mouth-blown and hand-painted pieces: support the glass with both hands and handle each step slowly and gently.

You'll need:

• A basin or large bowl

• White vinegar

• Warm water (around 35–40°C / 95–105°F)

• A soft microfibre or lint-free cotton cloth

The method:

1. Prepare the basin. Fill a basin or large bowl with warm water at around 35–40°C (95–105°F). Avoid very hot water, which can stress the glass. Add white vinegar at a ratio of roughly one part vinegar to three parts water. The mild acidity dissolves mineral build-up without scratching the surface.

2. Soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Allow the glassware to soak so the solution can dissolve the limescale and mineral deposits. For more stubborn cloudiness, leave to soak for up to an hour.

3. Rinse thoroughly. Rinse the glass with clean, warm water to remove any vinegar residue.

4. Dry the glassware with a soft cloth. Polishing dry immediately gives the brightest finish, as air-drying can leave fresh water marks. A soft microfibre or lint-free cotton cloth works best. Avoid scouring pads, steel wool, or abrasive sponges, which can scratch the surface.

5. A gentle polish for dull glassware. If your glassware shows only a faint dullness rather than visible cloudiness, a quick polish may be all that's needed. Buff each piece in slow, circular motions with a soft microfibre or lint-free cotton cloth until the surface gleams again. No soak required.

Featured: Highball glasses from the Bar collection.

A few small changes to your everyday routine make a noticeable difference.

For hand-washing:

• Use warm, soapy water with a soft cloth, the kindest way to keep glassware clear

• Choose a mild washing-up liquid; avoid harsh, abrasive, or strongly perfumed cleaners

• Dry promptly with a soft cloth while still warm. Air-drying can leave water marks

When using a dishwasher:

• Choose a cool, gentle cycle and a mild detergent

• Add a rinse-aid in hard-water areas to reduce spotting and help glass dry clear

• Wash glassware separately, avoiding loading it alongside heavily soiled cookware, where food residue can transfer to the surface

Featured: White Wine Glass from the Wine collection.

Most of our glass is handmade, and a selection is dishwasher-safe. We suggest treating all handmade glass with care to keep it free from knocks, chips and scratches.

For all our handmade glass:

• Hand-wash in warm, soapy water and dry with a soft cloth

• Avoid abrasive detergents or materials when cleaning and drying

• Wash and dry hand-painted pieces with particular care

• Do not heat soda glass to excessive temperatures, or heat or cool it too quickly, as soda glass is not heat-proof

• Do not place LSA glass in the microwave

For pieces marked dishwasher-safe:

Glass identified as dishwasher-safe has been tested for up to 25 washes on a cool cycle with a mild detergent. When loading:

• Place glasses on the top shelf, the most stable part of the dishwasher

• Position them at least a finger-width apart to prevent knocking during the cycle

• Avoid placing glasses over the prongs

• Keep heavier items well clear of the glasses

With a little considered care, your LSA glassware will keep its sparkle for years to come. When you're ready to add new favourites to your cupboard, browse our latest Drinkware collection.