Last week several calls came in requesting I re-run the article I wrote on holiday crystal.  So for Nan, Terry, Sharia and Tonie; I hope this helps.

As we rapidly approach Christmas and the New Year holiday, memories flood in of Grandma baking cookies in the oven and Christmas music playing on the stereo. 

Grandma would always ask me to help her clean the family crystal.  She would explain that even though the crystal sparkled with brilliance and clarity it was very fragile.

In this week’s article I thought I would share a few techniques that w’=ve used over the years in our crystal cleaning projects and hopefully your crystal will last as long as ours has:

1.  Before placing your crystal in the sink for cleaning, place a large bath towel in the sink, making sure you cover all of the exposed areas of the sink. 

Place a second smaller double folded towel in the bottom of the sink.  This will help prevent chipping.

2.  Fill the sink halfway with warm soapy water.  Note: Any liquid dishwashing detergent will do.  Clean with a non-abrasive cloth. 

If you have a double sink arrangement, fill the second one with warm water; add two tablespoons of either white vinegar or ammonia and one tablespoon of rubbing alcohol.  This solution is an excellent rinse.

3.  Wash each piece of crystal, one piece at a time.

4.  If you have residue left in the glass, place some uncooked rice in the glass and swirl, this should remove the material.

5.  Stemmed glasses should be held by the bowl to help avoid dropping.

6.  Handle crystal delicately and always stand crystal upright before storing.

Note: Putting crystal in a dishwasher grossly increases the chances of chipping or cracking.  It will also cause tiny scratches and will cloud up the crystal over time. 

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (208-255-2266) or toll free at 1-877-311-NWES or e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net  or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do? 

For more information about Ed’s company, check him out at NWESINC.COM.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the president of  Northwest Executive & Environmental Services, Inc.