You may be surprised to learn that you don’t have to hand wash your wine glasses. It turns out that even your most delicate stemware is most likely dishwasher safe.
Keep reading to learn more about washing your wine glasses including why you can (and probably should!) put your wine glasses in the dishwasher and some helpful tips and tricks to get them sparkling clean every time.
Are All Wine Glasses Dishwasher Safe?
You can put most of your wine glasses in the dishwasher, with a few exceptions. Whether your favorite wine glass is a delicate, thin-stemmed goblet or a stemless piece, you should be fine to put it in the dishwasher.
The only glasses that you absolutely need to hand wash are anything made of crystal, antique glasses, or glasses that have any gold or silver leaf detailing. These delicate items should always be hand washed to avoid potential damage.
Should Wine Glasses Go on to Top Rack or Bottom Rack?
Always put your wine glasses on the top rack of your dishwasher. Most dishwashers have a stemware rack that flips down to hold the stem of your wine glass in place during washing. Even if your dishwasher does not have this feature, you can put your wine glasses on the top rack.
Also, make sure that your glasses are spaced out and not touching anything else. This helps to avoid scratching or damaging the wine glass and other dishes during the wash cycle.
What Would Happen If I Put My Wine Glass on the Bottom Rack of the Dishwasher?
Your wine glasses may be fine on the bottom rack of the dishwasher, but that area is generally designed to hold plates, bowls, and other sturdy dishes so it is not recommended for delicate things.
The top rack is designed for glasses, including wine glasses, to avoid any damage to even the most delicate items.
If you run out of room on the top rack and decide to try to wash your wine glasses on the bottom rack, you run the risk of your wine glasses breaking during the wash cycle. It’s best to wait until the next load so that your wine glasses can be loaded safely where they belong.
What Dishwasher Setting Is Best for Wine Glasses?
Before you go ahead and hit the same setting you do every time you run your dishwasher, pause. While you can wash your wine glasses in the dishwasher, it’s important to use the right settings to help your wine glasses stay clean and last.
For best results and to preserve the longevity of your wine glasses, set your dishwasher to a delicate cycle and make sure to use the air-dry setting as opposed to the heated dry setting. Too much heat on your wine glasses can dull them.
Do I Need a Special Detergent to Wash Wine Glasses?
Feel free to use whatever detergent you normally use to wash your dishes for your wine glasses as well. There is no need to use a special detergent.
It’s recommended that you use either a dishwashing liquid or powder pod as opposed to one of the gel pods because the pods tend to have more detergent inside than is actually needed to wash your dishes.
Too much detergent on your glasses can cause your glasses to deteriorate and become dull after repeat washings. By using one of the liquid or powder detergents, you can ensure you’re only using as much as you need every time.
Should I Rinse My Wine Glasses Before Putting Them in the Dishwasher?
If you had red wine in your glass and it left some residue on the glass or if there is any food stuck in or on your wine glass, it’s always best to rinse with warm water before putting it in the dishwasher.
If you forget or don’t have the time to rinse your wine glass before loading it in the dishwasher, don’t worry! Your dishwasher is more than likely going to do a great job of getting your glasses sparkling clean. Rinsing just helps break down some of the tougher stains.
How Do I Avoid Water Spots on My Wine Glasses?
To keep your wine glasses sparkling and water spot-free after washing in the dishwasher, invest in a rinse aid like Jet Dry. A rinse aid product is usually added to a separate compartment in your dishwasher and it should last several wash cycles depending on the package instructions.
Rinse aids are great because they help keep your dishes free of water spots and get rid of the cloudy film that sometimes plagues even clean dishes thanks to hard water. This is great for washing wine glasses because you always want your wine glasses to look sparkling and new.
Should I Dry My Wine Glasses After Dishwashing?
If your wine glasses are still a bit damp after coming out of the dishwasher, you can definitely dry them to make sure you don’t have any water spots or film left behind.
It’s best to use a lint-free towel like a microfiber polishing cloth to dry your wine glasses. They help protect the finish from scratches and don’t leave any lint behind to float in your wine.
Can I Hand Wash My Wine Glasses Too?
If you are either too nervous to put your glasses in the dishwasher or even if you don’t have a dishwasher, you can always hand wash your wine glasses.
When hand washing your stemware, make sure to handle it with care and take your time. If you choose to hand wash your wine glasses, you want to make sure you have a soft bristle rounded brush, a high-quality unscented dish soap, and ideally a microfiber towel to dry.
