Crystal is a high quality form of
glass, produced with lead oxide which creates light reflection. All pieces are delicate
and need to be cleaned with care. Most damage happens when cleaning or moving pieces,
therefore you have to be careful each time you clean a piece. When moving objects, always
carry one object or one part of an object at a time. It is best to place your hands around
the body of the object rather than using an existing handle, rim or spout for support.
Each time a piece is handled for cleaning there is a greater risk of breakage through
accidents and mishandling. It is better to protect pieces from soiling and dust in the
first place, rather than washing them too often.
To maintain the beauty of your crystals, always keep them in a cabinet away from dust.
Objects should be kept free of dust, debris and oily residues. Keeping in a cabinet also
prevents items from being broken accidentally. Store individual glass objects separately.
Do not stack or crowd items and be sure they are kept well back from the edge of the
shelf. Avoid wrapping glass in tissue or newspaper, which may attract and hold dampness.
When the piece has dust on it, use a blow dryer on cool air to get rid of the dust. Fine
crystal and glassware can crack or break when subjected to extremes of hot and cold.
Lighting candles in chandleholders is also not recommended. If the item has fingerprints
on it, do not place in the dishwasher. Fingerprints will disappear when you use a small
amount of glass cleaner with a soft, lint free cloth. You may also wash your fine crystal
and glassware by hand in moderately warm water with a mild lemon detergent and 1/4 cup of
ammonia (to prevent spotting). Rinse in clean water and air dry on a rack.
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