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How to Clean Your Glasses

Most NACHTMANN glasses are dishwasher safe and, when properly loaded, can withstand at least 1,000 dishwashing cycles with no demonstrable change to their shine or clarity.

Dishwasher safety has been tested in accordance with EN 12875-1:2005 and EN 12875-2:2001.

When Handwashing Is Required

NACHTMANN glasses labeled or packaged as "Hand Wash Only" or "Not Dishwasher Safe", as well as products without any care instructions on the packaging, are not dishwasher safe and should always be washed by hand.

Using a Dishwasher

With the right care, your NACHTMANN glassware will retain its brilliance and clarity for years to come. Follow these recommendations for the best dishwashing results.

  • Choose a mild detergent and a short, low-temperature dishwashing cycle.
  • Load glasses with enough space between them to prevent contact with other glasses or tableware.
  • Whenever possible, place glasses in the top rack and use the glass holder if your dishwasher is equipped with one. This helps keep each glass secure throughout the wash cycle.
  • Ensure that glasses do not touch metal utensils, mugs, or other items, and that they do not interfere with the spray arms.
  • If a glass is too tall for the top rack, it may be placed in the bottom rack only if your dishwasher offers a dedicated glass program. Otherwise, it should be washed by hand.

For Best Results

  • Use a stemware rack whenever available to keep glasses secure during the wash cycle.
  • Use soft water with a low mineral content to help prevent stains and cloudiness.
  • Avoid contact between glasses and metal utensils to reduce the risk of scratches.
  • Choose a high-quality dishwasher detergent formulated for glassware. For brilliant results, white vinegar can also be used as an environmentally friendly rinse aid.

Adjusting the Dishwasher

Correct dishwasher settings help preserve the brilliance and longevity of your NACHTMANN glassware. For the best results, consider the following recommendations:

  • Rinse aid:
    Ensure that rinse aid is correctly dosed and always sufficiently filled for optimal drying and shine.
  • Water softening:
    Extremely soft water can be aggressive to glass. Adjust your dishwasher's water softening system to match your household water hardness, ideally around 3–4 °dH (German hardness).
  • Temperature and cycle:
    Select a low-temperature cycle (50–55 °C) or, if available, a dedicated glass program.
  • Steam:
    Once the cycle has finished, briefly open the dishwasher door to allow moisture to escape. This helps reduce the risk of glass clouding.
  • Food residues and fruit juices:
    Heavy food residues and fruit acids can affect the rinse water and the washing process. Pre-rinse heavily soiled items by hand before placing them in the dishwasher.
  • Avoid aluminum items:
    Do not wash glassware together with aluminum household utensils, such as garlic presses or cookware with aluminum handles.
  • Non-dishwasher-safe materials:
    Avoid washing materials such as aluminum or stoneware that are not dishwasher safe. Chemical reactions may accelerate clouding of the glass surface.

Hand Washing

When handwashing is required, wash your NACHTMANN glassware carefully using warm water and a mild detergent.

  • Warm water and mild detergent:
    Wash each glass carefully using warm water and a mild detergent.
  • Removing stains:
    To remove superficial stains, soak the glass in white vinegar before rinsing.
  • Rinse thoroughly:
    Rinse each glass thoroughly with clean water to remove any detergent residue.

Drying & Polishing

Proper drying and polishing help preserve the brilliance of your NACHTMANN glassware while minimizing the risk of damage.

  • Use two polishing cloths:
    Hold the glass under the bowl with one cloth while polishing the bowl inside and out with the other. Afterwards, carefully polish the base separately.
  • Avoid twisting the stem:
    Never hold the bowl and the base at the same time or apply twisting pressure, as this may cause the stem to snap.
  • Do not hold the glass by the stem:
    When polishing the bowl, support the glass beneath the bowl rather than by the stem to avoid unnecessary stress on the narrowest part of the glass.
  • Avoid metal drying racks:
    Do not dry glasses upside down on metal racks, as this may chip the rim.
  • Use a microfiber polishing cloth:
    Avoid tea towels, which may damage the glass or leave lint behind. A microfiber polishing cloth provides the best results.

Caring for Your Polishing Cloths & Glassware

Proper care of your polishing cloths and suitable storage conditions help keep your glassware looking its best.

  • Wash polishing cloths properly:
    Wash microfiber polishing cloths at a high temperature using fragrance-free detergent to remove bacteria and residues.
  • Avoid fabric softener:
    Do not use fabric softener, as it can leave a greasy film on the glass surface.
  • Do not tumble dry:
    Microfiber polishing cloths should always be air dried.
  • Store glassware carefully:
    Avoid storing glasses near strongly scented items, as odors can transfer to the glass and affect the aroma of wine.

Understanding Cloudiness

Cloudiness on glassware after dishwashing can have two different causes. The most common is the build-up of limescale or detergent residues, which can usually be removed using mild acids such as citric acid or white vinegar.

In some cases, however, cloudiness is caused by changes to the glass surface rather than surface deposits. These changes occur when components of the glass are gradually released over time and cannot be removed with standard household cleaning products.

Glass is valued for its exceptional brilliance and clarity. At the same time, these qualities make even the smallest changes to the surface highly visible. Although all glass naturally undergoes a gradual ageing process, following the recommended care instructions can help minimize the risk of permanent clouding during machine dishwashing.

How to Prevent Cloudiness

Proper care after every use is the best way to preserve the brilliance of your NACHTMANN glassware.

  • Rinse promptly:
    Wash or rinse your glasses as soon as possible after use to prevent residues from drying onto the glass surface.
  • Remove wine residues:
    Red wine is particularly acidic and may affect the glass surface if left in the glass for extended periods.
  • Follow the recommended care instructions:
    Using the correct dishwasher settings and cleaning methods will help reduce the risk of permanent cloudiness.

How to Clean Your Crystal Glass Pieces

Large crystal glass pieces such as decanters, whisky decanters, carafes, pitchers, and vases require gentle care to preserve their brilliance. Cleaning methods may vary depending on the shape of the piece. Where available, always follow the care instructions provided on the respective product page.

Cleaning Your Crystal Glass Piece

For crystal glass pieces that cannot easily be cleaned by hand, fill the vessel with warm water immediately after use and leave it to soak overnight. The following day, empty the water and rinse it with approximately 500 ml of distilled water. Swirl the water thoroughly before pouring it out.

For more stubborn residues, distilled water can be combined with a small amount of citric acid or white vinegar while swirling the vessel.

Avoid using dishwashing liquid or detergent, as residues can be difficult to remove completely.

Drying & Handling

Allow the crystal glass piece to air dry before polishing the exterior with a microfiber polishing cloth.

  • Handle with care:
    Avoid knocking the rim or spout against the tap, as this may cause chips.
  • Use a larger sink if needed:
    If the piece is too large for your kitchen sink, a laundry or bath tap may provide more space.

Removing Stains & Preventing Cloudiness

Always rinse the vessel immediately after use to prevent residues from drying onto the glass surface. Wine, spirits, and other beverages may leave deposits if left inside for extended periods.

If stains remain, suitable cleaning tablets or cleaning beads can help restore the brilliance of your crystal glass.

To use cleaning beads, fill the vessel with warm water, carefully add the beads through a funnel, and swirl them gently for around two minutes. Afterwards, pour the beads into a fine mesh strainer, rinse, dry, and store them for future use.