How to Clean Your Wine Decanter

Wineware’s top tips for cleaning decanters 

Do…

• Rinse your wine decanter to remove any remaining wine.
• Fill your wine decanter with lukewarm water after use. Leave to soak until you are ready to clean. The water will have softened any stains or marks. Please bear in mind (soft/hard) water can affect the quality of your glassware and leave white marks.
• Rinse only with lukewarm water, do not use boiling water.
• We recommend using restaurant crystal clean glass cleaner it is used by bars and restaurants internationally.
• For any tough build-up of sediment, try using decanter cleaning balls, place these into the decanter with water and swirl to try and hit and dislodge any unwanted sediment.
• If you're able too, use a decanter cleaning brush as it'll reach the bottom and all areas of the decanter. You can only use this if the decanter has a wide opening.
• Dry your wine decanter upside down. We suggest using a decanter drying stand; we have a great selection available. Let your decanter drain on a linen cloth.
• For an extra shine, we suggestion steam polishing your wine decanter over boiling water.
• Tip - mix a small amount of white vinegar with lukewarm water to help remove any harsh wine or water stains. For adamant stains, we advise a small amount of ethanol.

Don’t…

• Do not use dishwashing detergent when cleaning your wine decanter.
• We suggest only using decanter cleaning tools – a sponge could scratch the glass.
• Do not use methyl alcohol.
• Do not let your wine decanter sit on a linen cloth longer than needed.

Top tips

• Wine decanter beads are helpful for areas you cannot reach with a brush or cloth. These beads can also be used for vases and are reusable. They are the best option (as opposed to the rice cleaning trick). They loosen wine stains and deposits.
• Clean your decanter as soon as possible after use. Leaving your decanter will allow wine stains to build up.
• Don’t let red wine sit in a decanter overnight.
• Regular cleaning keeps your decanter clean and stain free.
• Rinse the decanter thoroughly with water before removing the stains. This prevents any accidental stains on clothing.
• Decanters sometimes have specific cleaning instructions; make sure you read these (if applicable).

How to clean a Riedel Wine Decanter

• Fill the decanter with warm water.
• Let the decanter sit for a few hours.
• Remove the water from the decanter.
• Rinse and wash the exterior with warm water and soap
• Polish the exterior with a cleaning cloth
• If possible, use a hairdryer on the interior to avoid water stains (Caution - Handle with care!)

If you need any further advice on cleaning your decanter, call us on 01903 786148 or fill in our online form.