Beautiful vintage dishes and glassware are fun to find at the thrift store, but what's the safest way to wash them?
How to Properly Clean Thrifted Dishes So You Don’t Ruin Them
Published on May 23, 2025
Thrifting dishware is good for your pocket and the environment, while also adding unique style to your dinner party tablescape. If you’re a thrifter, you know the rush of finding that one-of-a-kind vintage Pyrex or wine glass (even better when you find matching sets!). But once you get those antique treasures home, what’s the best way to clean them?
Vintage ceramic, china and glassware need special care due to their delicate finishes and materials. We’re breaking down the best cleaning method to make your thrifted dishes sparkle without ruining the finish.
How to Clean Vintage Glassware, Ceramic and China
The first step to cleaning vintage glassware and dishware is to skip the dishwasher. The movement in the dishwasher, harsh soap and extreme temperature changes can damage dishes and cause glassware to crack or shatter. Here’s how to hand-wash vintage dishes with care:
- Prepare the sink: Make sure your sink is clean before washing vintage dishes. Lay a folded towel in the bottom of your sink for cushioning, then fill the sink with warm water and a small amount of gentle dish soap.
- Wash: Wash the dishes and glasses one piece at a time. Gently clean with a soft microfiber cloth. If it’s hard to reach the inside of a glass, you can use a stemware brush with soft foam bristles like this one.
- Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Dry: After rinsing, place the dishes and the glassware upside down on a soft towel to air dry. Or you can hand dry carefully with a soft lint-free cloth.
Extra Tips for Cleaning Vintage Glassware
What to do if you see a cloudy film
You may notice a white or gray film on antique or vintage glasses. According to the American Cleaning Institute, to remove the cloudy film, “Soak [the glassware] in a weak vinegar and water solution for an hour or two. The vinegar (acetic acid) eats away the build up.” You’ll have sparkling glasses again in no time.
How to check if your vintage glassware contains lead
Antique dishes can contain lead, especially if they were made before 1971, when the FDA first started to enforce limits on the amount of leachable lead in dishware. The CDC recommends testing for lead by submitting a sample to a certified laboratory. That’s not always a realistic option, so home lead-testing kits are also available. Keep in mind that home tests are not as accurate as laboratory testing.
How to handle stubborn staining
If your vintage dishes have more stubborn stains, like yellowing or other discoloration, a very gentle abrasive might be needed. Hemswell Antique Centres recommends a paste made from baking soda and water: “Mix a small amount of baking soda with water until it forms a thick paste. Apply it gently to the stained area with a soft cloth or cotton swab. After allowing it to sit for a few minutes, gently rub in a circular motion.” Rinse the baking soda mixture away and allow the glassware the air dry.
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