Antique Glass

BADA is the leading trade association for the fine art, design and antiques community. Read our guide to caring for antique glass.

Antique glass decanters

Antique glass decanters can be prone to staining.

A dark stain can usually be removed with the use of a good bottle brush and warm water, mixed with Cif, or Astonish cleaning fluid.

Acids in wines can cause milky stains which require professional buffing to remove.

To avoid staining, always ensure your decanters are thoroughly dried after use.
 

Chips and repairs

Minor chips on wine glasses can only be eliminated by reduction of the glass.

As a result, this practice is restricted to glasses of comparatively low value.

Chips on important period glasses can often be filled with a resin which renders the damage inconspicuous.

In the event of a break, avoid touching broken edges. This is because fingerprint residue can hamper the rebonding process.

In all instances, seek professional help from a specialist dealer.
 

Antique glass

Cleaning antique glass

To reduce the risk of accidents, remove any items of jewellery before cleaning.

BADA recommend using a plastic bowl to wash antique glass, rather than a metal or ceramic sink.

When using a sink, be sure the tap spout is turned 90 degrees from the basin to avoid accidental contact. 

Virtually all antique glass should be washed in water as hot as the hand will stand. You can also add a little washing up liquid.

Rinse in water of the same temperature and dry with lint-free cotton cloth, while the glass is hot.

The heat of the glass will do most of the drying.
 


To view dealers who specialise in glass click here

To browse items of glass online click here

For advice on caring for antique Porcelain and Pottery click here

For BADA recommended specialists in packing and shipping antiques and fine art click here