Handblown glass can have subtle variations in shape, thickness, and surface texture that distinguish it from machine-made pieces. Care for it gently, especially around the rim, handles, and other narrow sections. For everyday cleaning, use mild dish soap, lukewarm water, and a soft cloth rather than abrasive pads or sudden temperature changes. These habits help reduce scratches, chips, and stress on the glass, whether you use a vessel regularly or display it as an art piece.
Wash Gently by Hand
Before washing, check the piece for chips or cracks, which can make it more vulnerable to pressure. Place a soft towel in the sink to cushion it if it slips. Wash one item at a time with lukewarm water, a small amount of mild dish soap, and a nonabrasive sponge or cloth. Avoid scouring pads, powdered cleaners, and stiff brushes, which can scratch the surface or catch on uneven details.
Rinse with lukewarm water and avoid sudden shifts in temperature. Do not pour boiling water into a cool vessel or move a warm piece into cold water; rapid temperature changes can stress glass. Unless the maker confirms that a piece is dishwasher-safe, wash it by hand. A dishwasher’s heat, detergents, and contact with other items can damage delicate shapes or decorative surfaces.
Handle With Support
Use both hands to move larger or unusually shaped pieces. Support the base and body rather than lifting a vessel by its rim, stem, or handle. These narrower areas may not be designed to bear the weight of the whole piece. Keep your grip dry, and set the glass down slowly on a stable, level surface instead of sliding it across a counter.
When carrying glass through a room, clear your path first and keep it away from doorways, hard edges, and crowded surfaces. Avoid holding it over a sink or hard floor while you adjust your grip. For pieces with applied details or irregular contours, follow any care instructions supplied by the maker, since the safest grip can depend on the design.
Dry Without Scratching
After rinsing, let excess water drain, then pat the glass dry with a clean, lint-free cloth. Avoid twisting a towel inside a narrow opening or pressing hard against thin walls. If the piece has a small opening, allow it to air-dry upside down only when it can rest securely without putting pressure on the rim. Otherwise, dry it upright on a clean, soft surface.
Check that the inside is fully dry before putting the piece away, particularly if it will be stored for a while. Water left in an enclosed vessel can leave spots or residue. If marks remain, try another gentle wash with mild soap and lukewarm water; do not scrape them with a metal utensil or use an abrasive cleaner.
Store With Space Around It
Choose a stable shelf away from busy walkways, direct contact with other objects, and areas where the temperature changes sharply. Leave enough room to lift each piece without bumping its neighbors. If you need to stack items, do so only if the maker says they are designed to stack; nesting can place pressure on rims and trap pieces together.
For longer-term storage, wrap each piece separately in clean, soft packing material and place it in a snug, padded box. Do not let the glass shift inside the box, and avoid putting heavy objects on top. Label the package as fragile and store it somewhere dry and steady. If a piece develops a chip or crack, stop using it for food or drink and ask the maker about appropriate next steps.
Gentle handwashing, supported handling, careful drying, and individual storage help protect handblown glass from avoidable damage. Because handmade pieces can differ, follow the maker’s instructions whenever they are available. If you have a question about caring for a specific piece, contact North Shore Glassworks for guidance.