Do you love your precious waterford crystal vase? Than you should also know how to clean the crystal properly. That's why I want to give you an overview over the care of waterford crystal and critical mistakes that you absolutely have to avoid.

Alright, let's begin. If you wash your waterford crystal vase you should never use too hot or too cold water. Always use lukewarm water. And changing the temperature from hot to cold is dangerous, too.

The thing is that crystal can easily break or get damaged if you change the temperature. Like any other material crystal expands when warmed and shrinks when you cool it off. A sudden change between shrinking and expanding will result in fractures in the crystal.

Next, I recommend you to only use circular and slow movements with a very soft sponge. Do not rub your vase from one side to another vigorously! You will cause scratches and damage the vase. And the reason why a rough sponge is not viable is pretty obvious.

And here's another one: Think twice before you decide to use a dish washing machine for your crystal. Some machine claim that they have a program to wash crystal or delicate chinaware, but I’ve heard horrible stories of valuable crystal vases shattered in those “sensitive” washing programs.

I don’t want to say that all dish washers are the same. Probably some company has already introduced a machine that really works. Just note that there is the risk of damaging your collection even if you use a special program.

I’ve also heard horrible stories about collectors who used some kind of chemical stuff to clean their crystal. Chemicals can theoretically dissolve the lead that is a content of every fine waterford crystal vase. Use the internet and browse forums or blogs about the care of waterford crystal to find out if someone already made experiences with the chemical detergent.