How to Remove Cloudiness from Decorative Glassware

Glass often gets cloudy with age, and in many cases restoration to clear will require the services of a pro if it can be done at all. But some cloudiness is simply due to minerals in tap water, and in those cases the following method should provide an easy fix.

• Bar Keepers Friend
• Water
• Sponge

1. Thoroughly wet the glass with clean water.
2. Sprinkle a light coat of Bar Keepers Friend over it.
3. Use the sponge to rub the surface gently and clean the glass.
4. Rinse well under running water. Be sure to remove all residue of the Bar Keepers Friend.
5. Dry with a soft cloth or allow to air dry.

• If there’s not much of an improvement, make a wet paste of Bar Keepers Friend and coat the glass for a few minutes. Do not allow the Bar Keepers Friend to dry on the glass.
• A cloth scouring pad may be more effective in some cases. Use only if it will not scratch the glass. (Most glass will be fine).
• If the cloudiness returns when the glass dries, it might be the glass itself and not a surface stain. If the glass surface is damaged with tiny scratches that can cause a filmy appearance, it will need to be restored by a professional. If you want to try it at home, there are scratch removal kits available for glass. Consider the time, effort and expense this will take. In some cases, it may be less expensive to purchase a new set of decorative glasses.
• Spot test this method in a small or inconspicuous area first.