How to properly wash glassware in the dishwasher: a guide for venues

Common mistakes and best practices

In the hospitality and catering industry, presentation is everything. In this context, the glasses glass-symbols of care and elegance-should always be impeccable. However, one problem that many professionals report is the dulling of glass after a series of washes in the dishwasher.

RGLife today attempts to analyze the main causes of this phenomenon, but more importantly to provide the most effective solutions to prevent it and ensure shiny glasses, even after hundreds of washes.

The causes of opacity of glassware

Opacity of glassware can result mainly from two distinct phenomena:

1. Deposits of mineral salts (such as calcium carbonate, i.e., limestone);
2. Corrosion of the glass surface, related to irreversible chemical processes.

1. Deposition of limestone and organic residues (reversible opacity).

When water is particularly hard (rich in calcium and magnesium), it is easy for a whitish film to be deposited on the glass surface. This type of opacity is reversible and can be solved by washing with vinegar or with special anti-scale cleaners.

Some protein residues from foods such as eggs, milk or meat can also react with the mineral salts in hot water, forming opaque patinas.

Solutions to prevent:

• Use a water softener if you are in areas with high water hardness.
• Properly dose detergent and use a quality rinse aid.
• Pre-rinse glasses to remove any traces of food.
• Keep the washing temperature between 49°C and 60°C: too high temperatures denature proteins, too low does not remove fats.
• Clean the dishwasher regularly to avoid buildup and bad odors.

2. Glass corrosion (irreversible opacity).

In this second case, opacity is caused by a real chemical alteration of the glass surface, with removal of metal ions. It can also manifest as iridescent (rainbow-like) reflections and is not reversible.

This corrosion is caused by:

• Excessive use of alkaline detergents, especially those rich in phosphates.
• Too soft water, which does not counteract the aggressive action of sequestering agents.
• Washing temperatures that are too high.
• Insufficient rinsing.
• Interrupted cycles or long periods of inactivity of the dishwasher with detergent in contact with the glass.

Solutions to prevent:

Solutions to prevent:

• Do not use overly softened water: ideal hardness is between 10 and 15 °F.
• Use mild detergents in moderate amounts.
• Avoid interrupting washing cycles: if the detergent dries on the glass, the damage is irreparable.
• Avoid excessive heating during drying.
• Maintain good water circulation inside the dishwasher (pay particular attention to proper placement of glasses and cleaning of nozzles).

Best practices for shiny, long-lasting glassware

Here is a short but practical operational vademecum to adopt to have shiny and long-lasting glassware:

✅ Do not use detergent in the pre-soaking stage.

✅ Do not exceed 60°C in dishwasher cycles.

✅ Periodically check the softener (internal or external) and resin regeneration cycles.

✅ Check detergent and rinse aid dosages.

✅ Do not interrupt the washing cycle.

✅ Open the dishwasher as soon as the cycle is finished and dry manually if necessary.

✅ Place glasses carefully in the racks, avoiding contact and water stagnation.

✅ Clean filters, pumps and nozzles regularly to ensure hygiene and efficiency.

Conclusions

Even one mistake in the washing cycle can permanently affect the shine of glasses. But with some daily attention, it is possible to keep glass in perfect condition even after many washes. Professional cleaning is also a matter of detail-and a clear, transparent, and halation-free glass is an unmistakable sign of care and quality.

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