What is the best method to clean a wine decanter?!
What is the best method to clean a wine decanter?
It is glass made by Riedel. Should I use soap or just rinse it out with water?
Answers: No soap, no bleach, no detergents. Glass has imperfections and you'll never really get those smells out. Very hot water and a decanter brush or some bendable brush, That's it. Air dry upside down on a rod and store that way to avoid dust. Source(s):
18yrs in the wine industry Soap and Water try a few drops of bleach. If the decanter has stains from red wine I would recommend baking soda and using a stemware brush. This will help release the stains from the crystal and then easily rinses out. the first thought is: never any detergents/soaps etc, only warm water and a medium hard bottle brush. If there are stains you might want to pour a handful of rice grains into the decanter, add water and shake vigorously until the stains are gone. Then rinse several times with warm water and ideally, to avoid water stains, your last rinsing is done with distilled water. The only thing to keep in mind is that, after using the decanter, it should not be kept aside to dry out. Wine stains become tough when they get oxidized by atmosphere.
Therefore, the best method is keep the decanter soaked in water after use and before washing. In case soaking arrangements can't be made, just fill the decanter with plain water before being washed with HOT water.. When I have accidently left mine unrinsed and wine has dried inside I have had very good results cleaning it with lemon juice and ice cubes. Swirling them together then rinsing it very well with water.
As others have noted best to rinse it immediately after use. If you have a wine making shop nearby, you could purchase a product called LD Carlson "Easy Clean". It is a great no rinse sanitizer that will remove staining.