The Easiest Way To Clean Up A Foggy Crystal Vase

Crystal vases are gorgeous home staples and accents, offering sparkle and sophistication to the tables they sit on. Whether passed down from a family member or purchased new, they often add a timeless quality to the room they're in. Crystal vases, along with crystal glasses, decanters, etc., are not made out of crystals at all. Instead, the calcium in regular glass is replaced with lead oxide, which is why crystal is often referred to as lead glass, explains West Texas A&M University. Don't worry, though, as most new crystal vases are made with barium or zinc.

Flower arrangements look particularly stunning in crystal vases; the added shine accents the beautiful flowers in a perfect pairing. The vase can easily get foggy or cloudy, though, as the sitting water and minerals in tap water can create a hazy effect on the crystal. While this is unsightly, it's also straightforward to clean.

While traditional glass flower holders lack the sparkle of crystal vases, they are undoubtedly easier to clean. The Maids point out one crystal's hardest to clean issues, which is fog or haze caused by mineral deposits from tap water. You can avoid this altogether by using distilled water.

Foggy crystal can be cleaned, but it needs a bit more attention than a simple wash with soap and water. To clean a hazy crystal vase, you'll need fizzing antacid tabs, hot water, and potentially baking soda and coffee filters. Begin by filling your crystal vase up with hot water, being sure all cloudy areas are covered. Drop in two dissolving tabs, and let it fizz for a few minutes before dumping out the water. All the mineral deposit spots should be gone at this point. If they aren't, grab a coffee filter and get it slightly damp. Use the coffee filter to gently scrub the vase with baking soda on tougher stains.

Another way to prevent mineral buildup that results in a hazy appearance is to clean your crystal vase regularly. Most crystal vases are delicate and easily scratchable, so they shouldn't just go in the dishwasher. Instead, Molly Maid recommends soaking and handwashing crystal. Begin by soaking your crystal vase in warm water with two cups of white vinegar and some mild dish soap. Let it sit for just a few minutes, rinse off the soap and vinegar, and dry with a microfiber or flannel towel.

Dust buildup is another issue that can alter the shiny appearance of crystal vases, and it can be similarly challenging to remove. You can polish your vase using a paste made with one part each of white vinegar and salt — any salt will work, but make sure it isn't a coarse grind that could scratch the crystal. Apply it to the vase and let it sit for a bit. Mix warm water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and pour into the vase. Pour more vinegar on top, let it fizz, and then rinse the vase clean, drying it immediately.