The Auswine Forum

Not so long ago when the subject of cleaning glassware was discussed, I think someone said the best way of cleaning a decanter was by using denture cleaner.

If that's true, what's the best brand/type of cleaner to use, and is there any particular method to it? (ie how much, how long, etc)

Cheers
Ian

Ian,

I use a little bleach from time to time, just a few drops swished through with hot water. Then a good rinse with detergent and a final rinse with a NZ Sauv Blank. The smell of cats pee overcomes the bleach every time.

Bleachboy myself, but skip the detergent. Just heaps of rinses in filtered water then allow to drain.

My experience with the denture cleaners is that they work best with only small volumes of water (a glass of warer beside the bed, for instance). So when I've filled a decanter and dropped one tablet in, it's not been too successful. Either use more than one tablet, or use only a little water and then swish it around vigorously. Sometimes I use a combination of both - the denture tablet softens any scale, then I chuck a handful of rice in a tiny bit of water and swirl it around inside. This seems to clear most marks away.

I'm sure there has to be a better way...

cheers,
Graeme

I know this has come up before, but a good rinse with a small handful of rice is good for getting gunky stuff out of decanters.

Enjo also make a a cleaning device which is like a flexible wand, one of their microfibre thingys on a flexible strip of metal. Lint free and good for polishing.

cheers

Andrew

DECANTERS
A spoonful or two or bi-carb soda (baking powder) with hot water. Shake it up, let it settle for a half hour and the spectacular results will leave a smirk on your face. I've never had to call in a flexible long-stemed brush as a persuader, using this method. Rinse out a few times with hot water.
GLASSWARE
For a large number, the dishwasher (with the cutlery tray removed)saves a heap of time but don't use any detergent/powder (as the harsh chemical will eventually scour the glass and could also leave a residual taint). The heat of the water is sufficient for good cleaning. I always use ordinary white vinegar in the dishwasher rinse-receptacle for a great finish. I've never had a residue/taint problem from the vinegar (affecting the glassware and future wine) as the heat of the water in the final rinse dissipates any vinegar residue.
Cheers
Geoff G

I agree with the vinegar idea. Marvelous stuff. I don't seem to have any problems with the decanter. Always get to it before it gets too bad; rinse after each time it has been emptied, and if I leave the last gunk in there until the following morning I just use a bit of dishwashing liquid, hot water, soak for a wee bit, and then get a bottle brush into it. Use a good strong one that you can bend to get around all angles, with lots of fibres, especially on the end. The hot water rinse at the end is the best way to get the water out without staining.

cheers,

Thanks for the quick responses folks!

It sounds like there's a couple of ways to clean that awkward Zerrutti Turn decanter I can try. The neck on that thing is just impossible to get any cleaning instrument through, and to date I've just been using hot water.

Cheers
Ian

n4sir wrote:Thanks for the quick responses folks!

It sounds like there's a couple of ways to clean that awkward Zerrutti Turn decanter I can try. The neck on that thing is just impossible to get any cleaning instrument through, and to date I've just been using hot water to date.

Cheers
Ian

Ian

I still use the cheap denture cleaner tablets "Coles Persona" from of all places Coles Supermarkets.

I use it after some "Barossa Stainers" and the water turns pink - a lot like the wine some non RB drink. Fill the carafe and add one tablet. Rinse several times after a few hours soaking.

Graham