How to Store Wine Glasses

Last Updated: May 15, 2022 References

Because of their fine material and delicate design, wine glasses need a little more care than normal dishes when it comes to storage. Whether you decide to store your wine glasses in a cupboard or a rack, your main goal should be to keep them free from dust and residue while minimizing breakage.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Storing in a Cupboard

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Place them upright to protect from weakening the rim. The rim is the most fragile part of the glass, so it’s important to put as little weight as possible on the delicate crystal. Carefully set the flat bottom of the glass onto the cabinet or cupboard shelf, making sure not to bump any other glasses.^{[1]
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- This also prevents any moisture from being trapped inside, such as leftover water from washing.^{[2]
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2
Leave 0.5 in (1.3 cm) of space between each glass to prevent chips. It’s important to make sure to give the glasses enough space so they’re not touching or bumping into each other. This can lead to chipping and cracking, especially if they’ve been stored bowl-down. When you place them in the cabinet, make sure to set them down about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) from the other glasses.

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3
Fasten your cabinet to the wall if you live in an earthquake-prone area. Generally, a cabinet is your best option for storing your stemware long-term. If it isn’t already, make sure that the cabinet is fastened or bolted to the wall and ensure that it has doors with latches so the glasses don’t come tumbling out.^{[3]
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- If you purchase glasses in bulk, keep them in the boxes until you have enough space in the cabinets to store them.
4
Lay down some grip-textured liner or mats on the cabinet shelves. The extra grip will help the glasses can stay upright more easily against shaking or rattling. Purchase a roll of no-slip shelf liner or several individual textured silicone mats, which you can find online or in home improvement stores. Lay them down in the cabinets based on the packaging instructions, making sure not to crease or bunch up the liner or mat material.^{[4]
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- No-slip shelf liner often has an adhesive side to place against the shelf and hold it in place.
- Mats may be textured on both sides, which allows them to grip both the cabinet and the bases of the wine glasses.
5
Add a slide-out rack that holds the glasses upright and in place. This option works great as an extra precaution against earthquakes. Make sure to choose and measure a space inside your cabinet for the drawer-style sliding rack, then purchase it from a home improvement store according to your specifications. Choose a material that matches your existing cabinet so it blends nicely.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a Rack

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Use a shelf-style rack for displaying your glasses upright. Make sure the shelf is thick and steady enough to hold your glasses. If you do choose a shelf-style rack, you’ll only need some screws and a drill to install it into the wall. Make sure to use drywall anchors if your rack is heavy and you can’t find a stud in the wall.
- Wood is the best option for this rack, since a thick metal shelf may be too heavy and difficult to install.
- If your shelf comes with its own hardware, use that for installation.
2
Install an under-the-counter rack to save space. Under-the-counter racks let you store the glasses upside down without any pressure on the rims. This prevents dust, dirt, or bugs from collecting inside the bowls and tainting the wine. Purchase an under-the-counter rack online or from a home improvement store.^{[6]
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- You can quickly attach under-the-cabinet racks with a drill and screws, drilling up into the cabinet to keep the rack secure.^{[7]
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- However, since the glasses will be displayed in the open, they may collect a fair bit of dust on the outside of the bowl, stem, and base. If this is the case, give them a good rinse before you use them!
- Wood or metal are the best material options for an under-the-cabinet rack.
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Choose a free-standing rack for easy installation. Place this type of rack on a sturdy, flat surface, such as a kitchen counter. Make sure it’s made of sturdy, quality materials, such as wood or metal. Keep in mind that the free-standing style is a great option for a low-key household of adults, but it may not be the perfect choice for a house with kids!^{[8]
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- If the rack tends to rock or shake at all, do not put your wine glasses in it! Find a new rack or repair the existing one so you don’t risk breaking your stemware.
- If you live in an earthquake-prone area, make sure to bolt or fasten your rack to a wall.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Keeping Your Glasses in Good Condition

1
Rotate out your glasses if you have a fairly large collection. It’s easy to always reach for the same glasses in the cabinet or rack, but if you have over 6-8 glasses, it’s a good idea to switch them out to prevent excess wear. When you wash your glass, put it in the back and then draw from the front the next time you open up a bottle.^{[9]
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- Regular use also helps keep dust and dirt from collecting in the glass bowls.
2
Clean off the glasses before and after using them. No matter how you store them, your wine glasses will always collect dust between uses. For a small amount of dust, give the glass a quick rinse with hot water. Use a soft-bristled stemware brush to gently remove any dirt or grime, then rinse and use a clean microfiber cloth to dry it thoroughly.^{[10]
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- Make sure your water doesn’t contain high levels of chlorine, which could potentially taint the wine’s flavor. You can purchase a kit, tablet, or solution online to test the chlorine levels in your tap water.
3
Use the dishwasher as a last resort for cleaning sturdy wine glasses. Make sure to use a delicate wash cycle, skip the heated drying cycle, and space them far apart so they won’t clink. However, because dishwashers tend to leave a little residue behind, you’ll get the best long-term results from hand-washing.^{[11]
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- Only use this option for wine glasses with thick stems and bases. Delicate crystal goblets can crack easily in the dishwasher.
4
Wash out glasses right away after using them. Red wine tends to stain crystal, so it’s important to at least rinse out the bowl fairly quickly. Use warm, soapy water and a soft, clean sponge to carefully remove any marks or residue. These can include any wine left inside the bowl, lipstick marks around the rim, or fingerprints on the outside of the bowl.^{[12]
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- If you won’t be able to wash the glasses out right away, at least fill the bowl with water so the wine doesn’t evaporate and leave a stain.
5
Dry the glasses immediately with a clean microfiber towel. This will help prevent any water spots from forming. A soft, clean cloth also protects the glasses from being scratched or contaminated. Gently rub the microfiber towel over the glass in circles, soaking up the water without applying too much pressure.^{[13]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Where do you store wine glasses in the kitchen?

Robert Rybarski
Organizational Specialist
Robert Rybarski is an Organizational Specialist and Co-Owner of Conquering Clutter, a business that customizes closets, garages, and plantation shutters to ensure organized homes and lifestyles. Robert has over 23 years of consulting and sales experience in the organization industry. His business is based in Southern California.

Robert Rybarski

Organizational Specialist

Expert Answer

Use your under-the-counter rack for the glasses you use the most. Put glasses you don't use regularly in the back of a cabinet to keep them safe.

Warnings

Never place extremely delicate crystal glasses in the dishwasher, since they can break easily.

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If you have kids or pets, you should also keep the rack somewhere secure and out of reach.

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If you store your glasses in a rack, be aware that you do run a risk of breakage with a longer way to fall.

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