How to Polish Wine Glasses — 5 Easy Steps Cleaning Experts Advise For Best Results
Take your dinner party hosting to the next by learning how to effectively polish and shine with this simple expert guide


There is a unique satisfaction in raising a perfectly polished wine glass to toast an occasion. Polished wine glasses not only add a touch of elegance to your table setting but also reflect your attention to detail as a host. Whether you're entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening with a bottle of your favorite vintage, having sparkling wine glasses elevates the experience.
However, achieving that flawless look can feel out of reach. Between water spots, smudges, and fingerprints, wine glasses often fail to look brand new. Many people find themselves frustrated by streaks even after mastering how to clean wine glasses. The secret? It all lies in proper polishing techniques — and the right tools for the job.
Below, we’ll explore how to polish wine glasses like a professional, and you’ll soon transform your glassware into gleaming works of art.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, it’s essential to assemble the right tools. Cleaning expert Karina Toner from Spekless recommends the following items for an effortless polishing experience:
• Microfiber cloths: These soft, lint-free cloths are ideal for buffing without scratching the delicate surface of glassware. Look for high-quality options such as the Rubbermaid Commercial Executive Series Hygen Cleaning Cloths from Target that are designed specifically for polishing.
• Classic Style Waffle Towels from Walmart: A backup to microfiber cloths, these can also polish wine glasses and leave them streak-free.
• Distilled water: For a streak-free shine, distilled water prevents mineral deposits from staining your glassware.
• Hot water or steam source: A bowl of steaming water or a steam wand softens residue and helps loosen any stubborn marks. Steam wands are commonly found in espresso machines such as the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Manual Espresso Machine available at Amazon
• Gloves or clean hands: To avoid transferring oils or fingerprints onto the glass during polishing.
How to Polish Wine Glasses
Once you’ve gathered your tools, it’s time to polish both your colorful wine glasses and your classic ones to perfection. Follow these steps recommended by Will Cotter, COO of FreshSpace Cleaning:
Step 1: Prepare your workspace
"Begin by setting up a clean and clutter-free area," says Will. "Choose an area in your kitchen with good lighting so you can easily spot smudges or streaks." Lay down a soft towel or mat to cushion the glasses in case of any accidents.
Step 2: Wash and dry the glasses
Ensure your wine glasses are thoroughly cleaned before polishing. Use warm water and a mild, non-abrasive detergent such as Method Dish Soap from Amazon, to remove any residue. Rinse well with distilled water from Target to avoid mineral spots.
"Gently pat the glasses with a lint-free towel to remove excess water," Will continues. "Avoid vigorous rubbing at this stage as it can leave streaks or lint behind."
Step 3: Create steam
If you do not have a steam wand available, use a handheld steamer such as the Conair Handheld Steamer from Walmart to loosen any residual smudges and prep the surface for polishing.
Alternatively you can position the glasses over a bowl of steaming water, but be careful with heat-sensitive glasses as over exposing them to steam may cause them to crack.
Step 4: Polish with microfiber cloths
Hold the base of the wine glass firmly in one hand. With the other, take a microfiber cloth and gently buff the bowl of the glass in circular motions. Start from the rim and work your way down. Do not apply too much pressure to obtain streak-free finish.
Once the bowl is polished, use a fresh section of your cloth to address the stem and base. These areas are often overlooked but contribute significantly to the overall brilliance of the glass.
Step 5: Inspect and repeat if necessary
Place the glass up to the light to check for any missed spots or streaks. If needed, repeat the polishing process until the glass sparkles.
After polishing, handle the glass by the stem to prevent fingerprints from marring your hard work. Place the polished glass on a clean surface or store it in a dust-free cabinet.
FAQs
How do you remove cloudiness from wine glasses?
Removing cloudiness from wine glasses is an easy fix. First soak the cloudy wine glasses in white vinegar from Walmart for one hour. Once soaked, remove the wine glasses and clean them with a Wine Glass Cleaning Brush from Amazon.
Polishing wine glasses may seem like a minor detail, but it’s a skill that enhances your table setting and transforms your event. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or enjoying a casual evening, you can create a more enjoyable wine-drinking experience for you and your guests by investing a little time and effort.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Seraphina is a contributing editor at Livingetc, writing Advice features on design, renovation and organisation. Seraphina is a qualified Interior Designer from KLC School of Design having worked at London-based interior design agencies Anouska Hempel and ND Studios. Seraphina has also completed her MA degree in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London, with previous experience including writing for Homes & Gardens, Women's Health, Food & Travel and Fabulous Magazine.
-
These Privacy Screens From QVC Are Just What You Need to Make Any Outdoor Space Feel More Secluded
Your outdoor space should feel like a secluded sanctuary. With privacy screens from QVC, you can make that happen in the most stylish way possible
By Devin Toolen Published
-
70s Color Palettes That Work for 2025 — 4 Designer-Approved Color 'Recipes' That Feel Modern Enough for Homes Today
It's time to bring out your paisley print and disco shoes — the golden yellows, olive greens, and deep purples of 70s color palettes are making a comeback
By Olivia Wolfe Published
-
The 52 Weeks Decluttering Challenge Is a Year-Long Process to Tidying Your Home — Here's How to Complete It
If you appreciate an in-depth, detailed approach to home organization, this 52 week challenge will help you maintain a consistently tidy living space.
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
Burning Palo Santo Is the Scenting Ritual Feng Shui Practitioners Recommend for Home Healing — These Are the Benefits
Burning palo santo isn't just about infusing your home with that classic woody aroma, it's also about cleansing in Feng Shui. And here's why you should try it.
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
Should You Buy an IKEA Kitchen? Here's What a Professional Designer Thinks of This Budget Kitchen Brand
Are IKEA kitchens worth it? We weigh up the pros and cons of the Swedish furniture brand's kitchen offering, so you know what to expect
By Faiza Saqib Published
-
Balcony Storage Ideas — 6 Concepts to Transform Your Deck into an Organized Outdoor Space
If you have a balcony holding outdoor gear and miscellaneous items, these expert tips will make sure your belongings are organized with nifty storage solutions.
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
5 Things That Are Disrupting Your Garden's Feng Shui That You Might Not Know About
If you're interested in getting your garden Feng Shui ready for spring, adopt these expert dos now. Also, remember to avoid the don'ts for a harmonious space.
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
8 Actually-Stylish Utility Room Countertop Ideas — Because, Yes It Needs to Be Practical, But You Want It to Look Good, Too
Layouts and materials that will make your daily chores more enjoyable
By Seraphina Kyprios Published
-
6 Easy Things You Can Do Today to Feng Shui Your Front Door — And Supercharge Your Home's Good Energy
Set the bar for good first impressions by enhancing your front door with the power of Feng Shui. It's simple with these tips from practitioners
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
Heating a Kitchen Should Be Chic and Stylish — Here Are 4 Brands Making a Statement
Transform your kitchen’s heating with these stylish brands
By Seraphina Kyprios Published