Badly stained glassware

Laurie Craig
by Laurie Craig
We think these are hard water stains but not sure. We use water softener and rinse aid but many of our glasses look like this. Have tried many remedies to remove including vinegar, salt, lemon, barkeepers friend, baking soda and various combinations, all with no success. Any other suggestions before I throw them away?
  11 answers
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Apr 07, 2018

    Looks like been in dishwasher too many times. Sadly cannot be brought back, but you could decorate/paint with glass paint.

  • Lynn Lynn on Apr 07, 2018

    Think you’ve covered all your options so time to repurpose. Use a sea glass to paint and use as vases or candy dish or plant starters.. so many uses!

  • Patricia Teich Patricia Teich on Apr 07, 2018

    Don't wash them in the dishwasher, it literally etches them and that won't come off.


  • Jenin Israel Jenin Israel on Apr 07, 2018

    I had the same problem over the years. I am 65 now. I have always used plain SOS pads, yes SOS. Most people think they will scratch glassware and glass bake ware, but I have never in 40 some years had that issue.


    Also after I have cleaned them good with SOS, I now put 1/4 cup of vinegar into a cup right side up in the top of dishwasher about every 3 to 4 runs or twice a week to keep them sparkling clean.


    Try regular old fashioned SOS, after all what do you have to lose to see if it works. Be Well Jenin

  • Alberta Coulter Alberta Coulter on Apr 07, 2018

    Don't use dish washer detergent that contains lemon. Lemon is an acid and it will permanently damage your glassware and fine china.

  • Janice Janice on Apr 07, 2018

    Fill the glass with with water and drop in 2 or 3 denture cleaning tablets. If it works and there is more on the outside, fill a basin with water, add the glasses and then add about a half a box of denture cleaning tablets. Let them soak.

  • Huntress Huntress on Apr 07, 2018

    white vinegar should do it.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Apr 07, 2018

    My pleasure......

  • Swan Road Designs Swan Road Designs on Apr 09, 2018

    Sadly, you have what is called in the antiques business as "sick glass." It results from chemicals leeching into the glass from being stuck into the ground or from being exposed to other chemical agents, such as dishwasher detergent.


    Once the glass has become "sick" there is very little that can be done to bring it back to its original clarity.


    Having said that, take your glass pieces and turn them into a craft treasure using whatever technique your choose.

  • Rockette West Rockette West on Apr 10, 2018

    We have very hard water in our house. My sister has a housecleaning business and she turned me on to Lemi Shine Booster. Found it at Walmart and my local grocery store. Worked like a charm on the film on my glasses and now my stainless steel dishwasher shines like new inside.

  • Laurie Craig Laurie Craig on Apr 10, 2018

    Thank you. I'll give it a try. 😀