Wash guide

To ensure your glasses remain a centerpiece of your table for years to come, we recommend the following care guidelines.
While both machine and hand washing are effective, each requires specific attention to detail.

Dishwasher Cleaning

This is often the safest way to avoid breakage, as it eliminates the need for manual polishing. To prevent glass corrosion or clouding, use a gentle glass program (max. 50 °C / 122 °F) and monitor water hardness. Ensure sufficient spacing, and avoid contact with metal.

Washing by hand

While chemically gentler, hand washing requires a careful touch. To prevent snapping the delicate stem, never hold the glass by its base or stem alone. Instead, cradle the bowl gently in your palm, allowing the stem to rest securely between your index and middle fingers.

Polishing & care

For a flawless finish, polish your handcrafted Zalto glasses with a clean, soft microfiber cloth that has been washed at a minimum of 75°C (167°F) using unscented soap. Avoid fabric softeners and grease.

Dishwasher cleaning

To ensure your Zalto glasses remain in pristine condition, follow this guide for professional dishwasher care:

Machine Maintenance: Regularly service your dishwasher and keep filters, nozzles, and spray arms clean and grease-free.

Water Calibration: Set water hardness between 3 and 8 to prevent corrosion; use salt to avoid limescale and consider demineralization if your water quality is poor.

Optimal Settings: Always use a delicate "glass" cycle with a maximum temperature of 55°C (130°F) and the shortest possible cleaning time.

Smart Loading: Place glasses securely (ideally in glass cages) so they do not touch. Avoid putting tall, narrow glasses in corners where water cannot reach them easily.

Pre-Rinsing: Rinse wine residue immediately after use to prevent acid damage. Ensure other dishes (like pots or egg-stained plates) are rinsed before loading to prevent odors and protein buildup.

Detergent Choice: Use high-quality powders for precise dosing or all-in-one tabs. Avoid phosphate-free detergents with aggressive substitutes and never overdose the rinse aid.

Safe Unloading: When the cycle ends, crack the door to let steam escape. Once cooled, handle glasses by the stem or base to avoid fingerprints, and blot any remaining water droplets vertically with a clean towel.

Washing by hand

To ensure your Zalto glasses remain beautiful and intact during hand washing, follow these essential steps:

Prepare Your Space: Clear the area of hard objects and remove jewelry, such as rings, to prevent accidental scratches or chips.
The Proper Grip: Never hold the glass by the base or stem alone. Secure the glass by cradling the bowl gently in your palm with the stem resting between your index and middle fingers.
Gentle Cleaning: Use warm water with a small amount of mild detergent. For extra brilliance, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the water to prevent streaks.
Soft Materials Only: Use a soft cloth rather than a sponge or scouring pad. Avoid applying heavy pressure to the inside of the bowl to prevent breakage.
Final Rinse: Thoroughly rinse each glass in clean, warm water to remove all detergent residue and restore its natural luster.

Drying & Polishing for Brilliance

The stem is the most delicate part of any high-quality wine glass. To prevent breakage and achieve a professional shine, follow these steps:

Initial Drying: Place the glass upside down on a clean tea towel to let the goblet air-dry. Wait until the glass has completely cooled before you begin polishing.
Preparation: For an extra-brilliant shine, briefly hold the goblet over steam before polishing with a lint-free cloth. Ensure your towels are washed without fabric softener or starch.
The Base First: Carefully dry and polish the base first. Crucially, never hold the glass by the base while polishing the rest of the glass, as the torque can cause the stem to snap.
The Proper Technique: Cradle the bowl of the glass in one hand while polishing with the other. Follow this order: start with the inside, move to the rim, and finish with the outside.
Avoid Twisting: Never rotate the base and the goblet in opposite directions. Always move your hand around the glass rather than twisting the stem

Optimal Storage for Your Zalto Glassware

Fine lead-free crystal can absorb surrounding scents, which may interfere with a wine’s delicate bouquet. To keep your glasses aroma-free and safe, follow these storage tips:

Choose a Neutral Space: Store glasses in a dedicated cabinet away from the kitchen to avoid exposure to cooking grease and strong odors like spices, coffee, or cleaning supplies.
Store Upright: Always stand your glasses on their base. Storing them upside down can trap stale air inside the bowl and put unnecessary pressure on the delicate rim.
Let Them Breathe: For the best tasting experience, take your glasses out of the cabinet a few hours before use to let them "air out" in an odor-free environment.
Natural Protection: Keep the air in your cabinet fresh by placing a small container of activated charcoal or baking soda nearby (not touching the glass) to neutralize ambient smells.