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Expert Tips: The Best Ways to Clean Wine Decanters
(Updated on: Mar 26, 2025)
Wine decanters add elegance to any table and enhance your wine-tasting experience by allowing the wine to breathe. However, due to their unique shapes, decanters can be challenging to clean. Here’s the best way to clean wine decanters, remove stubborn stains, and keep them sparkling.
Why Decanter Cleaning Matters
Proper decanter cleaning preserves the taste and aroma of wines by eliminating any residues that may affect the flavor. Residual wine stains can detract from both the appearance and experience of your next pour. Follow these steps to clean your wine decanter effectively and maintain its clarity.
The Best Way to Clean Decanters: Essential Tools
To achieve a thorough, residue-free clean, use the following tools:
- RIEDEL Bottle Cleaner: Reusable beads that reach the interior surfaces without scratching. Note: Not all decanters are suitable for cleaning beads. See product details to confirm compatibility.
- Decanter Cleaning Brush: A gentle brush crafted to reach curves and corners without damaging the glass.
- Warm Water and Alkaline or Distilled Water: Gentle on the glass, alkaline or distilled water reduces mineral buildup and enhances clarity.
- RIEDEL Microfiber Polishing Towel: RIEDEL’s best-selling accessory for achieving a polished, spot-free finish.
Explore our Cleaning Accessories for more information.
- Rinse Immediately
After pouring the last glass of wine, rinse your decanter with warm water to prevent stains from setting, simplifying the cleaning process.
- Use Cleaning Beads for Stubborn Stains
Add warm water and a few cleaning beads. Swirl gently to allow the beads to reach every surface and loosen any residue. Important: Check your decanter’s product page to confirm if cleaning beads are suitable, as some delicate decanters may not be compatible.
- Add a Decanter Cleaning Brush for Extra Shine
For hard-to-reach areas, use a soft cleaning brush to gently scrub. Focus on spots where wine may have settled, ensuring a complete clean.
- Rinse with Alkaline or Distilled Water
Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue. Using distilled or alkaline water is recommended to prevent water spots and mineral deposits.
- Air Dry and Polish
Place the decanter upside down on a drying rack to air dry. Once dry, use a RIEDEL Microfiber Polishing Towel for a final polish, removing any remaining spots and enhancing clarity.
- Alternative Cleaning Methods
No cleaning beads? Try a mix of white vinegar and water, or a handful of crushed ice and salt, to remove stains. Always follow with a thorough rinse to ensure no residue.
- Dishwasher-Safe Decanters
Some RIEDEL decanters are dishwasher-safe. To confirm, check the respective product detail page. Note: We do not recommend using dishwasher soap for decanters, as residues may impact the wine’s flavor.
- Polishing Instructions
Once your decanter is clean and dry, use the RIEDEL Microfiber Polishing Towel to gently polish. For best results, hold the decanter by the base and use circular motions, ensuring a sparkling, streak-free finish.
- Important Legal Note
Decanters should always be washed carefully. Most RIEDEL decanters require handwashing only, unless any other care/cleaning instructions are explicitly indicated on the respective product detail pages on our website. You can find a list of all decanters in our Product Range overview with detailed information on the respective product detail pages. If your decanter is not listed, please contact our customer service team. For more information on proper cleaning you can review our Blog on Glass Care and Use.
To maintain the brilliance of your decanter, avoid using harsh detergents and consider a routine cleaning after every use. Regular maintenance, a gentle handwashing routine, and polishing with a microfiber towel are the best ways to ensure your decanter remains pristine, ready for the next pour.
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