Do you have cloudy glasses? Is your glassware looking a bit grey and dull? Well there are two main reasons behind this irritating cloudy effect.

The first is a process commonly known as etching. Etching is effectively the glass material being gradually worn down over time by simple, general usage of the glassware. In general, etching is a slow process of which one is highly likely to see develop over a considerable amount of time.

The second reason which can cause this cloudy effect is hard water deposits. Hard water deposits can consist of calcium or magnesium ions. This is a process which can occur rather quickly leading to the conclusion that it is unlikely to be caused by etching which is a much slower process.

Whilst etching is permanent and not solvable, hard water deposits are relatively easy to fix. Start off by pouring white vinegar into a reasonable sized bowl. As vinegar is a natural acetic it will likely dissolve any hard mineral deposits. Leave any cloudy glasses to soak for up to 5 minutes, thereafter rinse the glasses with clean, cold water to remove any lingering smell or taste.