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Crystal is made from the same basic material as glass but lead is added to fine crystal which adds sparkle and strength. Heat-resistant glassware has been treated to withstand high temperatures. Such utensils may break when subjected to sudden changes in temperature. Ovenware is not suitable for top-of-range use as it is not made to stand direct flame heat. Glass ceramics are made from hard crystalline materials which are suitable for range tops, counter tops, dinnerware, and cookware. The cookware may be used in the oven, under the broiler, on the stove, or in the microwave oven. They are guaranteed by the manufacturer not to break from temperature change.

Glass is made from silica and other materials. It is not affected by the weather nor by most chemicals. Blows easily break most glassware; sometimes hitting it hard only damages the glass invisibly so that later it shatters from just a light impact. Glass is blown or molded into many shapes for many purposes like decorative items, beverage glasses and eating utensils.

Glass flower vases, cruets, or carafes used to hold water, wine, oil or other liquids may develop stains in the bottom when allowed to set for a long time. Normal washing with soap and water may not get off all the stain. To remove these stains, try the following steps:

1. Pour vinegar into the glass above the stain mark.
2. Let stand for at least 30 minutes to overnight, depending on the intensity of the stain.
3. Before emptying the vinegar, add 1/2 teaspoon dry uncooked rice or 6-10 dry beans. Shake the glass rapidly so that the hard grains will rub off and loosen the remaining stain.
4. Pour contents out then rinse with water. Repeat as necessary.
5. If not all stain is removed, substitute vinegar with ammonia and repeat steps 1 to 4.

Commercial products can remove some stains. Read labels and follow directions exactly. You may need to add grains of rice or beans and shake to get scouring action with these products also. If you have crystal vases or carafes, do not leave flowers or food in them any longer than necessary, since chemical changes can occur which permanently stain crystal.

Some crystal and fine glassware has gilt design, at the rim of the glass or decorative/patterned design. Never soak these items in solutions containing ammonia, washing soda or heavy duty detergents. Never use abrasive cleaning powder and scouring pads. Use regular mild, hand dishwashing detergent and a soft cloth. It will be best if you soak the glassware in clear water so that the food residue will soften and can be removed easily.

Heat resistant glassware can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher. Moderate alkalis, such as ammonia solution may be used when stronger cleaning is needed. Do not use abrasive scouring powders or other abrasives as they will scratch glass.

The following are some tips and guide on window washing:

• Never wash windows while the sun is shining on them because they dry too quickly and leave streaks.
• When polishing windows, use up and down strokes on one side of the window and side- to- side strokes on the other to tell which side requires extra polishing.
• To polish windows or mirrors to a sparkling shine, try a natural linen towel or other soft cloth, a clean, damp chamois cloth, a squeegee, or crumpled newspaper.
• When washing windows, wash sills and cross pieces first. Wipe windows with lint less cloth, paper towels or crumpled newspapers. To prevent streaking, wash windows out of direct sunlight.

The following mixtures can be used to clean glass, mirrors and windows:

• Soil and grease: 1/4 cup ammonia diluted in 2 quarts of warm water.
• Hard water deposits and soil: 1/4 cup vinegar diluted in 2 quarts of warm water.
• Heavy soil and grease build up: combine 1/2 cup ammonia, 2 cups rubbing alcohol and one gallon water.

Some cleaning solution and its uses:

• Vinegar: Wash windows or glass with a mixture of equal parts of white vinegar and warm water. Dry with a soft cloth. This will leave windows and glass streak-free.
• Borax or washing soda: Mix 2 tablespoons of borax with 3 cups water to make a good window washing solution. Just apply to the surface and wipe dry.
• Lemon juice: Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice in 1 quart water. Apply and wipe dry.
• Baking soda: To clean cut glass, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and wipe clean the glass. Rinse with clean water and polish with a soft cloth.

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