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7 Ways To Clean Cloudy Glassware

February 07, 2018

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Hard water stains, mineral deposits and soap residue can make your glassware cloudy.

So how do you remove that film?

Here are several ways to clean glass.

How To Clean Cloudy Glass Text over glass plate


A few weeks ago, my husband and I spent a blissful afternoon meandering through a few local thrift stores, picking up treasures along the way.

I had no idea what I was looking for, but I was quite smitten with the glassware in one particular shop.

There were the most darling little glass plates for a buck apiece and I wanted them, but they were covered in a weird cloudy film, so I hesitated.

It'll wash off, my husband said, and if it doesn't, they're cheap enough, you'll find something crafty to do with them.

I wasn't as sure.

I think it's on there, whatever it is. I'm sure the ladies tried to wipe them down before they put them out.

My husband looked around the shop and shook his head. Yeah, I don't think so.

A woman near us was listening to our conversation and interjected in a low whisper.

You know, they have a bathroom here. Sneak one inside and try to wash it off
.

Glass Plates With A Cloudy Film

Oh my gosh.

Does this woman know me? I'm the ultimate rule follower.

Sneaking anything in anywhere was way out of my comfort zone.

I starting sweating at the mere mention of her plan. Nope.

I was going to take them home and wash them off there.

I mean honestly, how hard could it be to get rid of some smudge.

Well, turns out plenty hard.

And if you ask me the question I googled incessantly for three days, How To Remove Cloudy Film On Glassware, I would have to say, I still have absolutely no idea.

Ok, that's not true.

I know what to do and I did it all. It's just that nothing worked for my dishes.

I did learn how to get my glass shower doors super clean though and my glass top stove, too.

Turns out, in addition to substances that can gather on your glass and make it cloudy, there is also physical damage that can occur that will also cause that filmy look.

And for that there is no help.

However if you do have cloudy drinking glasses or want to make old glass look new, there are some remedies that may work.


How To Remove Cloudy Film From Glass
7 Ways To Clean Cloudy Glass

Here are all the tips I found and tried for myself and what happened when I used them.


1. Soap and Water


I started with the simple wash.

Dishwashing liquid and a sponge
, warm water and rinse. Perfectly clear results. Victory!

Until the plate dried. The film was back. Ugh.

Ok, I tried again, scrubbing a little bit harder this time...with the same terrible results.

Boo.

2. Vinegar


Vinegar seems to be the recommended cure-all lately, so why wouldn't it work on my plates?

First, I scrubbed with it. Nope.

Cleaning Glass With Vinegar In a ziploc bag

Another article said I should soak the plate in it. So I did. I sealed my glass dish in a large zippy bag and covered it in vinegar for two whole days.

Nothing. Now I had very shiny, cloudy dishes. Not the desired result.

3. Baking Soda


Baking soda was the next suggested remedy.

This didn't work either. I made a paste and I scrubbed.

I even added vinegar to the mix and I scrubbed. I added lemon juice to the mixture and ~ you guessed it ~ I scrubbed again.

When I was done, the plate looked like it did, three days before. Filmy and still cloudy. Not fabulous.

4. Cerama Bryte


I've been a fan of using Cerama Bryte on glass for years. 

It works great to clean and remove cloudiness from my glass stovetop, my glass shower door and it has citric acid in it, which was also highly recommended to get rid of that glass film, but it didn't work either. 

(It did however remove the scratch marks from my white dishes.)

Neither did Magic Eraser, which was another popular suggestion.

Nor did, Bar Keeper's Friend which was also recommended for cloudy glass, too, but again, nothing.

I was striking out in huge way.

And spending more money than I ever wanted to on thrift store plates.

Cleaning a glass dish on a paper towel with a yellow scrubber


5. Calcium and Lime Cleaner (CLR)


I'm ashamed to say that I even tried a Brillo pad on the stubborn stain, before I brought out the big guns.

I really, really hate chemicals, but before I threw in the towel and admitted defeat, my husband and I went to the hardware store and bought Lime A-Way and CLR.

Total waste of money.

They would probably clean some other stuff around here really well, if I let my husband bring that caustic stuff in the house (not happening), but my glass dishes looked just the same start to finish.

Before and after two cloudy dishes


6. Denture Tablets


You just drop them into a bowl of water and submerge the glasses or dishes inside. I can't imagine it's anymore powerful than the CLR though. Much less caustic though.

7.  Nail Polish Remover


For this one, I would just dip a rag into the remover and drag it over the glass. As I said, I believe the film on my dishes was from damage and not hard water, so I didn't even try it.

I just don't think that anything would make a difference after the bomb I already dropped on these poor, sweet dishes.

What Does It Mean When The Film Won't Come Off Cloudy Glass?



Sometimes the cloudy film on glassware isn't caused by hard water stains, mineral deposits or some cleaning fluid residue. It's more permanent. 

The Glassware Is Damaged


Glass is porous and sometimes, a cloudy appearance or foggy film is indicative of age and damage.

And there's no cleaner to fix that.

Unfortunately, I think that is where I am.

The dishwasher can cause this kind of damage and I think that's what happened here. And why they were so cheap.

Vintage Glass Plates two clear two cloudy

In the end I gave up.

And decided to paint my dishes and use them for decor instead.

Sometimes you just have to admit defeat and move on.

Of course if you have any other tips for me, let me know and I'll add them to the list.

What do you do with foggy glass?

Kim Signature


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  1. I could be way off, but I have some cereal bowls that look just like your plates. I've been told it's the dishwasher that made them cloudy and nothing can be done about it. It's like the cloudiness is etched into the glass. Bummer....

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    1. I'm thinking the same thing, PJ. It is a bummer. I guess I'm going to have to get very crafty...but they were so pretty on their own. It would've been great if they could've been cleaned up. Thanks for the input! 😊

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    2. yes it's probably etching from the dishwasher, but funny if you use a rinse aid with your dishwasher detergent it tends to remove the etching. I have some old glassware that was etched and used cascade platinum and their rinse aid and came out looking new, no etching

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    3. I'll have to give that a try next time. Thanks for the tip!!

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  2. How funny that you ended up with shiny, cloudy dishes. Such a paradox but I see what you mean. haha

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    1. I think I ended up with the same mess I started with!! And emptier pockets. 😂

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  3. I think they have been subjected to high heat-probably in a dishwasher with a heating element and the glass is clouded all the way through-damaged. How about painting them? Either that or just use them to serve people with cataracts...that way they won't notice....please, please, please don't send me hate mail....I KNOW cataracts are not funny--- I am just wicked. xo Diana

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    1. I am going to have to get crafty with them, Diana, which was the intention all along. I had just hoped to be crafting with clear dishes! And no hate mail from me, I get your sass...it's part of your fabulous charm! ❤️

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  4. Crafts to the rescue - just paint them or decoupage them...doesn't look like there is anything that will change the cloudy appearance. Somehow the dishwasher does this to glassware, especially in hard water areas. Sigh.

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    1. Absolutely, Linda! I have a few ideas in mind already. I am just waiting for a warm day and a free afternoon. I'll keep you posted! Thanks for the visit!

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  5. Try LemiShine (sold next to dishwasher soap). It took the cloudy stuff off my cheapo wine glasses - they are clear as a bell now! Mix it in with your dishwasher soap, all your dishes will be super clean and very shiny. If you'd rather, LemiShine also makes a liquid to replace Jet Dry that works like a charm as well. (I use all of it as we have super hard water.)

    The frog planter? We had one of those when I was younger, and it was a storage spot for the kitchen sponge. :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I have heard this suggestion before...it keeps coming up in the comments. I may have to give it one more shot. If not, I am sure it will make my own glassware sparkle! Thanks for the tip...and I love that frog planter, too. We had one for the sponge growing up as well. He was too cute for a dirty mouth though!😉

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  6. Are they slightly green? They could be very special! Look up "Uranium Glass"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They aren't green, but now I am looking up Uranium Glass and I will probably be on the lookout for some when I am thrifting. Thanks for the tip!!

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  7. Hi Kim, not sure if you researched it or not but I think the beaded plates are a pattern called candlewick. My mom used to have some and many years ago she gave hers to my niece who also had pieces of the same pattern. I was going to guess dishwasher too. I don't have any suggestions for how to clear it but I do have a couple of craft suggestions. You can get a cream to etch glass, usually you would leave part of the design without etching so the contrast would show but I think that you could etch the entire plate to cover up the dishwasher etching and maybe they would look frosted. My other suggestion is glass paint. Gallery glass made by Plaid has a paint that you put on glass and it looks like stained glass. There is a thick paint that you can put between the colors to look like the leading on real stained glass and some of the colors are transparent and some are more opaque. It is has been a long time since I have used it but they used to come in a squeeze bottle so they were easy to use and they had instruction books with all kinds of designs that you could copy. I can picture some red tulips and green stems and leaves with an opaque white background....

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Of course, I looked it up after your suggestion and yup, they are Candlewick! They are so dainty and lovely and if they were clear, I would've kept them for the table. Alas, that does not seem to be...so I will be playing with them to see what I can come with. Thanks for the suggestions, they are all on the list! I will keep you posted!

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  8. Try the borax solution shown here:
    http://homeguides.sfgate.com/natural-homemade-streakfree-window-cleaners-78848.html
    I cleaned all the windows in my house last year using this. I was getting tired of cleaning them, only to still have them look streaked and foggy. True, you have to go over them again with the vinegar/water solution, but boy oh boy did they sparkle!
    Another trick listed on this page is toothpaste. Maybe try that first if you don't like the idea of borax.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks Kathy! I am going to to give it a try. I know I should quit already, but I am determined to see if I can get them clean! It's personal now. 😉If not, I will certainly be set to give my windows new life. I appreciate the help.

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  9. I have no idea, but they look like how all our clear glasses get here. They are cloudy due to hard-water scratches. Those look vintage so I would not necessarily toss them. If they are big enough you can use them as a charger. I like to take the regular size plate and put a smaller china salad plate on it for a meal. I have some clear Ikea plates that I use this way. xoxo Su

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    1. Thanks Su. I haven't given up on them yet! They are way too pretty to toss!

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  10. Maybe they’re supposed to be that way...like frosted glass, you know? I’m really surprised vinegar didn’t work. Guess you’ll have to disguise it & paint over it. You’ll think of something clever.

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    1. I did consider that they were supposed to be that way, but the film isn't uniform...unless it's chipped away, which is also a possibility. So many mysteries for 99 cents! I appreciate your confidence in my ability to create something clever from them. I already have my thinking cap on! Thanks so much for the visit and the thoughts!

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    2. Hi , I also have purchased 8 salad plates of Candlewick that have the film on the glass !! I have quite a large collection of Candlewick and this is the first time I have ever encountered this film !! I, like you, was sure with a little cleaning I could remove this film !! I, like you, have tried and failed !! Tho I totally enjoyed reading your article I am just sick I will not be able to use these dishes !!

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  11. I'm sorry darling bean! I have never laughed at a post this late in ages. the puppy in the next apartment even started barking. (they have fantastic hearing you know.)
    I am still laughing! but when you spend a small fortune on thrift plates... well. it's primo stand up stuff! you should be on stage!
    actually in this post I have just grown to love those little plates. they took your torture and they're still intact. that counts for something right there!
    I would serve a special strawberry desert on them and call it "strawberry cloud." I would put the plates in the freezer or the fridge and let them chill before I put the strawberry cloud dessert on them. as they get less cool they will still LOOK like they're frosty! voila'! case closed! XOXO♥

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I'm glad I could make you chuckle Tammy...although, I'm sorry about the dog! 😉Can you believe this tale? I should've left those dishes in the store...or listened to the lady and snuck in the bathroom to wash them and put it to rest right then and there. Although, with my luck I probably would've been arrested for attempted shoplifting. Oh boy...can you image THAT story?? xoxo And I will consider your cloudy dessert idea. At least it will be tasty!

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    2. I think the plates were meant to have the frost on them! That's why everything you've done has not worked. Just enjoy you're dishes ☺

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    3. Thanks! I suppose that's very possible. They really are a pretty pattern!

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  12. Sorry Kim that you tried so many cleaners and nothing worked. Sounds like the consensus is that it was probably from the heat in a dishwasher. I bet if you painted them and then did some kind of art work on them they would be pretty cute. I am sure your crafty self will figure out something to do with them!!! Have a great week.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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    1. Thanks Kris! Looks like I had better get my craft on! What a lot of wasted time. I probably should've posted about them first for advice and tried to wash them later...oh well, next time! xoxo

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  13. Maybe they are suppose to look like that. Did you try something as simple as Windex ? One of my favorite thrift shops uses a Sharpie to put prices on dishes. Finally, the lady who works there said Windex will take it off. Like magic. White vinegar rather than cider vinegar?
    Love them for what they are- opaque.

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    1. I did not try Windex, but how funny would that be if after all that weird and wacky scrubbing, Windex removed the smudge? Oh my goodness..

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    2. Tried windex on mine, unfortunately, it didn't work either! I'm not crafty at all, my plates are ruby red! Would love to see what you create with them!

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    3. Hmm...Ruby red huh? They sound just dreamy. I'll have to put my crafty thinking cap on and see what I could come up with. I actually have a few red glass plates that could use a makeover. Thanks for the idea!!

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  14. Looks like Candlewick to me too . . .
    I would have tried all your remedies . . .
    They certainly must be “clean as a whistle . . .”
    Recycle them back . . .
    (Smiling . . . I can’t imagine you giving up!)

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    1. I googled Candlewick and I believe you are correct. They are so pretty and yes!! they are clean as a whistle...but still cloudy. Grrrr...

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  15. You have the patience of a saint. I would have flung them out the window in 20 minutes flat!!!!

    Janexxxx

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    1. Jane. I was *THIS* close. Trust me. 😉 xoxo

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  16. The plates are adorable with the beaded trim and it's too bad that you can't get rid of the cloudiness. I would guess the dishwasher has permanently etched them. I knew a lady who used her dishwasher even for her good dishes and her drinking glasses looked like milk had been left in them.

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    1. Aren't they just darling? That bead just stole my heart and once I got them home, it was all over. I was in love. I will find a way to use them regardless, but it would've been nice if they were crystal clear! And I think you're right...dishwasher damage. Grrr...Thanks for weighing in!! 😊

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  17. Hi Kim, sorry about the plate situation and I really don't have any tips either on how to get them to be clean and shiny. How about trying that LemiShine or just do a crafty with them. I hope you figure out the situation with the plates.
    Julie

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    1. I am totally going to try that LemiShine, Julie. Thanks! At this point it can't hurt!!

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  18. I have had a couple of cheap wine glasses come out of the dishwasher like that, and I tried just about everything you did to no avail. I have some of that LemiShine and plan to try that...I forgot I had it. I first heard about that from The Pioneer Woman! If all else fails, I'd spray-paint them!

    Hugs,
    Carol

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    1. Everyone keeps talking about the LemiShine, Carol. I am totally going to try it! And yes, I have the spray paint at the ready...in case!

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  19. I would try the nail polish remover, which is basically acetone, a universal solvent. That might work. If not, the plates are still cute!

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    1. I just may try that, thanks Melissa!! I am really determined...or crazy. 😉

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  20. My thinking is you just accept the imperfection and add a stain or metallic color to it and transform it. I use this stuff from DecoArt that really makes a difference it goes on anything. They're called Metallic Lustre and they also come in this beautiful pearl color.

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    1. Other people have suggested the DecoArt paint, Mary. I am off to look for it! Thanks!

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  21. That's a shame....I think I would have given up by now! At my house they would become saucers for under a plant at this point!

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    1. I actually got to that point, Debbie. And then it passed. I don’t like losing! Lot of good it did me, huh? 😉

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  22. Oh, Kim, the first time I saw the plates I raised my hand and said, "I know Iknow"! I am so disappointed that most everyone knew too, the dreaded dishwasher. I bought some little beauties too, a little different pattern than yours, thought it was just dirt and grime so washed them and, like you said, when wet they were beautiful, but dry, the same. I just put them up in my old wavy glass windows and they look pretty anyway. From a distance you can't really tell..Yours are pretty ones though. Think about price not about quality!! You will think of something great, I am sure..Happy Thursday..xxoJudy

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    1. Judy, your comment made me giggle. I can actually picture you at your computer raising your hand. 😊 Unfortunately, I think you really do know...and now, so do I. I was really hoping that I was wrong and that the etching was just a build up. But nope. I mean, I basically bombed these plates with all that I had and nothing. Time to get crafty...for 99 each, it's still not a bad base for something fun! xoxo

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  23. Never even heard of some of this stuff including Cerama Bryte

    In my mind if Dawn Dish Detergent can't do it nothing can lol! You are quite persistent :) maybe they are supposed to be that way...if they are clean, use them :)

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    1. They sure are clean, now, Deb. No doubt about that!!

      Delete
  24. I bought a couple of glasses made in France in a thrift store. They were a bit cloudy so I decided to use and wash them a lot in the dishwasher. The rinse agent(JetDryRinse) is what I think did it but after a couple of years they were much clearer. However I think your plates are lost causes. Too much acid over the years. Older glass was susceptible I believe

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    1. I think you are right. The were really lovely when they were wet and stunning on a table, but I am sure they will be stunning crafts instead. Thanks for the comment. I really didn't want to give up, but it helps when others back me up and say, yes, it's time!

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  25. The plates are adorable! Wish I knew what to suggest to get rid of the cloudiness, but maybe you could spray the back of them with a frosted glass paint?

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    1. I think I am ready for the craft aisle now, Karen and your suggestion tops the list! Thanks!

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  26. What is that old Mary Engelbriet quote? - if you can't change something, change how you think about it...I think they are imperfectly pretty! Aren't we all? (:

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  27. I'm heading out thrifting later today and now with your tips I might choose something that otherwise I would have passed up.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I hope you have better luck than I did, Carol. Or at least something that requires less elbow grease! 😉

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  28. What a great post, Kim! Thank you so much for sharing, my friend. Kisses!!!!!!!

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    1. Thanks so much, Mia. It was a frustration process, but I am excited to get crafty now!

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  29. My two go to cleaners are Lemi Shine for cloudy dishes and Stain Solver for baked on grease. Both work best with a good strong solution and patience, like soak them overnight patience. A few years ago I bought a set of used Jordan Pond House restaurant dishes covered in cloudy film. I knew underneath those years of dishwasher cloud were beautiful dishes. It took 3 soakings in Lemi Shine but they look brand new now. Nothing beats Stain Solver for baked on grease. You have to buy it online but I'm totally sold on how effortless it makes cleaning brown kitchen grease out of the metal stove filter. Just amazing how it worked.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I am going to try the Lemi Shine, Judy! You are one of many who have said to try it so I am! I will keep you posted. I also need to keep the Stain Solver in mind. Thanks so much!

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  30. I'm cracking up at your reaction to the woman's suggestion to take the plates into the bathroom! But I'm a rule follower too and I'd be afraid they'd think I was stealing it. The horror! Lol! I have no idea how to remove that film either. Sounds like you gave it the good ol' college try though. :)

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    1. Oh my gosh...can you imagine, Lisa!! I could never do that. I would be sweating! I would make a terrible criminal!

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  31. That is a real bummer! I have two suggestions. Dishes washed in a dishwasher can get that cloudy film. Dishwasher use to have an ingredient that they took out to preserve the environment. Silly though, that you can buy that ingredient separately. It's called Lemi-shine. Add a little to the small compartment next to the detergent and it works wonders in taking off that film. I get it on my red handled utensils if I don't use Lemi shine. The other suggestion is to soak them in rubbing alcohol. Hope one of these work! Thanks for sharing with SYC. P.S. I can't break rules either!! :)
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. I am totally going to try the Lemi Shine, Jann. It seems to be the consensus...although I do already have rubbing alcohol. So I may try that first! Thanks for the tip!

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    2. Next time sneak them into the bathroom but prop the door open. Guilt absolved. 😁

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    3. I really should have!! I could've saved myself a whole lot of trouble!! Ha!!

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  32. I have a feeling you will paint or come up with something else and surprise us. :-) I do like them, they are unique designs.
    Carla

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    1. I have a few thoughts and tricks up my sleeve, Carla! I really did want to get that film off though. Grrr.

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  33. I have absolutely no idea how to uncloud those gorgeous plates Kim but I'm 100% convinced you'll come up with something exquisitely remarkable.

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    1. Thanks Michelle! I have a few ideas...I hope they go as well in real life as they look in my head!!

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  34. Gee I'm stuck for ideas on what you could try. Maybe cut half a lemon in half and rub over the plates. Works wonders on cleaning grime of stainless steal.... A long shot I know but maybe worth a try? Those plates are just gorgeous by the way!

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    1. I will try, Sam! Thanks! Anything is worth a try...because I agree, they are gorgeous.

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  35. that's not cloudy film. it is in fact, the smooth finish of the glass has been etched off by dishwasher detergent. there is nothing that can be done about that- it's just gone- like a top layer of skin.

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    1. Thank you for your explanation. I was afraid that was the problem. I am glad I gave them a pretty makeover instead. I will have to keep an eye out next time I buy for sure.

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  36. Wow this is impressive! Love the dishes now!

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    1. Thanks so much, Maria! I am happy with the new version...

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  37. I am all for the glass etching. I have done so many cups, etc that were clear glass but muddy clear like your plates. I use the liquid etching and have rescued many glass things I would toss. It is so easy and fast and the patterns are endless...just an idea.

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    1. I love that idea! I've never tried it before, but anything to salvage the plates is worth a try! Thanks so much!

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  38. Well this is most enlightening! My first mistake was to put the glasses I was given in the dishwasher. After taking them out and finding them cloudy I tried the vinegar, denture cleaner and scrubbing. After reading your post and the replies, I soaked them in the rinse agent and then washed them again. I took a paper towel and rubbed some of the rinse agent and washed. After several times of this I could see a difference! Amazing! Thank you for sharing.

    What I have learned is that I will never put fancy glassware in the dishwasher again. These are clear and pretty and ready to use.

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    1. I am so happy you found a solution here!! It's so distressing when something pretty gets ruined. I'm glad that your glasses are shiny again. ☺️ And thanks for sharing your success with us!

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    2. I have several pieces of Candlewick and never gave it a second thought about putting them into my dishwasher !! Never again !! If this blog has taught me anything it’s to hand wash my good dishes !! Thanks

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  39. Hilarious. Bought 12 of these for $1 each too, and have spent the last two months trying EVERY SINGLE THING except the rinse soak. Woman vs. plate. Simple right? Hahaha!!!!!

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    1. Totally! Woman vs. Plate!! I love it! And I feel your pain...I never thought It'd be so hard. I was sure I was just going to rinse it all away...if only!! 😉

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  40. I randomly threw together some OxiClean, a couple splashes of white vinegar, and a few cups of boiling water, let glasses soak awhile, used a Brillo pad, and they seem to look better . . .

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    1. Hmmm, I'm game to try anything, thanks!! I will definitely give it a shot, because they are way too pretty to sit scuffed in a cabinet!!

      Delete
  41. Hi Kim, The film on the glass is oxide from the lead used during production and like a lead pipe it corrodes over time. Your plates are from the 1930's or there abouts so nearly 100 years old and showing their age. The only way to get this off is to polish it out. You could try this yourself with an electric drill and polishing pad adding various grades of grit until you get down to jewelers rouge or just take them to a local glass blower and they will polish them for you using a fluffy wheel with white wash. It shouldn't cost a lot. Good luck and don't waste your time and money on chemicals.

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    1. Thank you so much for the advice. I still have a few left and they're so pretty it would be worth a try. My husband is always up for a project. I think I'll hand this one off to him!

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  42. Hi, I have 12 dinner plates from my mother in law and I used them for Christmas. Four plates became cloudy like that and the rest of them stayed clear. I can't believe it. I have a complete set of 12 with all the accessories and the rest hand washed beautiful. I hope someone has a answer. I was so careful with them. I have tried everything to take of the cloudy film. I believe it is in the inside of the glass.

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    1. Sometimes they say it's the dishwasher that can create the film. If that's the case, one of the above methods may remove the scale. If indeed it's on the inside...like mine seemed to be...I'm not sure anything can be done. 😔

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  43. I have a big collection of candlewick from my mother in law, and some have turned cloudy 🤣 I was so hoping for a solution. Glass blower here we come

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    1. I know!! I'm so sorry...I literally tried everything with no success. I wish I had found an answer.

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  44. I have tried EVERYTHING you tried, also on some delightful retro glass desert plates from the thrift store. I laughed. I said the same thing - they’re cheap enough that if they don’t come clean, not much harm. But I love them. It’s been several years of effort and research. Here is what I’ve learned beyond a shadow of a doubt. There is build-up cloudy from hard water depositions which can often be cleaned with some elbow grease. Most of the remedies you mention will work - CeramiBryte, vinegar, acetone, and even toothpaste. BUT if the cloudy is from soft water damage that results from too much heat or too much detergent, the damage is permanent. The glass has micro abrasions that are scratched INTO the glass. The tricky part is that it’s almost impossible to know the difference until you try the vinegar et. al. There’s a fabulous video on YouTube where a guy actually removes and polishes a glass piece with engraving on it. That’s some extreme etching. Of course you know that he in essence sanded the art off and repolished with special tools. I’ve changed my ways. I use only a dollop of detergent on the gentle cycle in my dishwasher (they say that’s plenty if you pre-rinse your dishes) when washing glassware I care about with a rinsing agent and my glasses now come out consistently sparkly. I’ve not tossed the delightful dessert plates yet, but I will eventually. I just know there is a market for glass polishers who are willing with the patience to remedy our special finds if we are ok with the cost of that labor. Sometimes I would be. sigh.

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    1. It's a shame isn't it? Such pretty pieces, destroyed. I was so sure I could get them clean, but nope. I hadn't thought about the polishers...I'll keep it in mind if I ever find a really pretty piece! Thanks for taking the time to share your own sad story with us...it's comforting to know I'm not alone!

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  45. I'm a couple of years late but..I think I found the solution. Mind you, I have a vintage set of Corelle dishes that are not clear. I sold a set of bowls and didn't notice the white film until I started packing them (it was a large place setting that I broke down to sell in fours). Anywho. I'm scrubbing away..seeing the white disappear thinking I did it! Till they dried and the film was right where I left it.

    I found your blog and read the fails thinking somewhere in the comments was the definitive answer.

    But I started thinking about the lime shine stuff. I have lime juice in my fridge...chilling there since I bought it, who knows how long ago. I took it out, squirted some on a spot and started wiping. It's gone and I mean gone gone. I rinsed my scrubby sponge and wrung it out as much as possible...kept squirting a little lime juice and scrubbed. Totally gone. TOTALLY.

    Maybe worth a go for anyone searching or a future endeavors.

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    1. Thank you so much!! I am going to try it. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and leave a helpful tip!! I'm sure it will help others, as well.

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  46. well this post looks like it is three years old so me posting something probably wont be read but I'll try. If the glass is etched, as it sounds like it probably is, it would probably need to be buffed as a lens would be. The proper glass buffing compound should remove the cloudy etching. I have some glass here that I am having the same problem with so I will try buffing it in my shop. If I can find a workable cheap buffing compound that seems to work I'll post again to let you know.

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    1. Hi Don! It is an older post, but it still gets a lot of traffic, so I'm grateful that you shared. I share the post often, too, so I think your comment will get seen. If you do find a compound that works, please let us know. I can always do a new post that updates this one. I know A LOT of people are interested in this topic. Thanks again for taking the time to share. It's greatly appreciated!!

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  47. I know how to fix the cloudy glassware!!! I tried all of the solutions suggested on this page and none worked. What DID work PERFECTLY was an Auto Headlight Restorer Kit. The one I used is called FAST BRITE. I used it on 2 vintage, clear glass coffee cups that are part of those old luncheon tray sets from the 60's. They look brand new. Just follow the instructions in the package.

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    1. Hi there! Thanks so much for taking the time to add to the collection of possible solutions. This sounds great! I'm sure it will help someone and I'll be trying it next time I pick up a cloudy glass. 😊

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  48. I have a few drinking glasses and preserve jars that have developed a cloudy ring above a certain level. They have come into contact only with light, ordinary susbstances: fermented cucumbers and cabbage, sour milk, sour preserves, plant soil, concentrated citric acid in attempt to clean. Are there particular chemicals that need to be avoided? I thought glass was eternal. Most search results discuss intentional etching or mineral deposits. I'll be on a lookout for a glass polisher if it is not prohibitively expensive.

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    1. This cloudy film issue was new to me, too. I have had it happen to other glasses, but I believe that was from the dishwasher. That doesn't sound like your issue. I wish I could be of more help. Perhaps someone else with more experience will weigh in. Also, you could go to Hometalk.com and ask your question in the community forum there. Lots of very knowledgeable people willing to help out!

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  49. Kim, I think I'm on the right track. I have two goblets from a set that my daughter-in-law bought at an auction. They have the same beaded edge as your big platter, and the surface is definitely etched, not covered with a film.

    Many years ago I hand ground and polished a telescope mirror, with a much finer level of polish than is necessary for typical glassware. I didn't use any power tools. Hey, Galileo didn't have power tools either, and he built a telescope back in 1500 and something.

    Anyway I'm taking the approach that a thin layer of glass needs to be removed rather than trying to clean off a deposit from the surface. So I started with a kit I bought for polishing my auto headlights. The kit includes two small "abrasive" pads with different grit sizes on each side. So I have four grit sizes. The instructions in the kit say to spray on their "lubricant" but I ignored that and just rinsed thoroughly with plenty of plain water. It is especially important to rinse both the glass and the pads between changes of grit size, so you remove all traces of the coarser grit before starting with a finer grit. BTW I think these "grit" sizes are something like 1000, 2000, or 4000. It might be called emory cloth. It doesn't feel like it's doing anything unless you rub across an edge of the glass. Then it sounds like fine sandpaper. But with about five minutes of rubbing, rinsing, rubbing again, rinsing again, on each grit size, it has removed over half of the haze.

    In order to check progress the glass must be rinsed, washed with soap, then rinsed again and dried, then completely air dried in order to see if any haze remains.

    I wish I could upload a photo that shows the significant improvement. I'm not satisfied yet, because there is still some mild haze. I plan to try some telescope lens polishing techniques next, if one more session of abrasive polishing doesn't make it perfect.

    Oh, and my wife says this is a waste of my time because those goblets can be purchased for only $5 - $20 each. I don't care. I just want to prove that it can be done by a do-it-yourself method. (Or is it the Galileo method?)

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    1. Hello!! I've heard about this trick, although I've been too afraid to try! It sounds like it's working well for you. It's an interesting process and one I'd be willing to try if I found a piece that nothing else worked on. The dishes I had have all been painted at this point...but I know there are others who would definitely find it helpful. If you really want to share a photo, you can go to Facebook and share it on my page there! Thanks so much for sharing your experience and I wish you the best of luck with the rest of it!!

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  50. Has anyone tried clear glass paint?

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    1. I haven't tried a clear paint, I thought it would just make the scuffs shinier and not cover them. However, I did use frosted spray paint and that looked lovely. Perhaps someone else has tried the clear spray.

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  51. Has anyone thought of just using the dishes the way they are? They look fine.

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    1. Yes, definitely an option! Thanks for suggesting that. I think that if mine were fully coated I'd have left them. It's hard to tell from the pictures, but there were large spots where they were clear, so the cloudy finish was inconsistent. I did like the look though, so I actually sprayed a few of them with a frosted paint. They looked great!

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  52. Could possibly be opalescent glass - clear and white

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    1. I wondered that. I don't know if my dishes came in that finish, but yes, definitely a possibility. Thanks for sharing that! Good to keep in mind.

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  53. Ironically, while trying to rub out the haze on our drinking glasses I noticed that oils do hide the haze... if the dish is something you're just going display, try rubbing on a light layer of olive oil... not a perfect solution but it was easy to make it look clear... until it got washed again.

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  54. Heads up: I read the manual that came with our dishwasher. It mentioned to find out how many 'grains' were in the water in order to be able to put the correct amount of dishwashing soap in the unit. Without this knowledge, glassware could be etched. However there was no solution as how to remove the etching.

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    1. Wow, that is interesting!! Thanks for sharing. I never thought about looking for that information, but it makes sense. I appreciate you taking the time to leave the comment for others to read. Hopefully, it will help some others prevent the issue!!

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  55. For shower glass, use shaving cream. Rub on the cloudy area. Leave for 24 hours. Wash off. May need a face cloth to rub it off completely. Works fantastically well.

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    1. Thanks so much for the tip! I'll have to give that one a try!!

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