How To Clean A Wine Decanter in 6 Steps

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Last updated: September 08, 2023
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Cleaning a wine Decanter Trusted Source Decanter - Wikipedia A decanter is a vessel that is used to hold the decantation of a liquid (such as wine) which may contain sediment. en.wikipedia.org can be very tricky, especially if it is your first time and you do not know how to clean a wine decanter. However, with a few tips and guidance, you would not have any problems getting it done perfectly.

We are here to guide you through the process. In this article, we would take you through everything you need to know about wine decanters and why they need cleaning. Peradventure, you do not know that wine decanters are to be cleaned, this article is also for you.

What are wine decanters?  Wine decanters are vessels made of glass that are used to serve wine. The process of decanting occurs when you pour wine out of the bottle into the vessel (wine decanter). The reason why wine experts use decanters is simple, it helps to separate the sediments from the liquid. In addition, it helps to expose the wine to oxygen which in turn opens the flavors, taste and aroma of the wine. Some people also use special wine aerators for this very same purpose.

Why Wine Decanters Need Cleaning

Cleaning wine decanters are as important as cleaning wine glasses after use. If you are a wine lover, you will understand this perfectly because you will have a wine decanter in your possession. These decanters come in different shapes, sizes and forms ranging from simple to sophisticated. Due to this fact, cleaning wine decanters can be very stressful and difficult especially if you do not have the right approach to it.

One of the reasons why wine decanters need cleaning is because of wine stains. You need to get rid of wine stains if you ever plan on using wine decanters again. The truth is that if you do not get rid of the wine stains, it not only makes your decanter appear dirty, it also leaves a long-lasting damage on your decanter and makes it look less attractive.

How Often Should You Do It?

Wine decanters should be cleaned as often as you use it. They should be cleaned immediately after use. We understand that you might be too tired to clean your wine decanter after hosting a party at your house with a lot of things to clean after. Or you’re too tired to go through the whole process of cleaning your wine decanter after a very long day or night as the case may be.

You can just heat up water a little and use it to soak your decanter overnight and then come back to it in the morning. What soaking your wine decanter with lukewarm water does is that it helps to soften up the stains.

Cleaning your wine decanter immediately after use is an important factor if you want to preserve the life of your wine decanter.

What you’ll need

Cleaning a wine decanter comes with a lot of responsibilities. As much as you need to keep your wine in proper conditions (e.g. using wine cooler), the same way you need proper conditions for its breathing. One of which is the materials or resources you are going to need to get the job done. This however depends on the method of operation and how you approach cleaning your wine decanter. Here are the lists of resources or materials you will need in cleaning that fancy wine decanter:

Riedel Bottle Cleaner Beads

How To Clean A Wine Decanter in 6 StepsRiedel bottle cleaner beads is a vital material in cleaning wine glass decanters. It helps to prevent sediments from sticking permanently to the body of the decanter. If used correctly, the cleaner beads can be reused forever. It is very durable.

True Wine Decanter Drying Stand

How To Clean A Wine Decanter in 6 StepsA decanter drying stand is used to dry a decanter after cleaning. People that do not have decanter drying stands can use a cutlery in its stead. However, it is not a safe thing to do because your wine decanter can break if the cutlery falls. A wine decanter drying stand helps to prevent the decanter from picking surface smell. True wine decanter drying stand has a lot of benefits and will be a great choice for you. One benefit of this dryer is that it allows air into the wine decanter.

Drying a decanter goes beyond turning it upside down Crystal glass decanters with sophisticated curves prevent easy evaporation and can cause it to smell. Using a decanter drying stand would increase airflow.

Also, a true wine decanter drying stand has a rubber coating guard that prevents scratches on the wine decanter. It has a pvc rubber that keeps your wine decanter safe from scratches.

Riedel Boa Decanter

How To Clean A Wine Decanter in 6 StepsRiedel Boa Decanter is a handmade crystals decanter that has a double chamber function. The wine decanter ensures that the wine is aerated and served in the exact quantity.  It had a unique snakelike shape. The aeration of the wine is responsible for its shape. Attributing to its shape, the wine can flow through all the chambers and ensure that the wine is perfectly decanted.

Wine Cloth

How To Clean A Wine Decanter in 6 StepsNot just any cloth can be used to dry the body of a glass wine decanter. This is because some clothes have coarse texture that should not be used to clean the body of the wine decanter. Such textures are frowned at because they can leave scratches on the body of the wine decanter. Wine cloths are advised to be used.

Vinegar

How To Clean A Wine Decanter in 6 StepsIf you have a wine decanter at home and you need a low budget solution to your dirty wine decanter problem, then vinegar is an option. Vinegar is present in almost every home, so getting one shouldn’t be a problem.

However, experts frown at the use of vinegar because it’s strong odor can affect the flavor and aroma 9f the next wine you would be putting in the decanter. However, there are ways to go about it to get rid of the odor if you are up for the stress.

Salt

Salt is usually combined with either vinegar or crushed ice to clean the wine decanter. It is a very accessible resource that you can use to clean your glass wine decanter. To clean your wine decanter with crushed ice, add a few pinches of salt to it after pouring the crushed ice in the decanter. After this is done, shake gently to allow the contents scrap off the stains. Once this is done, empty the wine decanter and rinse with warm water. To know more about cleaning with vinegar, continue reading this article.

What Not to Use

  • Detergents
  • Sponge
  • Boiling hot water
  • Eggshells
  • Rice

Cleaning Wine Decanter

  • Soak with warm to hot but not boiling water overnight or for a few hours.
  • Discard the water.
  • Depending on the type of wine decanter you have, the approach or tools you want to use, you can use the instructions manual on how to use the tools you pick.

Glass Decanter

If it is a first-time use, rinse the decanter with the wine you want to pour in it. We do not advise you to use water to rinse it because water contains chlorine and it can affect the composition of your wine.

Crystal Decanter

The same procedure occurs for a crystal wine decanter. If it is a first-time use, rinse the decanter with the wine you want to pour in it. We do not advise you to use water to rinse it because water contains chlorine and it can affect the composition of your wine.

How to Clean A Riedel Wine Decanter?How To Clean A Wine Decanter in 6 Steps

  • The first step is to get your decanter filled with lukewarm water.
  • Allow to soak for a few hours or leave to soak overnight as the case may be.
  • Empty the lukewarm water from the decanter and rinse thoroughly.
  • Wash and rinse the body of the decanter with soap and lukewarm water.
  • Wipe the water drops with a wine cleaning cloth. Then polish.

Alternatively, you can use a dryer to dry the wine decanter.

How to Clean a Stained Wine Decanter?

  • Get your decanter filled with lukewarm water or relatively hot water. Not boiling water so that you do not crack the glass wine decanter
  • Pour your decanter cleaning beads.
  • Carry the wine decanter gently and shake gently for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not shake vigorously as you can break the glass wine decanter.
  • Empty the wine decanter. Empty it into a sieve to prevent the beads from going down the drain.
  • Clean the decanter beads with water and run your hands through it.
  • Store well for next use.
  • Wipe the water drops off your wine decanter with a wine cleaning cloth. Then polish.

How to Clean Red Wine Out of a Decanter?How To Clean A Wine Decanter in 6 Steps

  • Pour out the old or remnant red wine
  • Get your decanter filled with lukewarm water or relatively hot water. Not boiling water so that you do not crack the glass wine decanter
  • Pour your decanter cleaning beads.
  • Carry the wine decanter gently and shake gently for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not shake vigorously as you can break the glass wine decanter.
  • Empty the wine decanter. Empty it into a sieve to prevent the beads from going down the drain.
  • Clean the decanter beads with water and run your hands through it.
  • Store well for next use.
  • Wipe the water drops off your wine decanter with a wine cleaning cloth. Then polish.

How to Dry Wine Decanter?

Drying a wine decanter can be as tricky as washing it. You need guidance to successfully dry your wine decanter. It is tricky because decanters come in various shapes and designs so they have to be positioned in specific ways so as to dry them properly.

Drying them properly is important because you do not want your decanter to pick up certain scents. For instance, drying your decanter upside down on a cloth or wood would make your decanter pick up scents from these materials.

Steps to Dry Wine DecanterHow To Clean A Wine Decanter in 6 Steps

  • Wipe the body of the wine decanter with a glass cleaning cloth to get rid of water spots.
  • Afterwards, place the decanter on a cold work plane or surface upside down for half an hour to an hour.
  • If you have a decanter drying stand, you can use it to dry your decanter. An alternative is to place a cutlery under the decanter to allow air into it.

Can You Clean Wine Decanter with Natural Solutions?

Yes. You can clean a wine decanter with natural solutions. White wine vinegar can be used to clean wine decanters. It is a natural solution that can be found in many homes. The following are steps on how you can use vinegar to clean wine decanter:

  • Rinse the decanter with clean water to remove sediments.
  • Soak the decanter with lukewarm water to soften the stains and loosen marks if any.
  • Measure 1½ to 2 cm of salt and pour into the decanter with double the amount of white wine vinegar.
  • Cover the mouth of your decanter with your hand or the lid ( if your decanter has any) and shake thoroughly. Be careful not to break the decanter in the process.
  • Repeat the process if you have stubborn stains.
  • Rinse the decanter with warm water to remove the odor of the vinegar.

How to keep wine decanter clean

Decanters can be kept clean by storing them away safely. Make sure your decanter is stored in a place where it cannot pick up scents so that on your next usage, the flavor and aroma of your next wine would not be contaminated.

Also, display your wine decanter on a decanter drying stand to prevent dust. Store it upside down to prevent dust from entering into the decanter. The function of the drying stand is to prevent the decanter from picking up smells from the surface. Storing decanters on wood or cloth surfaces would make the decanter absorb the smell

Final thoughts

With the information provided above on how to clean a wine decanter, you are rest assured that you can use your wine decanters freely without worrying yourself on how to get it clean. There are various tools you can use to clean your wine decanter. Drying and storing them isn’t so much of a big deal now that you have adequate knowledge on what it entails.

References

1.
Decanter - Wikipedia
A decanter is a vessel that is used to hold the decantation of a liquid (such as wine) which may contain sediment.

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