Why Do Plastic Glasses Get Cloudy?
When you are shopping for a new pair of glasses, there are many things to consider, from style to fit to material and color. Choosing the right pair of glasses for your needs is key to enjoying clear vision while you are playing sports, reading or just going about your day. In addition to determining the best type of lenses and frames for your face shape, you should also learn about the different materials used in glass eyewear so you can make an informed decision about what is most suitable for your needs.
Glassware can get cloudy due to two main causes: hard water deposits and etching. The former consists of minerals like magnesium and calcium that can coat glassware, leaving it with a milky residue that doesn’t wash away well in the dishwasher. The latter is a more permanent form of wear and tear caused by repeated contact with hard water that can leave small scratches or pits on the surface of glassware. These scratches and pits don’t necessarily wash off when cleaned, but can linger to produce a cloudy film over the glass.
The good news is that both types of glassware can be restored with a few simple steps. If the cloudiness is from hard water, simply soaking the glasses in white vinegar will dissolve the minerals. If the spots are more stubborn, you can also try using a solution of equal parts baking soda and vinegar to make a paste. Apply the paste to the spots, and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing off with a soft scrubber and hot water. Then rinse the glasses, allowing them to dry quickly with a lint-free cloth.
Once the glasses have been cleaned, you should also be sure to hand wash and dry them thoroughly to prevent a repeat of the problem. You can also add a bit of vinegar to the rinse compartment of your dishwasher, which will help to prevent the buildup of hard-water minerals while you are washing your glassware.
Preventing future haziness and cloudiness in your glasses is easy to do, and requires a few cleaning supplies that you are likely to have on hand already. With a little care, you can enjoy crystal-clear glasses for your favorite activities without worrying about them getting dull or fogging up again. You may also want to consider investing in a home water softener system if you live in an area with hard water, which will dramatically reduce the amount of minerals that your glassware has to come into contact with. This will not only make your glasses more aesthetically pleasing, but it will also improve the taste of your drinking water as well.
