Whether you have antique or new crystal you want to make sure you take care of it. It does't matter how or where you got your crystal, it needs to be properly taken care of so that it lasts. You don't want to break or damage your crystal due to lack of knowledge. Here are a few tips for properly taking care of your crystal.

First thing you will need to do is make sure your crystal is displayed or stored properly. If you want to display your crystal it is best to display it in a dust free case. It is also good to keep it out of direct sunlight and humidity. Both of these conditions can damage the glue. Most people choose to display their precious crystal and use it only for special occasions.

When you do get your crystal out to use you will want to use it carefully since it is delicate and most likely valuable. When using your crystal do not let little children use it as they are clumsy and could break it. When using your glasses you need to make sure that you rinse them after you are done using them. If you leave acidic liquids in the cup for too long it can make the lead leech out of the crystal.

If you have candleholders you will want to make sure you use soy wax or beeswax candles. Low quality waxes are not good for your crystal. You do need to keep in mind that there is still a chance of something getting broken when you use it. No matter how careful you are accidents still can and will happen. If you are not prepared to deal with broken crystal you may want to think twice before getting it out to use. You may want to just leave on display instead.

When cleaning your glassware you need to be careful. Do not wipe any dust off of the crystal as this may scratch it. You want to use a can of air to do this. When you wash your crystal you never ever want to put it in the dishwasher. Washing by hand with a mild detergent is best. You will still need to be careful so that you do not break the crystal on the faucet or in the sink. Some people line their sinks with towels just to be on the safe side, you can also find faucet covers.

After you wash the crystal you will want to let it air dry. Do not use a towel to dry the crystal as this can cause scratching from the towel or dust particles. After you crystal is dry you will want to make sure you store it properly to avoid any damage.