Handblown glass is one of the few things in your home that is both a work of art and something you can actually use. Every piece that comes out of our glass studio in Asheville's River Arts District is shaped by hand and by breath, which means no two are exactly alike.
With a little care, a handblown glass piece can stay just as vivid and clear as the day it was made. Here is everything you need to know about caring for handblown glass so it lasts for generations.
What Makes Handblown Glass Different
Unlike mass-produced glassware, handblown glass is made one piece at a time from molten glass gathered on the end of a blowpipe. That process gives each piece its weight, its slight variations, and its character. It also means handblown glass responds to temperature and handling a little differently than the factory-made glass you might be used to. Knowing that difference is the key to caring for it well.
How to Clean Handblown Glass
For everyday cleaning, hand washing is always the safest choice. Use warm (not hot) water, a small amount of mild dish soap, and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, and gritty cleaning powders, since these can scratch the surface and dull the finish over time. A few simple habits go a long way:
- Wash pieces one at a time so they do not knock against each other in the sink.
- Line the bottom of your sink with a towel for extra cushioning.
- Dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and streaking.
-If a piece has a narrow neck or an intricate shape, a soft bottle brush helps you reach the inside without forcing anything.
Can You Put Handblown Glass in the Dishwasher?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer is that we do not recommend it. The high heat, harsh detergents, and jostling of a dishwasher cycle are hard on handmade glass. Detergent can leave a cloudy film that is difficult to remove, and rapid temperature changes can stress the glass. To keep your handblown glass looking its best, hand washing is worth the extra couple of minutes.
Protecting Handblown Glass from Thermal Shock
Glass expands and contracts with temperature, and sudden changes can cause it to crack. This is called thermal shock, and it is the single most common cause of avoidable damage. To protect your pieces:
- Never pour boiling liquid directly into a cold glass, or ice water into a warm one.
- Let a piece come to room temperature before washing it in warm water.
- Keep glass out of the freezer, the oven, and the microwave unless a piece was specifically made for that use.
When in doubt, ease into any temperature change gradually rather than all at once.
How to Display and Store Glass Art
Handblown glass art loves light, and a sunny windowsill or a well-lit shelf can make the colors come alive. Just make sure the piece is stable and out of high-traffic spots where it might get knocked. For sculptural pieces, a small museum putty at the base adds a bit of security without being visible. When you need to store glass, wrap each piece individually in acid-free tissue or bubble wrap and keep it upright in a padded box. Never stack heavy items on top of stored glass, and avoid areas with big temperature swings, like an attic or an uninsulated garage.
Removing Cloudiness and Hard Water Spots
If your glass has developed a cloudy haze, hard water is often the culprit, especially here in the mountains where mineral content can be high. To bring back the shine, soak the piece in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water for about fifteen minutes, then rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth. For stubborn spots, a paste of baking soda and water applied gently with a soft cloth can help. Always rinse thoroughly afterward.
Caring for Glass Ornaments and Seasonal Pieces
Handblown ornaments, glass pumpkins, and other seasonal pieces deserve a little extra attention because they spend part of the year in storage. When the season ends, clean each piece gently, let it dry completely, and wrap it in tissue before boxing it up. Store ornaments in a divided box so they do not touch, and keep glass pumpkins padded and upright. A few minutes of care at pack-up time means your favorite pieces come out flawless year after year.
What to Do If Your Glass Chips or Breaks
Small chips on a decorative piece can sometimes be smoothed by a professional, but glass that is cracked or chipped along a rim you drink from should be retired from use to avoid injury. If a piece you love is damaged, reach out to us. As the makers, we can often talk through your options and, in some cases, help.
Visit Our Glass Studio in Asheville's River Arts District
The best way to appreciate handblown glass is to see it made. If you are exploring Asheville glass art or looking for a handmade piece to bring home, stop by Small Batch Glass in the River Arts District. You can watch the glassblowing process live, ask us anything about caring for your pieces, and find something one of a kind that was made just steps from where you are standing.
Take care of your handblown glass, and it will keep catching the light for a very long time.
