HOW TO STORE YOUR WINE GLASSES THE RIGHT WAY

In an effort to keep out dust, many prefer to store their wine glasses upside-down, while others believe they should be stored right-side up to prevent trapped moisture and bacterial contamination.  These preferences are often based on experience and/or logic, but have you ever wondered which way is actually right?

According to the expert at Good Housekeeping, wine glasses should be stored right-side up.  Why?  You may be surprised to learn that the answer has little to do with cleanliness.  Many wine glasses are fragile — especially more expensive, delicate crystal.  As the rim is the most delicate part of the glass, your stemware should be stored right-side up to avoid putting too much weight on the rim.

Carolyn Forte, director of the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, says all everyday glasses can be stored either way.  Although she admits storing them upside down probably does keep the insides cleaner, dust won’t really have a chance to accumulate if they’re used and washed regularly.  Forte also reassures us that she has never seen mildew on glasses, and if you thoroughly dry them before they’re put away, moisture won’t get trapped inside.

Another option is to hang your stemware upside-down on a wine glass rack.  However, you should first consider the increased risk that they may fall and break, especially if the rack will be within reach of children or pets.