How to Put Wine Glasses in the Dishwasher Safely
Quick Answer: Whether wine glasses can go in the dishwasher depends on the maker. Waterford and Val Saint Lambert advise against it for crystal, Rückl recommends hand washing, and Libbey gives dishwasher settings for its everyday glassware. Check the label or the maker's page for your own glass. If you do use a dishwasher, use the top rack, do not overload it, and open the door when the cycle ends.
Manufacturers disagree, so this post reports who says what and then covers loading, settings and aftercare for anyone who does use a machine. The by-hand method is in how to clean wine glasses, and the basics of glass care are in Caring for Fine Glassware.
Can wine glasses go in the dishwasher?
Some can and some should not. This is what each source says, as checked in October 2026.
| Source | Position |
|---|---|
| Waterford | Hand wash crystal and glass. Dishwasher heat, friction and detergent can dull or scratch the surface. |
| Val Saint Lambert | Would not advise it, and says a dishwasher can leave a cloudy film. If you do it anyway, use the fragile setting at a moderate temperature. |
| Rückl | Recommends hand washing its crystal. If you use a dishwasher, give the glass enough space. |
| Whirlpool (dishwasher maker) | Antiques and feather-edged crystal may be too delicate. Wash by hand. |
| Libbey (everyday glassware) | Gives dishwasher settings to limit etching, including water at 140 to 150 F (60 to 66 C). |
A conservator at the Corning Museum of Glass goes furthest: "I generally recommend that you never put any glass through a dishwasher." That answer appears on a page about Pyrex, so it is one conservator's view and not a museum policy on crystal.
How should you load wine glasses?
On the top rack, apart from everything else. Whirlpool says top rack, away from the heating element, with glasses not touching other items, which prevents scratches and lets water circulate. Val Saint Lambert says to use the section for delicate items, with the glasses stable and not touching. Rückl and Libbey agree on space: Rückl says to give the glass enough room, and Libbey says to under-load the machine for maximum rinsing.
What settings are safest?
The makers do not agree on temperature, so this is a range and not a rule. Val Saint Lambert says a fragile setting at a moderate temperature, and says the water in a dishwasher can be hot enough to cause a chemical reaction that clouds crystal. Libbey's everyday-glassware advice is 140 to 150 F (60 to 66 C). Waterford says dishwasher heat is one of the things that can dull crystal. Where a maker names a program, follow that maker.
On detergent they overlap. Libbey says to use minimal detergent, under 1 tablespoon, and a rinse aid. Whirlpool says to use a high-quality phosphate-free detergent and a rinse aid designed for glassware. Val Saint Lambert advises liquid or gel detergent, and says to avoid tablets and 2-in-1 tablets with salt.
What should you do when the cycle ends?
Open the door. Val Saint Lambert says to open the dishwasher as soon as the cycle finishes so steam does not circulate and settle on the glass. Libbey says to hand-dry glasses right after the cycle so water does not dry on them. If they come out hazy, a vinegar test tells film from etching.
The Excalibur Brothers Premium Glass Polishing Cloth in gray is our own product, sold on this site, and it also comes in white or an assorted pair. When this is not the right choice: a cloth will not undo dishwasher etching, and any clean lint-free towel dries a glass just as well.
When should you hand wash instead?
When the glass is labeled hand wash only, antique, feather-edged, thin or valued, and when a crystal maker says so. Lead crystal has a separate concern. The US EPA says to avoid storing or serving food and liquids in lead crystal, which is worse if the piece is chipped or cracked. Only the maker can say whether a piece contains lead.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wash wine glasses in the dishwasher?
Waterford and Val Saint Lambert advise against it for crystal, and Libbey gives settings for everyday glassware. Follow the instructions for your own glass.
Where do wine glasses go in the dishwasher?
On the top rack, not touching anything. Whirlpool says top rack, away from the heating element.
Can you wash crystal glasses in the dishwasher?
Waterford says dishwasher heat, friction and detergent can dull or scratch crystal, Val Saint Lambert would not advise it, and Rückl advises hand washing. Whirlpool says feather-edged crystal should be washed by hand.
Can you put very tall or stemmed glasses in the dishwasher?
No maker cited gives a rule for tall glasses. The shared advice is space, stability and no contact, and hand washing if a glass will not sit securely.
Should you use rinse aid for wine glasses?
Libbey and Whirlpool both name a rinse aid. Whirlpool says one designed for glassware improves drying and helps avoid streaks.
Why did my wine glasses come out cloudy?
Hard water, detergent residue or etching. Whirlpool says a gentle rub with vinegar shows which: film comes off and etching does not. Libbey says etching is permanent.