A beautiful decanter can elevate your wine experience, but keeping it clean is just as important as what you pour into it. Over time, wine residue, water spots, soap and lingering aromas can build up, affecting both the look and taste of your next pour. Whether you’re dealing with everyday glass decanters or delicate crystal ones, here’s a complete guide to cleaning and drying your decanter properly so it stays in peak condition for years to come.
Can you put a decanter in the dishwasher?
The short answer: Probably not.
Most high-quality decanters, especially those made of crystal, should never go in the dishwasher. The heat, detergent, and aggressive water pressure can lead to:
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Cloudy residue from detergent buildup
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Etching and scratches on delicate surfaces
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Cracks or breakage from temperature changes or rough handling
If your decanter is machine-washable glass (and your dishwasher has a dedicated stemware area/setting), you may be able to put it in (we do!). But for anything valuable, hand-washing is always the safest option.
How to clean your decanter by hand
Rinse immediately
As soon as you’re finished using your decanter, give it a quick rinse with warm water. Don’t let leftover wine sit overnight, especially if it’s crystal—it can absorb colour and stain over time.
Use warm (not hot) water
Fill the decanter with warm water, never boiling hot, as extreme temperatures can cause thin glass or crystal to crack.
Avoid soap
Dish soap might seem like the obvious choice, but it’s best not to use soap inside your decanter. The narrow neck makes it hard to rinse out completely, leaving behind residue that could affect the taste of your next wine.
Use cleaning beads or a brush
For stubborn stains or dried-on wine, you’ll need a little extra help.
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Decanter cleaning beads: These small, reusable stainless-steel beads work by swirling around inside the decanter, gently scrubbing away stains without scratching the glass. Just pour them in with some warm water, swirl for a few minutes, then rinse them out.
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A long-handled decanter brush: If your decanter has a particularly curvy shape, a soft, flexible brush is the best way to reach inside and scrub away any residue.
Can you clean a decanter with sparkling water?
Yes! Sparkling water is a great natural alternative for quick cleaning. The carbonation helps lift and loosen wine residue without the need for soap or scrubbing.
How to use sparkling water to clean a decanter
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Rinse out any leftover wine with warm water.
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Fill the decanter about halfway with sparkling water (or soda water).
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Swirl the water around to let the bubbles work on any remaining residue.
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Let it sit for a few minutes, then pour it out.
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Rinse with clean, warm water and dry as usual.
This method is particularly useful at a restaurant or tasting event where deep cleaning isn’t an option. It won’t remove deep stains, but for preventing buildup and keeping your decanter fresh between proper washes, it works well.
How to remove red wine stains from a decanter
If you’ve left wine in your decanter for too long and it’s stained, don’t worry—it can usually still be saved. Here are a few ways to remove stubborn stains:
Option 1: Baking soda and vinegar
A classic method that works well for both glass and crystal.
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Fill the decanter with warm water
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Add one tablespoon of baking soda and a splash of white vinegar
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Let it sit for a few hours (or overnight for heavy stains)
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Swirl the mixture around, then rinse thoroughly
Option 2: Denture tablets or bicarb soda
Surprisingly, denture tablets are an easy and effective way to clean a stained decanter.
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Fill the decanter with warm water
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Drop in one or two denture cleaning tablets
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Let them dissolve and fizz away stains
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Rinse thoroughly
Bicarbonate soda (baking soda) works similarly—just let it sit longer for deeper stains.
Option 3: Ice and salt
For quick cleaning, this abrasive but gentle method works well.
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Fill the decanter with a handful of ice cubes and coarse salt (like rock salt)
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Swirl the mixture around to scrub the inside without scratching
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Rinse well with warm water
How to dry your decanter properly
Once your decanter is clean, the next challenge is drying it without leaving streaks or water spots.
Option 1: Air drying upside down
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Place the decanter upside down on a drying rack or a lint-free cloth
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If your decanter has a narrow neck, balance it at an angle to allow airflow
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Avoid resting it directly on the rim—it can trap moisture inside
Option 2: Using a decanter drying stand
A decanter rack or drying stand helps prevent moisture from getting trapped inside. It also protects against accidental tipping or rolling.
Option 3: Absorbing moisture with a towel or hairdryer (yes, a hairdryer)
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Roll up a lint-free paper towel or clean microfiber cloth and insert it into the neck of the decanter
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This absorbs excess moisture and prevents streaking
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If you’re in a hurry, use a hairdryer on low heat to speed up the drying process
Why you should never leave wine in a crystal decanter overnight
Crystal decanters are more porous than standard glass, meaning they can absorb water, wine, and even detergent over time. If you leave wine sitting in your crystal decanter overnight:
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It can absorb the red wine pigment, leading to permanent discolouration
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Hard water can also cause mineral buildup, leaving a cloudy appearance
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It can develop musty odours if not dried properly
Best practice is to always rinse and dry your decanter as soon as possible after use.
Final thoughts
Cleaning a decanter doesn’t have to be complicated, but taking the right approach will help keep it looking and performing at its best. Whether you use a classic warm water hand-washing method, or ice and salt, keeping your decanter spotless will ensure every glass of wine tastes as it should.
