There are two main reasons why you might find that your glasses have started to look cloudy.
Hard water deposits
Hard water contains a high level of natural minerals, which can sometimes deposit themselves on your glasses. Soap cannot foam as well in hard water, so these deposits aren’t always wholly cleaned off, leaving your glasses looking a little foggy and dull.
Etching
The etching is when parts of the glass are worn down and this can happen due to regular use, being washed and being handled.
However, the etching doesn’t happen overnight, so you’ll slowly start to notice small areas of your glassware that are beginning to look a bit dull quite gradually. Unfortunately, etching is a problem that can’t be fixed easily and in some cases the scratches may be permanent.
Rinse the glass
Run the glass under the tap, using warm water, taking care not to run it too hot, or the glass risks cracking.
Add soap
Add some mild washing-up liquid to the washing-up bowl. Avoid using any harsh bleach-based detergent or perfumed detergent, as these can be abrasive and cause damage to the glass, or linger on the surface.
Scrub the glass
Using a sponge soaked in the soap and water solution, turn the glass round against the sponge. A handled sponge is preferable to avoid applying too much direct hand pressure onto the glass whilst cleaning.
Use vinegar
Mix two tablespoons of white vinegar to one cup of water and, either using a spray bottle or a paper towel, apply the solution to the glass. The acid within the vinegar will break down any cloudiness. It will also give a more sparkling finish to the glass.
Rinse the glass
Wash away the vinegar solution using warm water.
Dry the glasses
Use a microfibre cloth or some kitchen roll to dry them straight away.
If you still see a bit of cloudiness on your glassware, you can try soaking it in white vinegar instead of dipping it for a few seconds. The acetic acid in the vinegar should eventually break down the mineral build-up, making it easier to remove.
Tip: If the glass is particularly cloudy, before washing, add five tablespoons of vinegar to half a bowl of water. Then, leave the glass to soak in the bowl overnight. If you have several glasses, laying paper towels at the bottom of the bowl will protect the glass from being damaged.