How to Clean Beer Steins

Basic Cleaning

• 1

  Line the bottom of your sink with a rubber mat or a large towel. Beer steins are delicate and slippery when wet, so this will provide a cushion if you lose your grip.

• 2

  Fill your sink halfway with warm, soapy water. Use mild dishwashing liquid.

• 3

  Submerge your ceramic, glass, crystal or pewter beer stein in the warm water. If your beer stein is excessively grimy, allow it to soak for three to five minutes.

• 4

  Bathe the stein carefully with your hands, rubbing gently to remove dirt and debris.

• 5

  Use gentle strokes with new sponge or a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove stubborn dirt.

• 6

  Rinse your beer stein thoroughly in warm water. Dry with a clean, soft, 100 percent cotton towel, and then set it on a soft towel to air dry for four to six hours. Leave the lid open to allow the inside to dry.

Exceptions

• 7

  Remove stubborn dirt and grime from pewter with a mild abrasive cleaner (like Soft Scrub) and a new, damp sponge. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Dry well with a 100 percent cotton towel.

• 8

  Clean wooden beer steins with a new, clean sponge soaked in warm water. Dry thoroughly with a 100 percent cotton towel. Do not immerse wooden beer steins in water.

• 9

  Clean ivory beer steins with a soft, dry cloth. If stubborn dirt remains, dip a cotton swab in a 50/50 ethyl alcohol and distilled water solution, blot the swab with a paper towel, clean the dirty spot and dry immediately. Test the solution in a hidden area of your beer stein first. If problems persist, contact a professional conservator.