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Best Practices: Pre-Cleaning, Washing, Polishing Bar Glassware | Spotless Every Time

Elevate your bartending skills with these expert glass care techniques:

Bartending is a craft that goes beyond mixing drinks. It involves a series of crucial tasks before, during, and after each shift, including the meticulous care of your glassware. Start by pre-cleaning each glass with a dedicated rag, napkin, or an alcohol-saturated sanitizer wipe—this is key for removing stubborn residues like lipstick and grease. Only then should the glasses go into the glass washing machine.

Here’s a pro tip: To prevent buildup in polishing machines, always manually remove any residues before washing. After the wash, while the glasses are still hot and damp, immediately begin polishing. This method has proven reliable over the years.

For an effective polish, use two cloths: one to secure the glass’s base and exterior, and another to clean and dry the interior. Remember, standard glass polishing machines fall short with certain glass types like champagne flutes. Instead, I recommend using a thin muddler wrapped in a polishing cloth, gently inserted and rotated inside the glass to avoid breakage and ensure a sparkling finish.

In our training video, I demonstrate these techniques using two sets of glasses—one dirty set for initial cleaning demonstrations, and another freshly washed set ready for polishing. This approach ensures clarity and maintains hygiene, as the sanitizer used on the dirty glasses prevents any cross-contamination.

Master these steps to keep your glassware pristine and your bartending skills sharp!
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