How to Clean a Decanter the Right Way

A wine decanter is more than just a fancy vessel; it helps your wine breathe and brings out its full flavour. But if it’s not cleaned properly after each use, leftover wine can stain the glass, develop a stale smell, and even harbour bacteria over time. That build-up not only spoils the taste of your next pour but also shortens the life of your decanter.

This becomes even more important if you’re using a crystal decanter, which is more delicate than regular glass. Using boiling water or harsh detergents can leave micro-scratches, cause cloudiness, or even crack the surface. So, keeping it clean isn’t just about looks - it’s about maintaining hygiene, preserving wine quality, and protecting your investment.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean your decanter the right way - whether it’s stained, fragile, or tricky to reach inside - along with tips on what to avoid and how often to clean it.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Your Decanter Properly

Cleaning your decanter isn’t just about keeping it clear; it’s about keeping your wine tasting fresh and the glass in good condition. Whether you’re dealing with red wine stains, mineral build-up, or a narrow-necked shape that’s hard to reach, here’s how to clean it safely and effectively.

Step 1: Rinse Before and After Cleaning

Rinsing is the key step, and it needs to be done twice.

a. Rinse Immediately After Use

As soon as you empty the decanter, give it a rinse with warm (not hot) water. This helps remove wine residue before it dries and hardens.

Skipping this can lead to stains that are much harder to deal with later.

b. Rinse Thoroughly After Cleaning

Once you've finished cleaning with vinegar, rice, or any solution, rinse again - multiple times if needed. You’re aiming for no odour, no residue, and no soapy bubbles left behind.

Even a trace of vinegar or soap can affect the flavour of your next pour.

Step 2: Use the Vinegar and Rice Method for Regular Cleaning

This method works well for everyday use and is especially handy for narrow-neck or oddly shaped decanters.

Why it works:

Vinegar helps break down mineral deposits and wine stains.
Uncooked rice acts as a gentle scrubber that reaches difficult areas.

How to do it:

Pour ¼–½ cup of uncooked rice into the decanter.
Add ½–1 cup of white distilled vinegar.
Add a splash of warm water to loosen things up.
Swirl the mixture gently but firmly, making sure the rice hits all areas.
Pour it out and proceed to the final rinse.

Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent and has been shown to reduce microbial buildup.

Step 3: For Tough Stains, Add a Drop of Dish Soap

If your decanter has dried red wine stains or hasn’t been cleaned in a while, a drop of mild dish soap can help.

Important:
Use unscented, gentle soap, and only a drop. Crystal decanters are delicate, and soap can be hard to rinse out.

Steps:

Follow the vinegar and rice method, but add the soap first.
Swirl thoroughly to let the mixture work on tough stains.
Prepare to rinse thoroughly - 10 to 15 times isn’t unusual.

Avoid regular or strong detergents, as they may leave a film and alter the taste of your wine.

Step 4: Dry the Right Way

Drying properly prevents water spots, mildew, and musty smells.

What to do:

Place the decanter upside down on a drying rack or over a clean, lint-free towel.
Let it air dry completely; this could take a few hours or overnight.
Once dry, you can polish the exterior with a microfibre cloth for added shine.

Avoid stuffing towels or tissues into the neck; they leave lint and may scratch the glass.

Step 5: Choose Safe Cleaning Agents (At a Glance)

Here’s a quick reference guide to what works and what to watch out for:

Cleaning Method	Safe for Crystal?	Good for Stains?	Notes
White Vinegar	✅	✅	Avoid soaking too long
Baking Soda	✅	✅	Mild abrasive, use sparingly
Dish Soap	⚠️	✅	Only if unscented, rinse thoroughly
Denture Tablets	✅	✅	Easy option, but rinse well

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning a Decanter

Even if you’re being careful, it’s easy to make a few missteps that can damage your decanter or affect the taste of your wine. Here are the most common mistakes and why you’ll want to steer clear of them:

1. Using Boiling or Very Hot Water

Crystal decanters are especially sensitive to sudden temperature changes. Pouring in hot water might seem like a good way to sterilise, but it can cause thermal shock, leading to cracks or even breakage.

Stick with warm (not hot) water. It’s enough to clean without putting the glass at risk.

2. Leaving Wine Residue Overnight

Letting wine sit too long, especially red wine, allows tannins and acids to bond with the glass. This causes stains, odours, and cloudy patches that are much harder to remove later.

Rinse your decanter as soon as you empty it. That quick rinse does most of the heavy lifting.

3. Using Abrasive Brushes or Harsh Scrubbers

While it’s tempting to scrub out stains, most decanters are made from delicate glass or crystal. Using scouring pads, bottle brushes, or anything rough can leave scratches that dull the finish or even weaken the glass over time.

Instead, opt for uncooked rice, stainless steel cleaning beads, or soft cleaning balls that clean without scratching.

4. Overusing Dish Soap - Especially in Narrow Necks

A drop of dish soap can help with stubborn stains, but using too much or using it in a decanter with a narrow neck can leave behind a film or cause musty odours later on. Worse, it can take forever to rinse out properly.

If you do use soap, make sure it’s unscented, mild, and used sparingly. And be ready to rinse thoroughly, multiple times.

5. Drying with Cloth or Paper Towels Inside the Neck

Trying to dry the inside of a decanter with a towel might seem helpful, but you’ll likely leave lint behind or risk scratching the glass, especially if it’s crystal.

Let your decanter air dry upside down on a rack or clean surface with good airflow. Then polish the outside, if you like, with a dry microfibre cloth.

Avoiding these simple mistakes will not only keep your decanter looking pristine but will also protect its longevity and make sure every pour of wine tastes exactly as it should.

Special Tips for Crystal and Narrow-Neck Decanters

Not all decanters are made the same. Some are crafted from delicate lead crystal, while others have narrow necks or unique shapes that make cleaning a bit tricky. Here's how to handle both with care.

If It’s Crystal, Go Gentle

Crystal decanters look stunning but need extra caution. They're softer than regular glass and often contain lead, which makes them more prone to scratches and damage from harsh chemicals.

Here’s what to do:

Always use warm, not hot water, to avoid cracks caused by thermal shock.
Skip long soaks in vinegar or acidic cleaners. A quick swirl is fine, but don’t let it sit.
Avoid abrasive scrubbers. Use uncooked rice, stainless steel beads, or specialised cleaning balls for a safe clean.
Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry completely.

Crystal can also react with acidic solutions over time, which is why short contact is best.

Bonus Tip: If it’s a luxury or collector’s item, consider polishing the outside with a microfibre cloth to maintain its shine without scratching.

If It’s Narrow or Oddly Shaped, Use the Right Tools

The challenge with narrow-neck or curved decanters is that your hand won’t fit inside, and a regular sponge or cloth won’t reach every corner.

Here’s what works:

Use decanter cleaning beads, they’re small, reusable stainless steel balls that scrub without damaging the glass.
Alternatively, choose a bottle brush with a flexible handle and soft bristles designed for glassware.
For regular use, even uncooked rice and warm vinegar can reach tricky areas if swirled properly.

These tools help you clean thoroughly without risking scratches, especially in decanters with curves, corners, or tight necks.

Whether it’s a high-end crystal decanter or a sculpted centrepiece with a narrow neck, the key is gentle cleaning with smart tools. That way, you protect the material, avoid damage, and keep your decanter ready for every pour, without the stress.

How Often Should You Clean a Decanter?

Keeping your decanter clean isn’t just about appearance; it’s about preserving flavor, maintaining hygiene, and extending the life of the glass. Here’s a simple breakdown of how often you should clean it, based on your usage.

Clean After Every Use (No Exceptions)

Even if the decanter doesn’t look dirty, rinse it immediately after pouring out the wine. That quick swirl with warm water prevents wine tannins, sugars, and pigments from drying onto the glass.

This step helps avoid hard-to-remove stains, off smells, and film buildup that can affect the taste of your next pour.

Deep Clean Every Few Uses

If you use your decanter regularly, a rinse alone won’t cut it. Over time, a thin layer of mineral deposits, tartrates, or even odour can build up, especially if you have hard water.

What to do:

Give it a deeper clean with white vinegar and uncooked rice (or cleaning beads) every 3 to 4 uses, or sooner if you see cloudiness, streaks, or dullness in the glass.

Even invisible residue can subtly alter wine aroma and taste - deep cleaning helps maintain wine clarity and purity.

For Spirits or Infrequent Use

If you're storing spirits like whisky or brandy, or using the decanter only occasionally, the rules shift a bit:

For spirits: Rinse after switching liquids and deep clean occasionally to remove any residue or odour.
For rare use: Always clean thoroughly after each use and ensure it’s fully dry before storing to avoid mildew or musty smells.

Spirits don’t stain like wine, but they can still leave behind a film that builds up over time.

Final Pour: Keep It Clean, Keep It Classic

A decanter isn’t just another piece of glassware; it’s part of the experience. Whether you use it for bold reds, aged whisky, or limited-edition spirits, keeping it clean the right way protects the flavour, the finish, and the feel of every pour.

From quick rinses to the occasional deep clean, it’s all about balance, just like a good drink. And if you’re investing in quality, whether it’s a hand-cut whiskey decanter, a bold skull decanter, or one of our signature oak barrels, proper care goes a long way in keeping your setup timeless.

At Booze & Barrels, we offer more than just glassware; we bring together whiskey stones gift sets, premium wine accessories, and thoughtful pieces that make every sip feel special. After all, what’s the point of great design if it isn’t kept at its best?

Clean smart, store well, and let every drink do the talking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you use denture tablets to clean a decanter?

Yes, you can. Denture tablets are a handy option for removing stains and odours. Just drop one tablet into the decanter with warm water, let it fizz for 15–30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. They’re generally safe for both glass and crystal, but always rinse well to remove any leftover residue.

2. What is the rice trick for cleaning decanters?

The rice method is a gentle, effective way to scrub the inside of a decanter, especially those with narrow necks. Add a small handful of uncooked rice, a splash of white vinegar, and warm water. Swirl the mixture so the rice gently scrubs the interior. It works well to dislodge stains and reach tricky corners without scratching the glass.

3. How do you dry a decanter quickly?

Letting your decanter air dry upside down on a drying rack is the safest method. If you're short on time, place it over a clean microfibre cloth angled to allow airflow. Avoid using paper towels or cloths inside the neck; they leave lint and may scratch the glass. For a polished finish, use a dry microfibre cloth on the outside once fully dry.

4. Is it okay to leave wine in the decanter overnight?

It’s best not to. Leaving wine in a decanter overnight can lead to oxidation and can leave behind stains, especially with red wine. If you forget to empty it, clean it as soon as possible the next day to avoid stubborn residue or off smells.

5. What if my decanter smells musty?

A musty smell usually means it wasn’t dried properly or has lingering residue. To fix this, rinse it thoroughly with warm water and swirl a mixture of white vinegar and rice or denture tablets. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then rinse several times. Make sure to air dry completely before storing.