The Only Way You Should Be Storing Your Glassware And Mugs

Good, quality drinkware is often quite expensive and as such, you want to keep these pieces safe and in good condition. From fancy crystal champagne flutes to your favorite porcelain mug, proper storage habits can go a long way in protecting your drinkware from chips, cracks, dust, and grime. Whether you use open shelving, closed cabinets, or some other genius coffee mug storage idea, the direction your drinkware faces can make a huge difference. So, which is better — storing your glasses and mugs rim side up or rim side down? Well, the truth isn't so black and white.

Storing your mugs and glasses rim side down is an easy way to keep dust and grime from building up inside the glass. Even in a closed-door cabinet, dust and food particles can find their way in. On the flip side, rim-side-down storage puts your drinkware at a bigger risk for chips and cracks because the rim is often thinner and more delicate. Rim-side-up storage lowers the risk of damage, but may leave you washing every glass or mug before use to remove dust. Ultimately, the best way to store glassware and mugs depends on the style of glass/mug, where they are being stored, and how frequently they are being used.

If storing rim-side down increases the risk of chips (especially on delicate rims), but rim-side up will result in dust and grime, then what should you do about wine glasses, champagne flutes, and fancy drinking glasses? For these lesser-used but delicate glasses, you may need to think outside the box. Installing a stemware rack inside or underneath your kitchen cabinets allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. With this rack, you can store your stemware upside down to prevent dust buildup while also keeping the thin rims off of the hard cabinet shelves. Additionally, the stemware rack frees up more cabinet space because you can still store items underneath your glasses. There are plenty of different styles of stemware racks on the market, but you can also DIY your own. For example, you can repurpose an old boot rack into clever storage for your stemware with minimal effort.

For fancy, rarely used drinking glasses without stems, rim-side down storage is still the best way to go. However, to keep your rims as safe as possible, try installing a soft, spongy shelf liner to act as a cushion between the glasses and the hard surface. Spongy shelf liners offer great grip and cushioning, but also keep your glasses elevated enough to allow airflow. This will help prevent any chance of moisture buildup.

When it comes to coffee mugs, there are tons of simple coffee mug storage ideas to try, but generally speaking, coffee mugs should be stored rim-side down as well. The exception? If you reach for the same couple of mugs every day, and you use closed cabinet storage, leaving your mugs rim side up should be fine. Though you may want to double-check for any dust, bugs, or other common kitchen debris before pouring your morning java.

Coffee mugs tend to have thicker, more durable rims, so there is less concern about chipping and cracking over time. That said, moisture is always a concern when opting for rim-side down storage. To avoid any moisture buildup, always double-check that your mugs are completely dry before you put them away. To further discourage moisture issues, you can use a spongy shelf liner or a wire mesh shelf extender, as these will both allow airflow.