How To Clean & Store Heirloom Glass Christmas Ornaments So They Last For Years

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While it's possible to decorate your Christmas tree without ornaments for a timeless look, ornaments still rank as some of the most important decorations for a lot of people. Whether you prefer uniform globes or collectible figurines, there's certainly a lot of options to dress up your tree. If you're lucky, you might even have historic heirloom glass ornaments that you found at an antique shop or that were perhaps passed down to you from a family member or loved one. Not only are these types of ornaments more unique, but they require specific care to ensure they keep lasting over the years until you decide to hand them down. The best way to handle heirloom glass ornaments is with clean microfiber cloths and to carefully place them in cool and dry storage containers when they're not in use.

Christmas ornaments can vary in terms of fragility, with glass certainly among the top materials requiring more delicate care. This is even more so with irreplaceable heirloom versions. In particular, moisture of any kind can be damaging to antique glass. When you're cleaning and storing these items, it's crucial to think about ways to reduce their exposure to moisture from cleaning products, humidity, and even perspiration from skin. Light and extreme temperature changes can also damage these glass items. Basic care and storage techniques are what's needed to help increase the longevity of these ornaments for (hopefully) many more years.

You should always wear cotton gloves when handling heirloom glass ornaments. Doing so prevents the transfer of oils from your skin, as well as any dirt that might otherwise damage the glass. Cotton gloves can also prevent cuts in case any fine glass fragments are sticking out unbeknownst to you.

If the ornaments require cleaning, you cannot simply get an old bottle of glass cleaner for these priceless pieces of decor, as chemical agents could damage them. As an alternative, take a clean and soft microfiber cloth and wipe off any smudges or debris. This material is gentle enough to get the job done without creating permanent scratches and will also prevent the transfer of lint that might stick to the ornaments from other items like paper towels. Aside from glass ornaments, here's what else you should be cleaning with a microfiber cloth.

Once the holidays are over, you may not be able to store heirloom glass ornaments in a regular box alongside newer ornaments made with plastic. Ideally, storage bins are better for ornaments over bags and cardboard boxes. Before you get started, you might find these other tips for storing your Christmas ornaments helpful. Wrap each glass ornament in bubble wrap or acid-free tissue paper and place in individual boxes for extra protection. Ornament storage boxes, such as the HOLDN Christmas ornament storage box, even come with divided sections so each ornament has its own place. 

With antique glass, you'll want to be extra mindful of storing them in a way that prevents excess moisture. Consider a sealed plastic storage bin placed in a dry area, such as an interior closet. Damper areas like basements and garages may expose the glass to moisture and ruin the ornaments over time. Consistent cooler temperatures are the most beneficial to these glass ornaments, as both hot and fluctuating temperatures could increase their risk of shattering.