Optical Microfibre Cleaning Cloth: SE-MFC
Now you have invested in some of the world's best hand-made crystal it is worth considering how to keep it looking at its very best year-on-year. These Cumbria Crystal branded microfibre cloths are made using some of the highest quality material possible and are te best way to maintain that luxury sparkle. The unique formulation of our microfibre cloth greatly exceeds that of conventional cloths enabling grease, dirt and moisture to be removed with ease.
Commissioned from a UK manufacturer specialising in optical quality microfibre, this large cloth (48 x 60 cm - 19”x24”) was created especially for Cumbria Crystal. Make it part of your crystal care regime and continue to enjoy sparkling crystal for years to come.
This product comes with Crystal Care instructions and instructions on cleaning the cloth to preserve its life.
48cm x 40cm (19”x24”)
What makes microfibre superior to other materials?
• Microfibre is especially good at absorbing grease, so removes fingerprints with ease.
• Unlike other fabrics it is so soft it cannot scratch your crystal.
• It leaves no lint or dust.
• A fibre is generally considered a microfibre if it is one denier or less.
• Each fibre in our microfibre is 0.1 decitex (1 decitex = 9/10ths of 1 denier) leaving it exceptionally soft and flexible. One denier is equivalent to 1g in weight per 9000 meters, or the same as a single strand of silk.
• Each fibre has a diameter of less than 10 micrometers.
• Microfibre has a base fabric woven from a polyester/nylon (composite) yarn.
• Only in the highest quality microfibre fabrics, for cleaning applications, is the fabric treated to split the fibres. A cross section of split microfiber under high magnification looks like an asterisk. This results in a much larger surface area and superior cleaning properties
• A special shrinking process is then used to create a finish which makes the fabric structure up to 40 percent denser than the original size still further improving the particle removal qualities.
• This unparalleled cloth is perfect for cleaning crystal and glass. Its specialist qualities mean it is used for sensitive applications such as laboratory clean rooms; optical lens care; diamond cleaning and cleaning of other materials with complex surfaces.
• The hydrophilic properties of nylon (the capillary tube effect) and the highly dense fabric structure result in the cloth having impressively high absorbency.
Conventional Microfibre
Cloth Cloth
Wash at 40°c without fabric conditioner.
Caring for your crystal
• We recommend individually hand washing your crystal with warm water, a soft sponge and mild detergent as soon as possible after use.
• Scouring pads, or course brushes can scratch your crystal.
• Avoid sudden water temperature variations, ie. hot to cold, or vice versa, as this can crack your crystal.
• For ease of cleaning avoid allowing residue deposits to dry on your crystal. If this is not possible quickly rinse or, even better, leave items filled with water overnight.
• After washing & rinsing in warm/hot water allow your crystal to stand upside down, if possible, on kitchen paper or a soft towel to dry naturally.
• Prior to storing a final polish with a microfibre cloth will ensure your crystal looks its best next time it is used.
• When drying or polishing stemware avoid holding the glass by the foot, or low on the stem.
• Instead, hold the bowl of the glass gently in your palm while drying the glass.
• Keep your thumb on the outside of the bowl to minimise pressure. A twisting action will exert additional stress on the rim, or joint of the bowl and stem, which are the most vulnerable points of the crystal.
• Microfibre cloths are by far the best way to dry and polish crystal. Its superior cleaning ability means very little pressure is needed as the cloth almost grips the glass. Be careful not to accidentally apply too much pressure.
Limescale:
• In hard-water areas limescale build can build on surfaces dulling the sparkle of your crystal. This can be avoided by timely cleaning & polishing after use.
• This may not be practical for some products, ie. vases. In this case, ensure the water is topped up daily & the glass cleaned regularly. Limescale marks can be removed using a solution of powdered citric acid, dissolved in warm water. Rinse thoroughly before use. It can also be used in a dishwasher.
Storage:
• Do not store your crystal glasses upside-down unless the rim is on a soft cloth.
• If stored upright, ensure your glasses do not touch each other.
• The rim of the glass is delicate and can chip if knocked. Should this happen Cumbria Crystal offers a rim repair service.
Dishwashers:
• Dishwashers use powerful detergents which, over time, strip ions from the glass surface creating an opaque bloom that cannot be removed.
• No glass or crystal is truly dishwasher safe. Some are better than others at resisting the corrosive effects of dishwasher detergent, but all will eventually deteriorate.
• If you use a dishwasher, we suggest a separate crystal wash on a 4O°C gentle cycle, without detergent, or using a gentle-care dishwasher tablet.
Decanters:
• Should be washed in warm water with a soft sponge and no detergent.
• You should avoid leaving wine in decanters and rinse them immediately with clean water after use. When empty, initially store without the stopper to allow for proper airing.
• To absorb moisture after washing insert a long strand of absorbent kitchen paper for about 10 hours. If misting occurs, use citric acid dissolved in warm water. Shake vigorously and rinse.
Cleaning
