September 26, 2025, 8:26 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The party is over, the glasses are stacked and waiting to be washed. Particularly annoying: washing champagne and wine glasses. Handwashing takes forever, with glass breakage and bleeding fingers included. But myHOMEBOOK has heard of a life hack that will make Prosecco fans smile.
Most dishwashers have a cutlery basket. If it’s the right size, it can also be used wonderfully for long-stemmed champagne flutes or narrow wine glasses. A delighted user on the platform X shows how it looks.
This allows for the cleaning of delicate glasses in the dishwasher without breakage. However, most dishwashers already have a way to clean champagne or wine glasses safely.
More Dishwasher Tricks
“Some dishwashers have foldable holders, depending on the model, in the lower or upper rack, sometimes both,” reveals Bernd Glassl from the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW) when asked by myHOMEBOOK. He is well-versed in the specifics of dishwashers. “The folded-out holders have narrow recesses where the stems of champagne or wine glasses can be securely placed upside down,” explains Bernd Glassl. This way, after a big party, the delicate glasses can be cleaned all at once.
The holders also have another advantage. “They provide additional space for equally delicate coffee cups or other small drinking vessels,” notes the dishwasher expert from IKW.
Don’t Wash Too Hot
If you also want to save energy, it’s best to use the special glass washing program that some dishwashers have. This runs briefly and is completely sufficient for removing drink residues.
If your dishwasher doesn’t have a special glass washing program, it’s best to choose a program where the water temperature isn’t too high. Champagne and wine glasses, in particular, don’t like heat. Therefore, it’s best to select the eco or gentle program, which modern dishwashers usually have as standard.
Despite the life hack with the upside-down glasses in the cutlery basket, Bernd Glassl advises against washing champagne or wine glasses too often in the dishwasher. “Especially with high-priced glasses, handwashing is definitely the best solution,” recommends the IKW expert. “With too frequent dishwasher cycles, glass corrosion quickly occurs,” explains Bernd Glassl. Over time, the glass becomes cloudy or even develops small cracks.
By the way: If your dishwasher’s cutlery basket is too narrow to safely place champagne glasses, simply look for another model with larger openings at a specialty store. Then the next champagne party can start without the frustration of washing up afterward.