This Is How You Should Be Cleaning Your Pyrex

The way you clean most of your kitchenware items is crucial in order to keep its beautifully colored (or clear) design. Especially when it comes to that of a Pyrex, there’s a specific way to clean them so you don’t ruin them!

It’s no secret that your Pyrex should be handled with care and it could be a challenge to some when figuring out how to delicately but thoroughly clean it. Stephen Koob, the Chief Conservator at The Corning Museum of Glass, weighed in on the method he uses for cleaning Pyrex glassware.

The very first rule that Koob stands by is to never, ever put a Pyrex in the dishwasher. Koob says that this is the most damaging thing for a Pyrex, can easily etch off the design, and may not even do that good of a job at cleaning it. He actually recommends to not put any sort of glass in a dishwasher, although that’s a study for another day.

Secondly, Koob says to never use a scrubbing sponge of any kind, even if it says ‘safe for glass’ or ‘non-scratch’. He also says to avoid using sharp utensils to scrape off any caked-on or burnt foods, which should be a no-brainer. Glass can be scratched and damaged very easily.

So, what are we supposed to use? Koob has the solution.

Koob says to start with warm water and a soft sponge or cotton towel. He says to use a clean detergent and start wiping all stained surfaces of the Pyrex. If it is not fully clean after you wipe it down, soak it in a plastic tub with hot, soapy water overnight, then repeat the cleaning process the next day. If this doesn’t work, Koob has another plan.

A cleaning agent called Lye. Lye is sodium hydroxide and contains a very strong alkali, but should not be used in high concentrations. This is when the safety precautions come in that Koob strongly stands by in the workplace. You’ll need rubber gloves, plastic goggles, a plastic tub, some cotton balls, and some plastic brushes (a very soft toothbrush is fine), and a plastic apron.

Follow the steps below to ensuring a fully clean and beautiful Pyrex:

1. Put on your gloves, goggles, and an apron. Use about 10% of the Lye solution and stir in water until it is dissolved. This equates to about two teaspoons of lye in a small juice glass.
2. Put your stained Pyrex in the tub.
3. Dip your soft brush into the diluted Lye and gently apply it to the stains on the Pyrex. Heavier stains like burnt or caked-on food may require extra coats.
4. Between each cleaning, lift the Pyrex out of the tub and coat it in warm water.
5. If your Pyrex requires a deep cleaning, the cotton balls come in. Gently pour some of the Lye solutions on the cotton compress and place those compresses onto the area that is stained (you could also just place the Lye directly onto the surface if you wish). Give it two to three minutes and rinse. Repeat if necessary.

As long as you follow these steps and take the necessary precautions, you should be able to find yourself with a beautifully cleaned Pyrex and a brand new cleaning method!

Be sure to SHARE this article to spread awareness about the proper cleaning technique for a Pyrex!