The Right Way To Store Your Favorite Drink Glasses

Very often, there is a right and wrong way to perform specific tasks — although not everybody agrees which is which. That being said, most people agree that there is a proper way to store coffee beans so they don't get stale and a correct way to load your dishwasher. When it comes to storing drink glasses, however, people are more divided.

Some contend that placing glasses on their base is clearly how they are meant to be stored. Others confidently proclaim that they should be stashed upside down when not in use. Although it won't please the former crowd, the correct way to store drink glasses is indeed upside down.

Dirt and debris know no bounds. Even in a securely shuttered cupboard, minuscule dust particles are always present. If your glasses are standing on their base, the large opening all but guarantees that some of this dirt and dust is going to end up inside your glass and your future beverage. Storing your drinking vessels upside down is particularly important when it comes to cocktail glasses. As there are many different types of cocktail glass, each with its own uses, they may not get used as frequently as other receptacles, meaning they have more time to collect dust and debris.

One of the strongest arguments for storing drink glasses right side up is that it allows them to dry out. Any moisture trapped in a glass that's laid upside down can lead to mold and bacteria growing inside the glass. However, preventing this is a simple matter of properly drying your glasses before you put them away.

Another argument for why glasses should be stored on their base is that cabinet shelves can be dirty. If the surface you are putting glassware on contains any grime or stains, it doesn't make a strong case for putting the rim on it. After all, this is the first thing your mouth touches when you take a drink. However, you can eliminate this worry by regularly cleaning your cupboards or purchasing a cabinet liner like this roll of waterproof, Non-Adhesive Kitchen Cupboard Liner, ensuring the glasses have a clean spot to rest.

Bars and restaurants typically keep glassware upside down for some of the reasons listed here, but also because it prevents staff from touching the rim with their hands. The same concept applies at home. While you might frequently wash your hands throughout the day, it never hurts to take extra precautions when it comes to keeping your family and friends healthy.