Which brush for which decanter
The right brush
| Decanter | Brush | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wide base, narrow neck | Long, flexible stem with a soft bristle head | Bends through the neck to the base |
| Slim and upright | Straight foam brush | Reaches the bottom in one stroke |
| Thin handmade crystal | Soft foam only | The gentlest on the glass |
| Swan, duck or U shape | Beads, not a brush | No brush follows the curve |
How to use a decanter brush
Rinse the brush first
Run it under warm water so no grit or old residue is caught in the head.
Warm water in the decanter
Fill it a third with warm water. Water, not soap: soap is hard to rinse out and leaves a smell.
Gentle strokes along the glass
Bend the stem through the neck and move the head round the base in slow circles, then along the inside of the neck. No pressure: the soft head does the work.
Rinse, then dry both
Rinse the decanter with warm and then filtered water and dry it upside down. Hang the brush to dry so it does not grow musty.
Brush or beads?
- Beads reach every corner of a wide base without effort. See cleaning beads.
- A brush is better for the neck and the inside of a slim decanter.
- Both is what most decanter owners end up using.
Can a brush scratch crystal?
A soft foam or soft-bristle head should not. What scratches is a hard bristle, a bent wire tip at the end of the stem, or sand and grit stuck in the head. Check the tip before each use and replace a brush that has gone hard or frayed.
The brushes worth buying
My picks come from the Amazon listings and from what a sommelier needs a decanter to do, not from a lab test. Price levels: $ budget, $$ everyday, $$$ mid-range, $$$$ premium. The button shows today’s price.
Decanter brushes: your questions
What brush is best for cleaning a decanter?
A long brush with a flexible stem and a soft head, foam or soft bristle, that bends through the neck and reaches the base. Avoid stiff wire or hard bristles on crystal.
Can a brush scratch a crystal decanter?
A soft foam or soft-bristle head should not. Hard bristles, a bent wire end or grit trapped in the head can. Rinse the brush before you use it.
Brush or beads: which is better?
Beads reach every corner of a wide base and need no strength. A brush is better for the neck and for a slim decanter. Many owners use both.
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