Decanter Drying Stand: How to Dry a Decanter Without Spots

Why a decanter must dry upside down

A decanter has a wide body and a narrow neck, so water left inside has nowhere to go. Upright, it pools in the base and dries slowly, leaving a ring of mineral spots, and the damp air inside can smell stale by the next time you use it. Upside down on a stand, the water drains and air moves through the neck.

How to use a drying stand

1. 01

   Rinse last with filtered water

   Tap water leaves minerals behind as it dries. A final splash of filtered or distilled water stops the spots.

2. 02

   Lower it onto the stand

   Hold the decanter by the body with both hands, turn it over and lower the neck over the stand until the base rests on the padded top. Check it sits straight before you let go.
3. 03

   Leave it for a few hours

   Overnight is best. Keep it away from the edge of the counter and out of the way of elbows.

4. 04

   Polish the outside

   Lift it off with both hands and polish the outside with a microfibre cloth. See how to polish glassware below.

What to look for in a stand

• A rubber or silicone-coated top so the inside of the decanter is not scratched.
• The right height and width for your decanter: it should hold the base, not the neck.
• A heavy, stable foot so a full-size decanter cannot tip it over.
• Rust-proof metal or sealed wood, because it will always be wet.

No stand?

Rinse it last with filtered water and leave it upright with the stopper off, so the air can move. It dries slowly and the risk of spots is higher. Never leave it wet in a closed cupboard.

The stands 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.

For the inside, start with cleaning beads. For the outside, see how to polish glassware.

Drying a decanter: your questions