How to Clean a Wine Decanter (Pro Tips from a Sommelier)
Let’s be honest: wine decanters are beautiful, elegant… and a total pain to clean.
Those curves? Gorgeous. That narrow neck? An absolute nightmare when you realize there’s dried red wine staining the bottom like a crime scene.
I’ve tried it all: decanter brushes, those weird cleaning beads, swishing baking soda, boiling water (not recommended), and even risking dishwasher disasters. But nothing worked as effortlessly, or weirdly well, as the cleaning trick I’m about to share.
After years of struggling with glassware, I’ve finally found the best way to clean a decanter: espresso machine cleaner.
Yep. Stay with me.
Why Are Decanters So Hard to Clean, Anyway?
Wine decanters aren’t just decorative, they’re designed to aerate wine, separating it from sediment and softening tannins. But their very shape makes them tough to wash:
Narrow openings block brushes
Wide bases trap residue
Delicate glass risks scratching or cracking
Add in dried wine pigments (thanks, Cabernet) and leftover tannins clinging to the glass, and you’ve got a cleaning challenge.
The usual suspects (dish soap and water) don’t cut it. And you definitely don’t want soapy residue in your next bottle. (Trust me, a Sauvignon Blanc with dish soap notes is not the pairing you’re going for.)
The “Espresso Cleaner” Trick That Changed the Game
After trying every wine hack on the internet, I stumbled across a pro tip from a barista friend: espresso machine cleaning powder works wonders on glass stains.
It made sense. Espresso machines get caked in stubborn coffee oils and buildup, kind of like wine residue in a decanter. If it can clean espresso machines safely, why not delicate glass?
I gave it a shot with Urnex Cafiza Espresso Machine Cleaner. Mixed a teaspoon in warm water, poured it into the decanter, swirled gently, let it soak 10 minutes…
And like magic? That deep red haze vanished. No scrubbing. No beads. No awkward brush-wiggling. Just sparkling glass.
I’ve been using it ever since.
How to Use Espresso Cleaner to Clean Your Decanter
Here’s exactly what I do:
Rinse decanter with warm water to loosen any fresh wine
Fill with warm water (about halfway)
Add 1 tsp espresso cleaner powder
Swirl gently to dissolve
Let sit 10–15 minutes (longer if heavily stained)
Swirl again and pour out
Rinse thoroughly at least 3–4 times with warm water
No smell, no residue, no scrubbing. Just clean.
If your decanter is really cloudy, you can repeat or let it soak a bit longer. But honestly? I’ve rarely needed more than one round.
But… Is It Safe for Glass?
Totally fair question. Espresso cleaner is designed for food-contact equipment, like metal, ceramic, and glass espresso machine parts. It’s a non-abrasive, oxygen-based cleaner, so it breaks down organic residue without scratching or leaving chemical films.
I’ve been using it on my decanters for years with zero issues. No cloudiness, no etching, no weird textures. Just clear, happy glass.
(Obviously rinse thoroughly so there’s no leftover cleaner in the decanter…same way you’d rinse your espresso machine parts.)
What About Decanter Brushes and Beads?
Don’t get me wrong, decanting beads and flexible brushes have their place. I still use beads for light daily cleanings if I’m in a rush. They work okay for swishing around light sediment.
But for stubborn stains? Espresso cleaner wins every time.
Decanter brushes?
I’ve snapped more than I care to admit trying to shove them around tight necks. Plus, they never quite reach the base’s curves. And cheap brushes can shed bristles… which then float around inside your next bottle of Burgundy.
No thanks.
Why This Cleaning Trick Saves You Time and Stress
Look, cleaning decanters isn’t fun. But this method removes the part I dreaded most: the endless scrubbing and rinsing and still seeing a faint wine ghost haunting the bottom.
No scrubbing
No fancy gear
No praying to the wine gods with cleaning beads stuck in the neck
Just a sprinkle of powder, a soak, a rinse, and you’re done.
Why Even Bother With a Decanter?
In case you’re wondering if it’s worth the hassle: yes. Decanters really do improve many wines, especially young reds.
Decanting:
Softens tannins
Opens up aromas
Separates wine from sediment in older bottles
If you’re drinking Champagne, decanting gently lifts subtle floral and earthy notes (yes, it does make it lose the bubbles faster, I know!). Speaking of, I wrote a deep dive into the history of Champagne, check it out if you want to nerd out on this celebratory wine.)
Other Pro Tips for Decanter Cleaning
Want to go full pro? A few extra ideas:
Rinse with hot water immediately after use if you can’t clean right away
Dry upside down over a decanter stand (avoids water spots)
Use distilled water for a final rinse if you have hard tap water
And if your decanter is super old and already etched? No cleaner will “restore” clarity…you’re dealing with permanent etching from minerals. But regular cleaning prevents new clouding.
The Best Way to Clean a Decanter
At the end of the day, cleaning a decanter doesn’t have to be a battle. I’ve tried beads, brushes, dishwasher pods (don’t do it!!!), vinegar, and baking soda.
Nothing worked as fast or as effortlessly as espresso machine cleaner. It’s my go-to now, and I swear by it for anyone tired of spending 20 minutes battling a bottle brush.
Pour your wine. Decant it beautifully. And when the night’s over? Give it a rinse, a swirl of espresso cleaner, and a happy sigh of relief.
Because life’s too short for stained decanters.
