Patio parties and other types of get-togethers that take place outside are great ways to take advantage of the nice weather and spend time with family and friends.
However, using traditional glassware can be hazardous if broken; fortunately, there is a solution.
Acrylic glasses are a functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional glassware sets.
Acrylic glassware is difficult to break, long-lasting, and can be purchased in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes.
In this article, I will look at the benefits of outdoor acrylic glassware sets for your next patio gathering and everyday use.
Some of these benefits include the fact that these sets are safe to use, that they’re strong, as well as that they are easy to clean and suitable for years of use.
In addition, we will go over the various kinds of acrylic glassware sets that can be purchased, offer a few suggestions about how to care for and take care of them, and go over a few concerns about the consumption of some food and drinks while using them.
Glassware Sets of Acrylic for Outdoors Use
Sets of glasses made from acrylic are an excellent choice for outdoor and everyday use, especially if there are young children.
My grandmother had a set of acrylic tumblers in her home bar many years ago; they were there for her grandkids to enjoy our ice cream floats and cold drinks.
They are solid and long-lasting, making them an excellent alternative to conventional glassware for daily use.
Sets of acrylic glassware are more durable and safer than sets made of real glass, so there is less of a chance that a person will get hurt if they use them.
These glasses can be stacked and therefore have a smaller footprint than real glass, which, when stacked, can become stuck, making it dangerous to separate them (I speak from experience, I had many wait staff stack them in bus tubs).
Acrylic glasses are an excellent choice for the patio since they do away with the danger of shattered glass and offer a safe and convenient solution for use outside.
Types of Acrylic Glassware Sets
Champagne flutes, plastic tumblers, wine glasses, highball glasses, and drinking cups are just some of the glasses that may be found in choices of acrylic glassware.
Acrylic glassware sets are available in a wide variety of shapes and designs. These glasses are versatile enough to be used for both day-to-day life and more formal events.
A wide variety of options are available, including styles, colors, and fluid ounce capacities.
The well-known company US Acrylic manufactures a variety of acrylic glassware sets that are available by clicking on the images of their products featured here.
Their product is strong, difficult to break, impact resistant, BPA free, long-lasting, and is Made In the U.S.A.
I recommend purchasing this type of product from these manufacturers as there are knock-offs that may “not be up to snuff” from lesser-known companies.
They will last for many years with appropriate care and upkeep.
Care and Maintenance of Acrylic Glassware Sets
Providing outdoor acrylic drinking glasses with proper care and maintenance is essential to extend their lifespan.
Although people wash their acrylic in the dishwasher’s top rack,
hand washing them with dish detergent such as Dawn is recommended to prevent fine lines and hairline cracks.
It is essential to avoid exposure to high temperatures such as boiling water, storage in direct sunlight, and harsh chemicals.
With the proper care and maintenance procedures, a person can expect their acrylic glassware to last for years with normal use.
How to Clean Cloudy Acrylic Glasses
Over time, hard water and scratches can cause your acrylic glasses to become cloudy.
You can keep them looking good using any of these methods.
Vinegar Soak
Soak your glasses for an hour using equal parts white vinegar and water.
Using a dishpan or large mixing bowl placed in the sink can reduce the amount of vinegar needed.
I get better results with my washing duties by trying to hustle things along and scrub and agitate things here and there when soaking any object.
After an hour and the acidic nature of the Vinegar has done its magic, gently scrub your acrylic glasses with a soft dishcloth or sponge (no green scrubby).
Rinse thoroughly, and allow to air dry.
If desired, wipe them with a soft dish towel once air dried, keeping in mind that acrylic is plastic and easily takes on scratches.
Baking Soda Paste
Using equal parts Baking Soda, and water, make a paste.
Using a soft dishcloth or sponge, take roughly a teaspoon of the mixture and gently rub it into the glass in a swirling motion.
The Baking Soda is a light abrasive and will work much as sandpaper does, buffing out the acrylic, diminishing the appearance of scratches, and restoring much of the original shine.
You will have to be the judge when determining how much scrubbing it takes to achieve desired results.
Rinse and air dry.
Denture Tablets
Fill the sink with enough warm water to cover the acrylic glasses, drop in two tablets of Denture Cleaner, and leave for several hours or even overnight.
Gently scrub your acrylic drinking glasses with a soft dishcloth.
Rinse and air dry.
Lemons
If you have an overabundance of Lemons, the citric acid of the Lemon will do the same job as the White Vinegar, possibly even better.
Cut three lemons into quarters, and squeeze the lemon juice into your sink/dish tub/mixing bowl full of glasses and warm water; toss the rinds in once you are done squeezing the lemons.
Let the glasses soak for two hours before gently scrubbing, rinsing, and allowing the glasses to air dry.
Polish
If you find that after you’ve tried one of the above cleaning methods, the glasses are still not up to par, there are acrylic and plastic polishes available to make the acrylic glass shine.
I’d try the Baking Soda first, though, as it is abrasive and might give you the desired results.
Handwash
Hand washing is the best idea for any glassware and acrylic glasses; the home dishwasher is very rough on glassware over time.
Dish detergent is often caustic and corrosive; this can cause etching in glasses.
When washing glassware in a sink, lay a dish towel in the bottom of the sink; glassware can pick up a lot of scratches in the sink.
How to get Odor out of Hard Plastic
Acrylic and other plastic drinking glasses are more porous than regular glass and absorb more odors.
A multi-faceted approach can yield excellent results to eliminate stubborn odors such as wine or whatever that concoction ‘Uncle Bill’ threw together was from hard plastic items like acrylic wine glasses.
First, you can make a paste from baking soda and water, coat the inside of the glass/cup with the paste, and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.
Baking soda, a natural odor neutralizer, can powerfully counteract unwanted smells.
Second, try a vinegar rinse; fill the item with equal parts white vinegar and warm water, let it sit for about an hour, then rinse thoroughly.
Remember to wash with dish soap afterward to remove the vinegar smell.
Finally, consider using activated charcoal, known for its impressive odor-absorbing properties.
Place a sachet or a few briquettes of food-grade activated charcoal in the item, seal it with plastic wrap, and leave it overnight.
Remember, for best results, wash, rinse, and dry the item thoroughly after each method to ensure complete residue removal.
These methods provide an effective, gentle, and environmentally friendly way to remove odors from your hard plastic items.
Safety Considerations for Acrylic Glassware
Acrylic plastic and Tritan plastic, frequently used in the manufacturing of outdoor acrylic-type glasses, are usually considered safe for use with food and drink.
With everyday use, acrylic glassware can be used to consume food and beverages without risk.
However, acrylic can be damaged if exposed to hot beverages, long duration with acidic substances, or microwave oven use.
For instance, hot beverages might cause the acrylic to bend, melt, or otherwise degrade.
Additionally, acidic substances can cause the acrylic to release chemicals potentially hazardous to one’s health.
It is advised to avoid using acrylic glassware sets for hot beverages or acidic liquids to reduce the likelihood of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals.
While serving Kool-Aid or Tomato Juice from an acrylic pitcher will likely not release any hazardous chemicals, it is not recommended that they be stored for any length of time in plastic containers.
It is also important to remember that only some kinds of plastic are suitable for use in the preparation of foods and drinks.
Tritan plastic is said to resist impact, shattering, scratches, and cracks better than acrylic plastic.
Eastman Chemical Company, the manufacturer of Tritan plastic since 2007, claims that Tritan is microwave safe with certain precautions, such as microwaving at thirty-second intervals.
The chemical bisphenol A (BPA), believed to be suspected of some health problems, can be present in polycarbonate glasses, frequently used to produce heavy-duty glassware.
Neither Acrylic plastic nor Tritan has polycarbonate plastic in them.
When purchasing Acrylic glassware for the home, read the label carefully.
Using Acrylic Glassware Sets for Everyday Use
Acrylic glassware designed for use outside can also be an excellent option for use within the home.
From a glass of iced tea to chocolate milk, these glasses are a good choice. Are you having a Birthday Party? House Party? Time to bring out the acrylic glassware!
They are lightweight, resilient, and able to survive the wear and tear that comes with prolonged everyday use.
Acrylic glassware sets may be acquired in a wide variety of patterns and hues, making them a versatile option that can be utilized for various occasions and gatherings.
The fact that these glasses may be stored in an organized manner/stacked in a kitchen cabinet and then pulled out as needed makes them a choice that is ideal for day-to-day use because it is both functional and stylish.
To Wrap It Up:
Outdoor acrylic glassware sets are a better choice than regular glassware and heavy-duty polycarbonate glassware in many important ways.
They are lightweight and long-lasting and come in a diverse selection of designs and colors that are suitable for every event.
Because they cannot be shattered and can lessen the possibility of injury, they are an excellent choice for households that contain children and for use in settings that are situated outside.
And also great for that House Party earlier mentioned!
Correct maintenance and care instructions are vital to preserving acrylic glassware sets’ life spans.
These recommendations include washing the sets by hand using a dish detergent that is on the milder side and avoiding exposing the sets to high heat or harsh chemicals.
When using acrylic glassware sets for the consumption of food and beverages, it is essential to follow safety considerations, such as avoiding exposure to hot drinks and acidic substances.
Outdoor acrylic glassware sets are a fantastic option for any occasion, including regular use and more formal gatherings.
They offer a smart and practical option for anybody searching for a reliable and stylish alternative to traditional glassware.
Related Reading:
How to tell if Drinking Glass Contains Lead (Easy Test)
Non-Toxic Glassware (What is in Your Glass?)
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