There are certain topics that everyone has an opinion on—which way the toilet paper roll should go, how early is too early to decorate for Christmas, and whether glasses should be stored rim up or rim down. While the answer to when you should put up seasonal decor is truly subjective (do what makes you happy!), we can weigh in on how to properly store your cups to prevent damage and keep them clean.

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Should You Store Your Drinking Glasses Facing Up or Down?

Our habits often stem from how we learned things at home when we were younger. So, if your family stored glassware with the rim facing up, you probably do the same without giving it much thought. But when it comes to glassware safety and cleanliness, is there a best practice?

According to Jessica Dowd, owner of Modern Lifestyle Gifts, the answer is yes. Handling hundreds of glasses weekly, Jessica shares her insights on the subject.

Jessica Dowd is the owner of Modern Lifestyle Gifts, an ecommerce platform that specializes in drinkware and glassware.

Jessica Dowd suggests storing most sturdy cups rim down to prevent dirt, dust, and even bugs from sneaking inside. This is particularly crucial for homes with open shelving, where glasses are more likely to encounter these contaminants.

When storing glasses upside down, ensure they are thoroughly dry to prevent mold or mildew from developing due to trapped moisture. It's also a good idea to clean the shelves and cabinet interiors regularly since the rims of your glasses directly contact these surfaces.

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When You Should Store Glasses Right Side Up

In some situations, it's best to store your glassware with the rim facing up. Although protecting glasses from dirt and debris is crucial, certain types of glassware, like vintage champagne flutes, are too delicate to be stored upside down and are better preserved when stored right side up.

If you have glasses that are used on a daily basis, they are less likely to accumulate dust. According to Jessica Dowd, "Storing frequently used glasses rim-down could actually increase the risk of chipping or breaking the fragile rim."

Storing frequently used glasses rim-down could actually put them more at risk of having the fragile rim chip or get broken

— JESSICA DOWD, OWNER, MODERN LIFESTYLE GIFTS

Jessica Dowd shares, "I know I'm not the only one who has hit the bottom of a cup on the shelf when putting it away. If this happens with an upside-down glass, it's more likely the rim will chip or crack." Therefore, storing your favorite, frequently used coffee mug rim side up can help preserve it for years to come.

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What to Do with Delicate Glasses

How do you keep delicate glasses sparkling clean if they can't be stored upside down? You have two solid options based on your storage preferences.

If you prefer storing wine glasses upside down to keep out dust, consider using a padded liner in your cabinet. This provides a good amount of cushioning and reduces the chance of rim damage, though it's not recommended for thin or extremely fragile stemware.

You can also use paper toppers to keep your delicate glasses in pristine condition. Similar to those found on hotel water glasses, these inexpensive covers protect both the interior and rims of the glassware. Although they may not be visually appealing, you can reuse them multiple times.