Lovingly Care for Your Porcelain Tableware
December 4, 2008 by Roberta
Filed under Fine China
Whether you've received porcelain tableware passed to you as an heirloom, or possess a new set, it's inevitable that it will become stained, or require more than routine cleaning. There are certain things you should avoid. Here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to maintaining your tableware in top shape.
How to Preserve Porcelain Tableware
Has someone passed down their fine china to you? Did you invest in a beautiful porcelain or ceramic dish set? If so, you will want to preserve it well, and leave it for future generations to enjoy. There are several things that you should and should not do with your porcelain tableware or dinnerware. Take a look at these tips so that you can preserve your expensive pottered set for years to come.
How To Clean Your Porcelain Dinnerware
If you wish to clean stains or dried food from the dishes, soak them in warm soapy water for several minutes. With a light duty scrubbing sponge, gently wipe away any stuck on food. Do not scrub aggressively or use scouring pads, heavy duty scrubbers, or harsh cleansers. If the stain is still hard to remove, soak it longer.
For tea stains, use four cups of water with about two tablespoons of chlorine bleach. Let the tea cups soak for a few minutes, and then rinse them well.
For scrape marks left by forks and knives, use a gentle metal cleaner.
It is quite alright to use the dishwasher for you porcelain dinnerware (or tableware), but make sure that you use the fine china cycle on low heat. Do not place the items too close together; they should not touch during the cycle. Be sure to use a quality detergent as well.
Things to avoid
Naturally, you will want to always handle your porcelain tableware with the upmost care. So many scratches, chips, cracks, and breaks can be avoided if you take your time when serving, using, washing, and storing your tableware. Be careful.
You should not use your porcelain dinnerware to reheat food. Don't put it in the microwave or on the stove. While it is true that this pottery can handle high temperatures, you will still risk cracks and deformity.
Be careful not to create a temperature shock with your porcelain dinnerware. If you will be serving very hot food, warm the plates with tap water first. Applying hot food to cool porcelain dishes can cause cracks and breaks.
Porcelain pottery is special, and should only be used for special occasions. There is less of an opportunity for damage if you do not use your porcelain tableware frequently. A few choice holiday meals are good enough to use your special china.
Pottery is special and virtually priceless, so take good care of it and preserve it well.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for pottery, antiques, and figurines. When shopping for pottery, antiques and figurines, we recommend these online stores for porcelain pottery, antiques
Tags: dinnerware, Fine China, porcelain dinnerware, TablewareRelated posts
Caring For Your Best Fine China and Flatware
August 14, 2008 by Roberta
Filed under Fine China
It's important to properly take care of your dinnerware and flatware if you want to keep it looking its best. Unfortunately, most of us haven't had the training to take care of silver, china, and other dinnerware. Here are some helpful hints to assist you in being sure that your tableware remains beautiful.
Hand Washing for Antiques and Vintage
- Antique or vintage china should never be put in the dishwasher. Always clean them by hand to prevent cracks, chips, and breakage. Plates should be gently scraped and washed carefully using only warm, soapy water. They should be thoroughly rinsed and air dried. Never use harsh cleaners or abrasive materials on fine china.
- Placing a rubber mat or dish towel at the bottom of the sink when you wash your dinnerware and crystal will keep them from cracking or breaking. If you're washing dishes by hand, start with glasses, and follow with dinnerware, flatware, and pots and pans.
Machine Washing is OK for Modern Dinnerware
- Dinnerware that's not vintage or antique can usually be machine washed. However, you should take care to load the dish washer so that the china won't be rubbed by other dishes. Flatware should be washed away from fine china, because it can leave gray streaks on the surface.
- If your dinnerware does pick up metallic streaks, a very mild abrasive should be used. Bon Ami is a popular choice. Rinse thoroughly to remove all cleanser. When washing china, do it on the shortest cycle, and avoid lemon detergents.
-Whenever possible, cups should be stored on hooks. Plates and bowls should be stored with a cloth, paper towel, or dish protector between them. Earthenware should be treated with extra care, since it's a low temperature ceramic and is more fragile. Stoneware requires less care, and porcelain, the hardest type of china, is much less likely to chip. However, you should always look at the manufacturer's directions to find out what your china's care routine should be.
- If a plate or cup has metal trim, it should never be put in the microwave or dishwasher. That's because these trims can cause problems in these machines. If a dish is damaged or broken, talk to the manufacturer or retailer, or use a china replacement service to help you. If you get notice that your pattern is going to be discontinued, you may wish to quickly replace any items you're missing.
Proper care of your fine china and other tableware will help them last for many years. Remember that learning as much as possible about your dishware can help you treat it better. If you're not sure what to do, contact the manufacturer. When no information is available, gentle hand washing and drying is appropriate.
Tags: dinnerware, Fine China, Flatware, stoneware, Tableware, vintage china
