Caring For Your Best Fine China and Flatware

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.

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