If you're like many busy, modern families today, mealtime doesn't get the care and attention it once did. If you're not eating your dinner out of disposable containers or take-out wrappers, you're more than likely eating off of paper plates, or on plates or bowls from a mismatched, hodgepodge collection you have handy for everyday use. Needless to say, you're grandmother's passed-down fine china, or that pricey Lenox collection you received as wedding gift, is probably not coming out of the china cabinet—or their boxes—more than once, maybe twice, a year. But when you do finally break them out, whether for a holiday or a special dinner, you want them looking their best.
A cherished family keepsake or simply you're special occasion splurge, fine china is an investment. In order to help your set retain value, beauty and luster for years to come, it’s important that you take good, careful care of each piece, both during and after its use. Read on for some helpful tips on how to best care for your fine china.
Cleaning:
• Never scrape your china with metal silverware to remove the remnants of your meal; instead, use a rubber spatula, which will prevent scratches.
• Avoid stacking your china on top of each other in the sink and wash one piece at a time.
• Be sure to at least rinse fine dinnerware shortly after you’ve finished eating to prevent food from sticking.
• When washing, be sure to use only mild detergents and soft sponges.
• Wash with warm water—not with hot water, especially if the china is adorned with metal.
• Hand dry.
• If you dinnerware is stained, put a small amount of baking soda, salt, cream of tartar or toothpaste on the area and rub with a soft cloth.
• Prevent stains by cleaning with a solution made of one part hydrogen peroxide, three parts water and a drop of ammonia. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
General Care and Storage:
• Avoid exposing fine china from extreme temperature to prevent cracks and breaks.
• If you plan to serve hot food, run the china under warm water first to bring its temperature up.
• Repair tiny surface cracks by placing the piece in milk for 30 minutes.
• Store your fine china in a closed cupboard or china cabinet, placing foam or cloth between plates, bowls and saucers to prevent scratching. Hang cups on small cup hooks or stack those two deep, one inside the other. Turn the lids of coffee, teapots and serving pieces upside down inside the piece itself, to protect the lid handles.
• Do not store fine china sets in an attic or basement.
Sources: http://weddings.
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