How to Take Care of Your Quality Flatware and China

Caring for your flatware and dinnerware properly is an important part of keeping it looking beautiful. However, many of us no longer know how to correctly take care of china, silver, and other tableware. Here are a few tips to help you make sure that your dinnerware stays in the best shape possible.

Hand Washing for Antiques and Vintage

- Hand wash antique or vintage china. Never put it in the dishwasher. This is because it could be fragile from use and age. Instead, scrape plates gently and wash with care in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry, but don’t use abrasives on your 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.

- If you can, hang cups on hooks for storage, and place a paper towel, dish protector, or cloth between each bowl or plate. Remember that earthenware is a low temperature china and may be fragile. Stoneware is often harder, and porcelain is the hardest. Check manufacturer’s specifications to find out how to take care of your china.

- 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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