31 Oct Proper Care For Antique China
November holds America’s most celebrated holiday: Thanksgiving. Millions of people travel cross-country to celebrate this famous holiday with family and friends. If you are hosting this year’s get-together, now is the perfect time to proudly use that stunning antique China you’ve had for years. But in order to ensure it will be around for future celebrations, be sure you understand the proper care to preserve your family’s antique set.
- Only hand-wash the dishware: Handwashing your dishware is the safest and most efficient way to prevent damage. Handpainted and often decorated with metal trim or inserts, antique China is a beautiful, and delicate, treasure that requires soft handling (a quality the dishwasher doesn’t have). Dishwashers can scratch and wear at the dishware, leaving damages difficult and expensive to repair. The best alternative is to place a towel in your sink and, with a soft rag and warm water, gently wash the dish. Do not use any abrasive scrubbing tools, these can also damage chinaware. Avoid using any cleaners with bleach and lemon scent; the acid in these products eats away at paint. Note, any China from twenty years or newer is allowed in the dishwasher.
- Store with care: Delicate plateware needs to be stored safely to prevent damage and preserve its value. When storing, do not stack the items directly on each other. Place a protectant in between each item: a napkin, piece of fabric, or a coffee filter works perfectly. Avoid stacking cups more than two high and, if possible, do not stack cups with handles. If you are presenting handled cups by hanging on hooks, ensure the hooks are secured and not in a place that can easily be knocked down.
Remember, antique China is meant to be enjoyed and used. While you spend time in the kitchen and around the table, take time to enjoy the people around you and the traditions you have kept going or started yourself. If you want to learn more about preservation, refer to our website and read about the services we offer.