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.