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

- 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.

- Put a dish towel or rubber mat at the bottom of your sink when washing breakables. This keeps your crystal and dinnerware from being cracked or broken. When washing dishes by hand, wash glasses first, then dinnerware and flatware. Save pans for last.

Machine Washing is OK for Modern Dinnerware

- Modern dinnerware can often be washed by machine. Load the dishwasher so that your china isn’t likely to be rubbed by other dishes, and keep flatware away from it. Metal can rub dinnerware, leaving gray streaks.

-If an accident causes your dishes to develop gray marks, a very mild abrasive is appropriate. Be sure to rinse afterward to remove all traces. In the dishwasher, washing on the shortest cycle will prevent damage. However, you should never use a lemon detergent - it can cause damage to your fine dinnerware.

- 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.

Caring for your dishes properly will help them last longer and continue to beautify your table. It’s important to know as much as you can about your china and flatware to make sure that you treat it well. When in doubt, ask the manufacturer or gently wash and dry by hand.

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