Care of Antique China and Porcelain

Many pieces of older china, like the chintz teapot pictured above, become discolored with stains from age and from years of use.  Some of these pieces experience crazing in the china which is also characteristic of age or makers such as Royal Winton and the stains seem to show even more.  I have found a simple solution for easily cleaning the tea stains found inside teapots or teacups. 

Make a paste of simple baking soda and water, gently wipe it onto the china and then leave it for several hours.  Then rinse the china in lukewarm water, gently wash in mild dish soap, rinse and then dry with a soft cloth. 

Never use household bleach on your china as it may discolor it even further as it goes into the crazing.  Never put fine china with gold trim in the dishwasher as the high temperatures and detergent can harm it and remove the gold.  Wash these pieces separately in the sink with a mild detergent and then dry with a soft cloth, being careful not to rub on the gold trim.

There is some controversy whether to use plastic cup and saucer holders or the brass metal ones as shown in the pictures as some claim that they can damage the trim and can cause wear on the china over time.  I have used both kinds for many years and do not find them a problem.  As long as the china is not moving on the stand and replaced carefully after each use,  there should be no harm done.

It is advised that you carefully set one china plate atop the other,  and then carefully lift them off when using, instead of sliding them off one another.  Do not stack more than two cups together at one time, as it can cause stress to the handles.

Experts suggest that your china should be gently washed at least once a year to prevent some of the crazing that happens over time.  China and porcelain items can become very dry from warm temperatures and this can cause the glaze to finely crack throughout.  Any pieces displayed or stored near a fireplace or wood burner stove can also suffer damage over a period of time because of the heat. 

China pieces should be gently washed in mild soap and water to remove dust.  This is best done when you are in the mood to perhaps change around your cabinet display and it offers you the time to individually enjoy the pieces that you have collected or inherited over the years.  With the variety of patterns offered from the many manufacturers, china collecting is a hobby that can give you much pleasure for many years to come.

If you are storing your china because you no longer wish to display it, wrap it carefully in white tissue or in cotton cloths and place it in a sturdy box, a drawer or a trunk.  If you are packing it to move, wrap each piece individually in tissue and then with bubble wrap and place it in a sturdy box or crate.  Never used printed newspaper for storing or packing china as the black or colored print can go into the crazing and stain or mark the china.  Most china and porcelain will survive for many years if treated with proper care.