A fine dinnerware set makes a well-designed house complete. The design of fine crockery is a personal choice. It can be porcelain, bone China, stoneware or earthenware. It primarily enhances the beauty of a house. As it is equipped with such a unique quality and usually is expensive, it is important to prioritize taking care of the dinnerware. Let us have a brief discussion about how to take care of the dinnerware sets at home and in the day-to-day routine.

 

There are various factors in taking care of the dinnerware sets like glaze type, storage methods, material and whether it is safe for washing in a dishwasher.

 

Even though the dinner sets are expensive and taking care of is a tedious job, it does not mean that we need to hide it from our guests and use generic dinnerware. We simply need to understand the proper taking care part and thereafter it won't be an issue and we can enjoy food every day.

 

Let us have a look at some of the important points while taking care of our dinnerware sets Malaysia.

 

White Porcelain

 

Most of us love to use white porcelain. A mix of clay, feldspar and silica is fired at extreme temperatures to make dinnerware. It requires no polish work during the making and is usually dishwasher, oven and microwave safe. It is therefore highly popular. Taking care is easy and simple. It is important to note here that the use of lemon-scented detergent may damage it. Try to avoid such dishwasher detergent while cleaning.

 

Decal Porcelain

 

The decal porcelain dinnerware is nearly the same as porcelain dinnerware but is equipped with painted motifs and quoted with a ceramic glaze to keep the print safe even after many washes. It is microwave and dishwasher safe. It is to ensure that the dinnerware has no metal attachment, even in the prints. If so, it cannot be counted as microwave safe.

Hand Painted Porcelain

 

We all love prints and paintings. This is the reason hand-painted and handmade dinnerware sets are more in demand compared to white or plain porcelain dinnerware sets. Some extra care is required to keep it safe. It is not dishwasher safe. It should always be hand washed. Experts always suggest using mild dishwashing detergents while washing these. Some are microwave safe and it is better to read the guidelines of the manufacturer carefully. Families having small children should avoid hand painted porcelain due to the extra care required.

 

Glassware

 

Glasswares are favorites to many families. But it is important to understand how to take care of dinnerware sets made of glass. These are fragile and usually require hand-wash cleaning. However, some manufacturers specify the products to be dishwasher-friendly. The glasswares are made of silicon-based materials. This requires draining of excess water after cleaning and thereafter air dry before putting back on the shelves.

 

Bone China

 

The name reveals it is made of bone at a high temperature, but lower than the temperature required in the making of porcelain sets. It is sensitive to certain foods. Stains may become hard or permanent. It is therefore suggested to be careful with it. It is better to rinse the dinnerware carefully ahead of the final wash. One should be careful with the detergent part too. The detergent should have low-chlorine content.

Dishwasher Washcare Tips

 

Proper care is required to wash the dinnerware sets in a dishwasher. Below are some valuable tips:

 

  • Place each item well apart to avoid scratches from vibration.
  • The bottom part should not have any broken utensil or glass as it may fly up and leave scratches on plates and bowls.
  • It is important to keep the dishwasher in the drying cycle to avoid making metal decorations soft.
  • Unloading or wiping should be done only after the dinnerware cools down. This will keep the sets safe from thumb scratches and prints.
  • Earthenware should always be washed in warm water and mild detergent to avoid getting cracks. Too hot or too cold temperatures may lead to cracks.
  • Use of one or two teaspoons of water softener in the dishwashing rinse cycle avoids building up of film due to hard water.

 

Hand-Washing Washcare Tips

 

  • Rinsing off excess food is important before washing the dinnerware sets by hand.
  • The ware that is used for baking food should be soaked in hot water equipped with detergent. Boiling water should be avoided. The spots should be removed using plastic scouring pads.
  • It is better to cushion in a plastic basin or towel-lined sink. The step is a must for dinnerware sets that are decorated with soft metals, platinum, silver or gold and can scratch easily.
  • A rubber mat is a big no for cushioning dinnerware decorated with platinum, silver or gold. It can only be used on non-metal ornamented dinnerware or else the process may leave brown marks.
  • It is always recommended to use a mild detergent or a gentle soap. It is better to use detergents having a low-chlorine content. High chlorine usually reacts with metal ornamentation.
  • Non-abrasive cleaner is best to remove stains of tea or coffee. It is better to add creamy consistency and thereafter apply with the help of a soft sponge.
  • If film buildup is noticed due to hard water, it is suggested to use a lint-free cloth.
  • If scratches appear, toothpaste can be used as a filler to hide. It takes about an hour for the paste to harden up. Simply place the past and rub the marks gently. Leave it for an hour.

 

Antique Dinnerware Tips

 

Antique dinnerware sets require some extra care. It is always recommended to wash these by hand and using a mild soap. Chemicals used in detergent along with the heat of drying cycle in a dishwasher may ruin the color and decoration.If an antique dinnerware is broken, it is better to seek the service of a professional instead of repairing it at home. The glue used at home may leave yellow stains as it contains chemicals. The dinnerware may therefore become worthless and undesirable.

 

Verdict

 

Dinnerware enhances the beauty of a house. We spend handsome money to buy it and feel proud serving food on it to our guests. Hence, it is important to take care of the wares to make them a part of our living for a longer period. The above suggestions are proven guidelines of experts and it is believed following carefully may keep our dinnerware sets new and shining forever.