Dinnerware, the elegant canvas upon which culinary art is presented, deserves more than just a rinse and a haphazard storage. Properly cleaning and storing your dinnerware not only ensures that it looks its best but also extends its lifespan. Whether you have fine china or everyday dishes, these tips and techniques will help you maintain your dinnerware in impeccable condition.
Cleaning your dinnerware
1. Handwashing vs. dishwasher
One of the first decisions you’ll make when it comes to cleaning your dinnerware is whether to hand wash or use the dishwasher. Both methods can be effective, but there are some key considerations:
Handwashing
- Precision and care: Handwashing allows you to handle each piece individually, ensuring you give special attention to any stains or delicate details.
- Temperature control: You have more control over water temperature when hand washing. This can be particularly important for delicate or hand-painted pieces that are sensitive to extreme temperatures.
- Mild detergent: Use a gentle, mild detergent. Harsh detergents can damage patterns and designs on the dinnerware.
Dishwasher
- Efficiency: Dishwashers are often more efficient for cleaning a large number of dishes, making them a time-saver for everyday sets.
- High temperatures: Some dishwashers have sanitizing cycles with higher temperatures that can help kill bacteria. However, these high temperatures can be harsh on delicate pieces, so it’s essential to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Load carefully: When using the dishwasher, be sure not to overcrowd the dishwasher, as this can lead to chipping or scratching. Make use of the designated racks for dishes and glassware.
2. General cleaning tips
Regardless of whether you choose to hand wash or use the dishwasher, here are some universal tips for cleaning your dinnerware:
- Pre-rinse: Before you begin washing, give your dinnerware a quick rinse to remove any loose food debris. This helps prevent food particles from adhering to the dishes during washing.
- Avoid abrasives: Refrain from using abrasive scrubbers or scouring pads, as they can scratch or damage the surface of your dinnerware. Instead, use a soft sponge or dishcloth.
- Gentle detergent: Select a mild, pH-balanced detergent. Harsh detergents can corrode or damage the glaze on your dinnerware. A gentle detergent helps preserve the patterns and colors on your dishes.
- Avoid hot water shocks: If handwashing, avoid sudden temperature changes when rinsing. Going from hot to cold water or vice versa can lead to thermal shock, which may cause cracks in your dinnerware.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your dinnerware thoroughly to remove all traces of detergent. Residue from detergent can affect the taste of food and drink, particularly on porous materials like stoneware.
- Pat dry: After washing, pat your dinnerware dry with a clean, soft cloth. Air drying can leave water spots, especially on glass or fine china. Drying them by hand ensures a pristine finish.
Storing your dinnerware
Proper storage is just as crucial as proper cleaning when it comes to preserving the integrity and longevity of your dinnerware.
1. Stack with care
- Use liners: If you’re stacking plates, especially those with intricate designs, consider using soft, non-abrasive liner material between each plate to prevent scratching.
- Plate separators: Plate separators, which are made of felt or foam, can be used to protect plates from scratches when stacking them.
- Dish protectors: If you have an extensive collection of dinnerware or fine china, consider investing in dish protectors. These are specialized dividers designed to safeguard delicate dinnerware.
- Avoid overloading: Be mindful not to stack dishes too high. Overloading can lead to breakage and stress on the bottom pieces.
- Larger plates on the bottom: When stacking different-sized plates, place the larger ones at the bottom. This helps distribute the weight more evenly and prevents smaller plates from being crushed.
2. Cup and glass stacking
- Upside down: When stacking cups or glasses, store them upside down. This prevents dust and contaminants from collecting inside the cups or glasses.
- Use separators: For stemware or glasses with delicate stems, use specially designed glassware separators to prevent chipping or breakage.
3. Storage in cabinets
When storing your dinnerware in cabinets, follow these guidelines for an organized and safe setup:
- Evenly spaced: Ensure that your dinnerware is evenly spaced within the cabinet to prevent overcrowding and accidental breakage.
- Adjustable shelves: Adjustable shelves can be particularly handy, allowing you to customize the cabinet’s interior to accommodate different-sized dishes.
- Soft close: Cabinets with soft-close mechanisms help prevent dishes from shifting or banging together when the door is closed.
- Organize by type: Consider organizing your dinnerware by type, such as grouping plates, bowls, and cups together. This makes it easier to locate and access what you need.
- Top shelf for fine china: If you have fine china that’s only used on special occasions, reserve the top shelf of your cabinet for it. This keeps it out of the way and safe until needed.
4. Storage in drawers
If you’re storing dinnerware in drawers, consider these tips:
- Drawer dividers: Drawer dividers can help keep your dinnerware organized and prevent pieces from shifting during drawer openings and closings.
- Protective mats: Use non-slip or padded shelf liners inside drawers to protect your dinnerware from movement and potential damage.
- Organize by type: Similar to cabinet storage, consider organizing your dinnerware by type in drawers, ensuring that like items are grouped together.
5. Special considerations for fine china
Fine china often requires extra care due to its delicate nature and potential value. Here are some additional steps to consider:
- Display cabinets: Consider investing in a display cabinet with glass doors to showcase your fine china while keeping it protected from dust and potential damage.
- Use felt protectors: Place felt protectors or foam between your fine china plates when stacking to avoid scratches or chipping.
- Gentle washing: Handwash your fine china with great care and use a gentle detergent to preserve its delicate patterns and gold or silver accents.
- Plate stands: For displaying fine china on shelves, use plate stands or display easels to showcase individual plates or platters.
- Specialized storage boxes: When storing fine china that won’t be used for an extended period, consider using specialized storage boxes designed for china and glassware to protect against dust and breakage.
Conclusion
Properly cleaning and storing your dinnerware is not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a way to extend the lifespan and value of your beloved pieces. Whether you have fine china, everyday dishes, or a mix of both, these guidelines will help you ensure that your dinnerware stays in impeccable condition for years to come. With the right care, your dinnerware will continue to grace your table and elevate your dining experience.
