China Storage - Taking Care of Your Chinaware: Storage & More?friendship Is Like China, Pre

Your fine chinaware is often more than just dinnerware; it's a collection of precious, rich, and sometimes rare items, often with sentimental value. Proper care and storage are essential to preserve its beauty and integrity for generations. This guide will walk you through best practices for washing, storing, and even moving your delicate china, helping you avoid chips, cracks, and breakage.

How to Wash Your Chinaware Safely

Washing fine china requires a gentle touch and careful attention to prevent damage. Whether you wash by hand or use a dishwasher, follow these guidelines:

Hand Washing Tips

• **Focus:** Give your china your full attention. Distractions can lead to accidental bumps against the tap or sink.
• **Protect the Sink:** Place a soft towel or rubber mat on the bottom of your sink. This cushions any accidental drops or slips, preventing cracks or breakage.
• **Water Temperature:** Use only slightly warm water, never hot, as extreme temperatures can stress delicate glazes.
• **Detergent Choice:** Avoid harsh or strongly fragranced detergents. Always read the product label to ensure it's mild and safe for chinaware.
• **Cleaning Tools:** Use a soft sponge or cloth. Never use abrasive scrubbers like steel wool, which can scratch the surface.

Dishwasher Use

While hand washing is generally preferred for fine china, some pieces may be dishwasher-safe. If you must use a dishwasher:

• **Proper Placement:** Arrange china items so they don't touch each other. Overcrowding increases the risk of chipping and scratching during the wash cycle.
• **Gentle Cycle:** Always select a "gentle" or "china/crystal" wash setting.
• **Mild Detergent:** Use a mild dishwasher detergent.
• **Manufacturer's Instructions:** Crucially, check the china manufacturer's instructions to confirm if your specific pieces are dishwasher-safe. Some dishwashers even have specialized racks or settings for china.

Chinaware and the Microwave: What You Need to Know

Experts generally advise against using fine china in the microwave, especially for cooking. If you choose to use it for warming food, be aware of these precautions:

• **Avoid Metal Trim:** Never microwave china with gold, silver, or other metallic plating or trim, as this can cause arcing and damage both the china and the microwave.
• **Temperature Before Cleaning:** Allow microwaved china to return to room temperature before washing to prevent thermal shock, which can lead to cracks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Chinaware

Improper storage is a leading cause of damage to fine china. Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Stacking cups directly inside one another.
• Piling plates directly on top of each other without protection.
• Dumping any pieces on top of others, even those with handles.

These practices can cause invisible scratches and stress fractures that weaken the china over time, even if immediate damage isn't visible.

Best Practices for Storing Your Chinaware

Proper storage ensures your china remains beautiful and intact. Here’s how to do it right:

• **Cups:** Hang cups individually on a proper rack. If space is limited, stack no more than two cups together, ensuring there's a soft separator in between.
• **Plates:** Do not stack more than five plates on top of each other.
• **Use Separators:** Always place a soft napkin, flannel, coffee filter, or felt piece between stacked items to prevent scratching.
• **Cabinet Location:** Store china in cupboards at a lower, waist-high level, within easy reach. Storing them in high cabinets increases the risk of drops or dents when lifting pieces in and out.
• **Secure Cupboards:** Ensure all cupboard doors have properly fitting latches. This prevents doors from banging shut during strong winds or opening suddenly during tremors (from an earthquake or nearby construction), which could cause china to fall out.
• **Completely Dry:** Never put away china that is still damp after washing. Ensure every piece is thoroughly dry to prevent mildew or other issues.
• **Protect Spouts:** For delicate tea or coffee pots, protect the spout during storage by slipping a cardboard toilet paper roll over it. (Tip adapted from Frieda Arkin, The Complete Book of Kitchen Wisdom)

Moving House with Your Chinaware

Moving is a high-risk time for delicate items. Whether you hire professionals or DIY, take extra precautions for your china:

• **Choose the Right Boxes:** Use large, sturdy cardboard boxes for larger items, and smaller boxes for smaller pieces. Avoid putting small items in oversized boxes, as they can shift too much and make the box unnecessarily heavy.
• **Bottom Cushioning:** Line the bottom of each box with a generous layer of Styrofoam peanuts or bubble wrap.
• **Individual Wrapping:** Wrap each china item separately in acid-free tissue paper.
• **Careful Placement:** Place each item carefully in the box, ensuring they do not "dash" or bump against one another.
• **Fill Gaps:** Fill any empty spaces around the sides and between items with more Styrofoam or bubble wrap to prevent movement.
• **Top Layer:** Add another layer of Styrofoam or bubble wrap on top before sealing the box.
• **Secure Sealing:** Use plenty of strong sealing tape to ensure the box lid remains closed during transit.
• **Label Clearly:** Create a large, clear label that prominently states "FRAGILE: HANDLE WITH CARE!"
• **Dedicated Boxes:** Do not place any other items (even soft toys) in boxes containing china.
• **No Stacking:** Never stack other boxes on top of boxes containing chinaware.

Regular Maintenance for Longevity

While it's tempting to keep your china solely for display or special occasions, infrequent use can actually weaken its glaze over time. To ensure its longevity:

Consider setting a "Birthday" for your china once a year. On this day, remove all your china pieces, wash them carefully, dry them thoroughly, and then return them to their place of honor in your cabinet. This regular handling and cleaning help maintain the glaze and allows you to inspect for any early signs of wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why shouldn't I stack my china directly?

Stacking china directly without protective layers can cause tiny scratches and stress points on the delicate glaze and surface. Over time, these small imperfections can lead to visible damage, chips, or even breakage.

Can I use any dish soap for my china?

No, it's best to use a mild, gentle detergent specifically designed or recommended for chinaware. Harsh or highly fragranced soaps can be abrasive or leave residues that may dull or damage the delicate glaze.

How often should I clean my china if I don't use it?

Even if you don't use your china regularly, it's beneficial to clean it at least once a year. This helps maintain the glaze, prevents dust buildup, and allows you to inspect the pieces for any potential issues.

By following these guidelines, you can protect your cherished chinaware from chips, cracks, and breakage, ensuring it remains a beautiful part of your home for years to come.