The Damage to Antique Porcelain From Washing

Cleaning Antique Porcelain

• If the item is very dirty or dusty, place it carefully in warm water with mild dish-washing liquid. Never use any type of abrasive cleaner on porcelain dishware. Use a sponge to gently clean each item and a soft towel to dry it. Do not place the item directly under a water tap, as it may easily be knocked against the faucet and broken. Use a plastic bowl or similar container or a sink guard, rather than placing the porcelain pieces directly on the sink, for the same reason.

Handling

• Always hold a piece of antique porcelain by the main body, not its handles, if the article has them. Support the base when carrying it, and remove lids before transporting any porcelain. The best place to keep porcelain for display is in a cabinet behind glass, and out of strong sunlight, which can cause colors to fade. Make sure the cabinet is not placed in an area where it is prone to vibrate.

Washing Tips

• It is important to use warm water, not hot water and never cold water, when washing. Cold water can easily damage a piece of porcelain dishware by causing it to crack. Do not soak unglazed items in water. Instead, dip a clean, soft cloth in soapy water and clean unglazed porcelain with it. You may also use cotton wool. Or, dry pieces with a hairdryer on a low setting.

Stains

• If the item has ever been repaired and iron or copper rivets were used, stains may appear. If copper, remove the stain with an ammonia solution dipped in cotton wool. If there is rust from iron rivets, use a rust remover, available at any hardware store. Remove other types of stains with a combination of hydrogen peroxide and several ammonia drops, applied with cotton swabs. Leave the swabs on the stain for approximately an hour, but do let them dry. Never use bleach on a porcelain stain. It may clean the stain, but the area will eventually turn yellow.