A Guide to Hand Washing Bone China Safely
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Bone China holds an exclusive place in the world of tableware. It is widely cherished for its exceptional grace and durability. Bona China contains around 30 to 40 percent of bone ash. The presence of bone ash gives the material an unmatched translucency, whiteness and strength.
The manufacturing process of bone china is extremely unique. It contains a careful mixing of bone ash, feldspathic material, and kaolin. This mixture is usually fired at a very high temperature (1200 to 1300 degrees Celsius). The fusion of these materials creates a very strong and durable product.
Due to the delicate nature and fine manufacturing procedure of bone china, it is often recommended to be hand washed. With hand washing, the dinnerware is cleaned very gently and thoroughly. It automatically reduces the risk of damage that can occur while using a dishwasher. It is important to handle the pieces carefully while washing and cleaning. The delicate features and intricate designs must not be compromised with the handwashing. It is crucial to handle the bone china pieces carefully and gently.
Important factors to consider while washing bone china
Follow these some of the most important factors to consider while washing or cleaning bone china pieces.
Remove jewelry before washing
Ensure rings and other jewelry are removed before washing bone china pieces. These items can scratch or chip the soft and delicate surface of bone china. Rings have very sharp edges and bulging stones that can badly damage the smooth and flat surface of bone china.
When washing the bone china, clean the pieces individually. Ensure thorough cleaning to prevent accidental bumps. Ensure that there are no other items placed in the sink. Remove the jewelry to minimize the risk of scratching and chipping. It is a very simple step but it can create a huge difference in enhancing the lifespan of your dinnerware.
Use a soft brush or sponge
When it comes to cleaning and washing bone china, it is important to use a soft brush or sponge. These gentle tools provide a smooth and thorough cleaning without any fear of scratching or damaging the fine finish.
Using a soft brush allows you to remove any food residue or stain with ease. The soft sponges are gentle enough to clean the surface properly. It also ensures that your bone china dinnerware will maintain its excellent condition over time. This simple yet significant step can help you preserve the beauty and elegance of your bone china pieces.
Right time of washing and cleaning
It is strongly recommended to wash the bone china pieces right after using because it will stop the setting of marks or residues. Prompt cleaning also ensures the preservation of elegance and sophistication of the pieces. Prompt cleaning also reduces the need of harsh scrubbing.
Harsh scrubbing is highly not recommended while cleaning bone china pieces. It can potentially cause scratches and damage to the delicate surface of dinnerware. Washing the bone china soon after use can make the cleaning process easier. It can also help you preserve the beauty of the pieces, ensuring that these pieces remain a cherished and celebrated part of your dining space for a long time.
Choose the right cleaners
While choosing the right cleaner for your bone china dinnerware, it is crucial to escape abrasives like steel wool or gritty cleansers. These cleaners can badly affect the delicate surface of bone china. Instead, go for gentle dishwashing liquids that can clean the pieces without any risk of scratching.
Gentle dishwashing liquids are designed to remove grease and grime without being harsh. They are prefect to clean bone china dinnerware as they can retain its beauty and prevent the chances of damage.
It is also important to separate items while washing the bone china dinnerware. The items must not knock against each other. It can help avoid accidental chipping during the washing process.
Wash the dinnerware separately
It is vital to wash bone china separately from flatware and cookware. Any contact with metal utensils or heavier kitchen items can lead to scratches and other forms of damage. There must be no contact of bone china pieces to any other item while washing or storing.
Metal utensils, especially those that have sharp edges, can scratch the surface easily. Similarly, heavier items such as cookware can also cause damage to the delicate surface of these pieces.
To successfully preserve the beauty of bone china, always wash or clean it separately from other items. Keep this important tip in mind to ensure that your bone china dinnerware remains a cherished part of your dinnerware collection.
Safe handling of bone china pieces
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to handle the pieces safely while washing:
Fill up the sink: Start by filling the sink with warm water. Don’t use hot water because extreme temperature can damage the pieces.
Use mild detergent: Add a decent amount of mild detergent in the water. Never use harsh cleaners as they can scratch the surface of the bone china.
Submerge the pieces: Carefully submerge every piece of bone china into the soapy mixture. Don’t overcrowd the sink, as it increases the chances of items knocking against each other.
Clean gently: Use a soft sponge and clean the pieces gently. Don’t scrub harshly. It can damage the surface.
Rinse thoroughly: After washing, rinse each bone china piece thoroughly. Ensure that there is no soap residue left on the surface.
Dry using a soft cloth: Use a soft, lightweight cloth to dry the bone china pieces. Don’t allow the pieces to dry in the air as it can leave the water spots on the surface.
Store carefully: Once dry, store the pieces carefully. Ensure to place bone china pieces at a secure place. There must be no risk of chipping or cracking.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure the maintenance of your bone china dinnerware. Handle the pieces carefully to ensure their longevity.
Drying and storage of pieces
When it comes to drying bone china pieces, it is important to use a soft towel. Avoid rubbing or using a rough cloth. Moreover, avoid stacking bone china pieces while they are still wet as it can lead to chipping or other damage.
For storage, it is recommended to place bone china pieces in a cabinet. It helps in protecting the pieces from dust or accidental damage. If you don’t have a cabinet specifically dedicated to bone china dinnerware, you can use cushioning between the pieces. For example, you can use the fabric liners between the bone china pieces. Never store the bone china dinnerware in a direct sunlight or near any source of heat.
It is entirely your responsibility to maintain the beauty of the bone china dinnerware. Remove the jewelry before washing the bone china pieces. Use a soft brush and gentle dishwashing liquid to clean the pieces. Wash bone china soon after use to avoid the setting of stains or residues. Handle the delicate pieces carefully by washing them separately from flatware and cookware.
By following these simple yet effective steps, you can prolong the life of the bone china dinnerware. With proper attention and care, you can successfully preserve its timeless elegance and sophistication.
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