How to Care for Your Antique China So it Looks Its Best for Future Generations

I wasn't fortunate to inherit any antique china. I guess the past generations of my family ate and drank off their china until it was no longer usable. My friend Wanda, on the other hand, inherited a set of absolutely-gorgeous china. It's hand painted, 22-karat gold Crest-O-Gold china in the "Colonial People" pattern. The gold rims are heavy, and simply dazzling. This china was made around 1929 so it has some age on it. You can't tell its age by looking at its condition. Its line of previous owners had obviously taken excellent care of it. Read this informative article and find out how to care for your antique china so it looks its best for future generations.

1. Storing Your Antique China

In the Cupboard
To store china on cupboard shelves if it's not used often, you should use storage pouches, according to the Old China Patterns website. Dinnerware storage pouches are often quilted. They come in different sizes to accommodate assorted pieces of antique china.

If you use your china often, you can store it on cupboard shelves with pieces of thick felt placed in between each plate, saucer, cup, et cetera. The felt will protect the china from rubbing against each other and causing scratches and scuff marks. Look for these pouches at container stores or at retailers that sell fine china.

In Cardboard Boxes
To store your china in cardboard boxes, be sure to use dish protection kits, according to Extra Space Storage. These specially-designed boxes are sturdy. They're partitioned to safely hold each piece. Dish protection kits use pieces of cardboard to separate pieces like antique china dishes, plates, bowls, et cetera, so they can't rub together. Look for these kits at self-storage units.

2. Washing Your Antique China
To care for your antique china so it looks its best for future generations, keep it out of the dishwasher. If you're not going to wash it right away, rinse it clean so food and drinks don't stain it. Wash and dry the pieces by hand separately from all other dishes, silverware, and pots and pans. Remove any jewelry such as rings that can scratch your antique china. Place a heavy dish towel in the bottom of the sink to protect your china. Use hot water- if it's comfortable enough for your hands, it shouldn't be too hot for the china- a lemon-free dish detergent and a dish cloth or sponge. Don't use abrasive cleaners or scratchers to wash your antique china, according to Old China Patterns. They can scratch or mar the glass glaze.

Resources
http://oldchinapatterns.ca/
http://www.extraspace.com/storage-tips/how%20-to-store-fine-china-and-crystal.aspx
http://www.greatgravyboats.com/fine-china/tips-caring-fine-china-26.php