Dish with David Lackey at EDISH

Caring for China and Crystal

People frequently ask at edish if it is safe to put their fine china and crystal in the dishwasher when they use the "fine china" setting. Our observation is that the dishwasher is a wonderful convenience, but it may create some condition problems over time. With china or crystal, wear or discoloration to gold and platinum trim, and water deposits can result from using a dishwasher. A condition called crazing which is small, nearly undetectable crackling in the surface glaze can also occur on china.

Hand washing and drying generally will not result in any of these problems, but the chance for breakage due to human error may be greater. There is a fair amount of movement involved with completing the task of hand washing and drying china and crystal. The risk of breakage is compounded when two or more individuals are working together in a small area.

There are questions that should be considered when deciding whether to put your china in the dishwasher or handwash. I think the question of convenience is the primary one. If you can use the dishwasher for cleanup, will that make it likely that you will use and enjoy your china more often? Another question is regarding the ability to replace pieces in your pattern. If you need to replace something, is the pattern readily available at a price that you can afford?

Other questions to consider are: Is the china or crystal especially fragile? Does it have lots of raised enamel paint or a gold or platinum trim that is prone to getting worn in the dishwasher? Do the pieces that you own have a great sentimental value to you for some reason? Answers to these questions will probably help you determine what is right for your particular case.

If you choose to use a dishwasher, follow the dishwasher manufacturer's instructions. If available, you may wish to consult the china or crystal manufacturer's instructions as well.

If an old fashioned hand washing is the choice that you make, there are a few basic tips that follow. Some of these suggestions are ones we have heard from customers over the years, some are inspired from vintage china catalogs, and some are just based on common sense. Hopefully, these suggestions will encourage the use of fine china and crystal. Satisfaction and enjoyment can come from the ownership and display of fine things, but the real joy comes from using them. If handled with care, there is no reason that your china and crystal can't be used and enjoyed and still last a lifetime.

Tips for Handwashing

Beware of sudden changes in temperature. China and crystal expand and contract with changes in temperature, therefore rapid changes might cause a piece to crack. Do not take a plate or goblet that was being stored in a cold basement, and immerse it in a hot bath. A teapot should be warmed with warm water before filling it with the boiling water for tea. When washing your fine china and crystal, use warm water. The water should be no warmer than your hands can stand.

China and crystal should be washed as soon as possible after a meal. Of course, if food hardens on a plate, or wine dries on a crystal stem, the pieces are more difficult to clean. Foods and beverages with acids or alkalies may also have a negative effect on the surface of wares. Mild dishwashing soap should be used, not laundry soap or detergent.

Never use scouring powder, steel wool or coarse sponges. These will scratch the surface of fine china or crystal.

Wash silverware separately, because it could cause scratches, or leave a metallic deposit on china or crystal.

Try not to stack plates in a sink. If possible, wash each piece separately and place in a rack to drain. Wipe with a soft dish towel to remove water and restore the lustre to the glaze.

Whether washed by hand or in a dishwasher, china and crystal should be dried thoroughly before being putting away. Spotting or even mildew can appear if you do not.

It is preferable to allow ample storage space for storing china and crystal. A roomy storage space decreases the likelihood of breakage. The handle is the weakest point of a cup, so great care should be taken when stacking cups and even more so if hanging them on cup hooks. Crystal stemware should be set upright, and never be stacked.

The foot rim of most fine china is unglazed, therefore a separator should be placed between each of the pieces that are stacked. Over time, the unglazed foot of a plate can scratch the surface of the plate beneath it if no protection is provided. A felt pad can be used, or even a paper napkin will do.

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