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How to Care for Vintage Melmac

Melmac is a hard plastic dinnerware made with melamine and formaldehyde. It created quite a hit in an era that only had glass dinnerware. Made in soft pastels and the harvest colors of green, orange and yellow, the almost unbreakable dinnerware became popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Manufacturers produced both household and restaurant Melmac dinnerware, but with the popularity of dishwashers and microwaves in homes, Melmac started a decline and today, only collectors have an interest in the Melmac dinnerware.

Things You'll Need

Hot soapy water
Soft brush
Bleach
Rust remover
Vegetable oil
Plastic polish

Instructions

- 1
  Wash with hot, soapy water. Use a toothbrush or soft brush to get into all the crevices and remove the dirt, grime and grease that may have accumulated on the vintage Melmac. Keep Melmac out of the dishwasher. The dishwashing detergent and high heat of the dishwasher will fade the dinnerware.
- 2
  Eliminate stains by soaking three minutes in a bleach solution of one-half chlorine bleach and one-half water. Repeat for stubborn stains. Always dilute beach, because straight bleach can fade the color of the Melmac. Apply rust remover with a cloth to remove rust, but do not let plasticware soak in the solution.
- 3
  Remove price tag glue by soaking Melmac in hot, soapy water. If the hot water does not work, try vegetable oil, or use a dab of glue solvent.
- 4
  Keep pieces away from heat. Do not set pieces near the stove or put them in the microwave. Melmac burns, scorches, cracks and bubbles when exposed to heat.
- 5
  Restore the shine by applying plastic polish to the Melmac. Purchase polish at a supermarket or discount store. It takes about 20 minutes of rubbing and polishing to restore each piece. Any remaining scratches will be less visible.

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