How to Look After Old China & Porcelain

Handle antique porcelain and china by holding the body of the piece. Avoid holding anything by the rim or the handle, and always steady lids with your other hand.

Dust old china and porcelain with a soft, clean cloth, or a clean artist's or powder brush. Never use any kind of glass cleaner on antique glass; the chemicals can be too harsh.

Clean china and porcelain by laying a folded towel in the bottom of the sink and then filling it with mild dish soap that contains no lemon or bleach, as these can be too acidic. Wash one piece at a time in the soapy water, rinse them gently, and set them on a towel or plastic-coated dish rack to dry.

Remove tarnish from platinum detailing with a little bit of silver polish on a cotton swab, Rub very gently with the lightest pressure, or you can actually wipe off the trim. Wash the piece before using it again.

Remove stains from old porcelain---except those with luster or gilt on them---by soaking cotton swabs in 20 percent hydrogen peroxide with 3 to 6 drops of aluminum added. Place the cotton swab on the stain and place the piece and the swab in a plastic bag. Check it every few hours, and re-dip the swab as needed.

Store your china and porcelain behind glass if at all possible. Dust it frequently. Cut pieces of felt to fit the bottoms of your pieces to protect them from the hard shelf. Place felt, coffee filters or paper-thin packing foam between stacked dishes and bowls. Do not hang cups, or stack them more than two high.

Use your china and porcelain. It was made to be used---certain brands of bone china are nearly indestructible---and it will last longer if it is not allowed to simply sit. Dust can actually damage the glaze over time, so wash your china and porcelain at least twice a year if you can't bring yourself to use it.