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How to Clean Antique China

The antique china you inherited is much more than a valuable commodity. It's also a family heirloom -- if not yours, then someone else's. China is also extremely fragile, making pristine pieces worth all that much more while making the task of taking care of them that much harder. As you probably expected, you can't simply throw china in the dishwasher to clean it up. There are special steps you have to take if you want your valuables to last.

Things You'll Need

Rubber sink liners Non-abrasive sponge Dishwashing liquid Cotton or microfiber towels for drying

Instructions

- 1
  Fill your sink with warm water -- not hot. Line the sink with rubber liners to prevent your porcelain from chipping on the hard sink surface.
- 2
  Gather towels that have not been cleaned with a fabric softener. The chemicals in fabric softener can dull the gloss of your china.
- 3
  Wash each piece one by one, holding it in your hand the entire time. Use a non-abrasive sponge and grease-fighting dishwashing liquid. Do not use anything with bleach in it.
- 4
  Set your dishes out in the air. Do not stack them. For best results, place paper towels on your countertop and set your china on them.
- 5
  Finish by hand drying your dishes with a cotton or microfiber towel to enhance the gloss.

Antiques