Ceramic tableware is prone to breakage during cleaning. Prevention

The fragility of ceramic tableware during cleaning is a common problem. By taking some preventive measures, the risk of its breakage can be effectively reduced. The following is a detailed introduction for you:

Preparations before cleaning

Tableware classification: Before cleaning, simply classify the ceramic tableware according to size, shape and fragility. For example, separate the small tea cups, the exquisite thin-walled porcelain plates and the thicker soup bowls. In this way, during the cleaning process, appropriate cleaning methods can be adopted according to the characteristics of different tableware to avoid damage to fragile tableware due to mutual collision or improper operation.

Check for damage: Carefully inspect the ceramic tableware for any existing cracks or notches. For these damaged tableware, extra care should be taken when cleaning them. It is best to handle them separately. Even tiny cracks can rapidly expand and cause the tableware to break when exposed to external forces or temperature changes during the cleaning process.

Water temperature control: Adjust the temperature of the cleaning water in advance. Avoid directly rinsing ceramic tableware with water that is too cold or too hot, especially cold tableware that has just been taken out of the refrigerator or hot tableware that has just been used. You can first place the tableware in normal-temperature water for a while to allow its temperature to gradually approach that of water, reducing the stress caused by thermal expansion and contraction and lowering the possibility of breakage.

Cleaning process operation

Choose the right tools: Use soft cleaning tools such as sponges, soft brushes or cotton cloths to clean ceramic tableware. Avoid using rough tools such as steel wool balls and hard-bristled brushes, as they may scratch the glaze surface of the ceramics, weaken the strength of the tableware and increase the risk of breakage. For instance, when it comes to ceramic tableware with patterns or gilding, it is even more important to use soft tools to avoid damaging the decorative parts.

Gentle cleaning movements: When cleaning, the movements should be gentle to avoid excessive force or rubbing. For stubborn stains, you can first soak the tableware in warm water, add an appropriate amount of neutral detergent, and after the stains soften, gently wipe them off. Do not scrape the stains with sharp objects to avoid damaging the surface of the ceramic. For example, when cleaning oily plates, soak them for a few minutes first, and then gently wipe them with a sponge.

Avoid stacking and colliding with tableware: During the cleaning process, do not stack ceramic tableware randomly together. Especially for tableware with pointed bottoms or irregular shapes, they are prone to colliding and squeezing each other when stacked, leading to damage. You can wash them one by one, or place the tableware on a dedicated tableware washing rack and keep a certain interval.

Handling of special circumstances

Dealing with stubborn stains: If you encounter stubborn stains such as tea or coffee stains that are difficult to clean, you can use a special ceramic cleaner and follow the instructions. Do not use strong acid or strong alkali cleaners, as they may corrode the ceramic surface and make the tableware fragile and easy to break. For instance, for ceramic tea cups with tea stains, they can be soaked in citric acid solution for a period of time before being cleaned.

Dealing with emergencies: If ceramic tableware accidentally slips during the cleaning process, do not panic and try to catch it with your hands to avoid cuts. You can lay a soft towel or rubber pad at the bottom of the sink to reduce the impact force when the tableware drops. At the same time, try to avoid placing other fragile or sharp items around the cleaning area to prevent secondary damage when tableware slips.

Store after cleaning

After cleaning, place the ceramic tableware in a well-ventilated and dry area to dry naturally. Do not wipe vigorously with a towel to avoid damaging the surface of the tableware or causing it to slip and break due to friction. You can also use a dedicated tableware draining rack to place the tableware vertically. This way, you can quickly drain the water and avoid contact with each other.

Reasonable storage method: When storing ceramic tableware, choose an appropriate storage method based on its shape and size. For bowl-shaped tableware, they can be stacked, but the number of layers should not be too many, generally not exceeding 5 to 6 layers. It is also best to place soft napkins or towels between each layer to reduce friction. For plates, they can be placed upright on a dedicated plate rack. This not only saves space but also avoids mutual squeezing.