Precautions for cleaning Ceramic Tableware

The cleaning of ceramic tableware should take into account both the decontamination effect and the protection of the material to avoid damage to the glaze surface, the leaching of heavy metals or the breeding of bacteria due to improper operation. The following analysis will cover the selection of cleaning tools, the use of cleaning agents, the treatment of special stains, and daily maintenance, to help extend the service life of tableware and ensure health and safety.

First, selection of cleaning tools: Match the characteristics of the material

1. Basic cleaning tools

Sponge/scouring pad

Ordinary glossy glazed ceramic tableware can be wiped with a soft sponge (such as 3M Magic eraser). Avoid using sponges containing abrasive particles to prevent scratching the glaze surface.

Matte or crackle glazed tableware should be cleaned with a microfiber cloth or a soft brush (such as a baby bottle brush) to prevent stains from seeping into the texture.

Cup brush/Long-handled brush

For mugs and soup bowls with a depth exceeding 8cm, the bottom should be cleaned with a cup brush. Choose a style with soft and flexible bristles to avoid scratching the glaze surface with hard brush heads.

The inner walls of the teapot can be cleaned with a long-handled brush and neutral detergent, with a focus on removing the tea stains at the connection between the spout and the lid.

2. Auxiliary tools

Cotton swab/toothpick

It is used to clean the residual stains on the edge of the cup mouth, the gap of the handle or the relief pattern, and to avoid scratches on the glaze surface caused by using metal tools.

Silicone squeegee

When dealing with dry sugar stains and rice residues, you can gently scrape them off with a silicone spatula to reduce friction on the glaze surface.

3. Tools to be used with caution

Steel wool ball/hard brush

It is strictly prohibited to use it on any ceramic tableware. Even high-temperature porcelain may cause glaze wear due to long-term friction, increasing the risk of heavy metal leaching.

Metal shovel/blade

It should not be used to scrape off stubborn stains. It may directly scratch the glaze surface and expose the porcelain body, causing dirt absorption or mold growth.

Second, the use of cleaning agents: balance safety and decontamination

1. Universal cleaner

Neutral dishwashing liquid

The first choice for daily oil stain cleaning, with a pH value between 6 and 8. will not corrode the glaze surface or metal parts.

Avoid using cleaners containing bleach, strong alkali (such as caustic soda) or strong acid (such as excessive citric acid), as they may damage the luster of the glaze or cause oxidation of metal fittings.

Baking soda

Naturally weakly alkaline, suitable for removing alkaline stains such as tea stains and coffee stains. When in use, dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 500ml of warm water, soak the tableware for 10 minutes, and then wash it.

Not suitable for gilding or edging tableware. The metal parts may react with baking soda and change color.

2. Special cleaning agents

Oxygen-based bleach

This product is suitable for stubborn yellow stains on white ceramic tableware (such as oxidation caused by long-term storage). Dilute it as per the instructions and soak for 30 minutes. Gloves should be worn during operation.

Not suitable for use on colored glazed tableware, as it may cause fading.

Vinegar (weak acid)

For short-term and local use only (such as removing scale), the soaking time should not exceed 5 minutes to avoid corroding the glaze surface.

Prohibited for use in bone China or thin-walled porcelain. Acidity may accelerate the aging of the porcelain body.

3. Do not use cleaning agents

Fluorine-containing cleaner

It may corrode the glaze surface, resulting in a rough surface that is prone to dirt accumulation.

Industrial scouring powder

The particles are coarse and highly corrosive, which can permanently damage the glaze surface and even release harmful substances.

Third, special stain treatment: Respond to different scenarios

Oil stains and food residues

Mild oil stain

After rinsing with warm water (40-50℃), use a sponge dipped in a small amount of detergent to wipe and rinse immediately.

Dry and oily stains

First, use kitchen paper to absorb the surface grease, then soak it in warm water for 10 minutes to soften it, and gently wipe it with a sponge to remove it.

Burnt residue

Add water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Then put in the tableware and cook for 3 to 5 minutes to soften the burnt scale. Gently scrape it off with a wooden spatula or a silicone spatula. Avoid using metal tools.

2. Tea stains and coffee stains

Fresh tea stains

Wipe with a damp cloth dipped in baking soda powder, or wipe directly with a lemon slice and then rinse.

Aged tea stains

Mix white vinegar with warm water in a ratio of 1:5. soak the tableware for 2 hours, then scrub it. For stubborn stains, the operation can be repeated.

Do not scrub violently with steel wool balls to prevent damage to the glaze surface.

3. Metal oxidation and mold spots

Oxidation of metal fittings

If black spots appear on gold-inlaid or outlined tableware, use a cotton swab dipped in 75% alcohol or a special metal cleaner to gently wipe them, avoiding contact with the glaze surface.

Mold spot treatment

If medium and low-temperature porcelain with strong water absorption gets moldy, first wipe the mold spots with white vinegar, then soak it in an oxygen-based bleach (concentration ≤2%), and finally rinse it thoroughly and let it dry.

Bone China or high-temperature porcelain mold spots are relatively rare. If they appear, it is necessary to check whether they are counterfeit products.

Fourth, cleaning process and techniques: Details determine the outcome

1. Pretreatment: Reduce stain penetration

Oil stain pre-suction

After frying the tableware, first use kitchen paper to absorb the surface grease to avoid direct rinsing which may cause oil stains to seep into the micro-pores of the glaze.

Softening of dried lumps

Soak the dried residue of rice, porridge, etc. in warm water for 5 minutes, and then gently brush it with a soft brush.

2. Cleaning steps

Rinse off the floating dust:

Rinse the surface of tableware with running warm water to remove loose food residues.

Local key cleaning:

For areas such as the rim of the cup, the bottom of the bowl, and the gaps in the handle, use a sponge dipped in detergent to wipe in circular motions.

Secondary rinsing

Make sure there are no detergent residues, especially for tableware that holds acidic or sweet foods, as residues can easily breed bacteria.

3. Drying and storage

Natural drying

After cleaning, turn it upside down in a well-ventilated area to prevent water accumulation and bacterial growth.

Bone China or thin-walled porcelain should be gently wiped with a soft suede cloth to prevent water stains from remaining.

Avoid stacking:

Place anti-collision cloth or special spacers between tableware to prevent the glaze from being scratched.

Metal accessories tableware (such as those with gold edges) should be stored separately to avoid collisions with other ceramics.

Fifth, taboos and misunderstandings: Avoid common mistakes

1. Taboos for the use of cleaning agents

84 Disinfectant

Chlorine-containing disinfectants can corrode the glaze surface, resulting in a decrease in luster and even the release of harmful gases.

Hot water + dishwashing liquid

Tableware that has just served hot food should not be immediately rinsed with cold water. Thermal expansion and contraction may cause the glaze to crack.

2. Misunderstandings about cleaning methods

Long-term soaking

Overglaze painted tableware soaked for more than 30 minutes may cause the colored materials to fall off, and metal accessory tableware soaked for more than 1 hour is prone to oxidation.

Violent scrubbing

Scraping hard may damage the glaze surface and make the tableware more prone to absorbing stains.

3. Misunderstandings about special materials

Bone China cleaning

Bone China is relatively brittle. Avoid hitting it with hard objects or using large temperature differences (such as heating it directly from the refrigerator). After cleaning, handle it with care.

Low-temperature porcelain curing

Medium and low-temperature porcelain has strong water absorption. After cleaning, it should be dried immediately; otherwise, it is prone to mold spots or unpleasant odors.

Sixth, long-term maintenance suggestions

1. Regular deep cleaning

Once a month:

Soak white tableware in oxygen-based bleach to remove long-accumulated invisible stains.

Once a quarter:

Check the bottom and edges of the tableware for any cracks or stains seeping in, and replace the damaged tableware in time.

2. Cleaning strategies for different scenarios

Family daily life

Give priority to using neutral detergent and soft tools to avoid damaging the glaze surface.

Commercial catering

Frequent use of tableware requires an additional disinfection process (such as high-temperature disinfection in a dishwasher), but it is necessary to confirm the heat resistance of the tableware.

3. Emergency response

Glaze surface scratches

Minor scratches can be gently sanded with toothpaste (non-gel type), but they cannot be completely repaired. Precautions should be taken.

Odor removal

If tableware that has been stored for a long time has an unpleasant smell, it can be soaked in baking soda water and then air-dried in the air. Do not use perfume or aromatherapy to cover it up.

The cleaning of ceramic tableware should follow the principle of "gentle decontamination and avoiding damage", and appropriate tools and methods should be selected based on the type of glaze surface, usage frequency and the type of stains. The key points are to eliminate strong corrosive cleaning agents, avoid scratching with hard objects, dry in time to prevent mold, and extend the lifespan of tableware through scientific cleaning to safeguard dining health.