Selection of cleaning tools for ceramic tableware

When choosing cleaning tools for ceramic tableware, it is necessary to take into account the cleaning power, safety and material protection. Improper tools can easily cause scratches on the glaze surface, bacterial residue or shorten the service life. The following is an in-depth analysis from the aspects of tool types, applicable scenarios, key points for selection and precautions:

First, classification and characteristics of core cleaning tools

1. Soft fiber tools

Sponge/scouring pad

Characteristics: Natural sponge (such as loofah) or polyurethane sponge has soft pores and strong water absorption, making it suitable for daily cleaning. Double-sided scouring pads, one side frosted and the other sponge, should be used separately.

Applicable scenarios: ordinary glazed tableware, plain ceramics without complex patterns, and bowls and plates with slight oil stains.

Note: Avoid using sponges containing abrasive particles to clean expensive hand-painted underglaze tableware. Long-term friction may wear down the transparent glaze layer of the underglaze pattern.

Microfiber cloth

Features: The fiber diameter is less than 1/100 of a human hair, with strong adsorption capacity. It can capture micron-sized stains without scratching the glaze surface.

Applicable scenarios: Wiping smooth glazed bone China cups, gold-rimmed tableware, and decorative plates with raised reliefs on the surface.

Usage tips: When dry, it can quickly absorb moisture. When wet, use a small amount of detergent to reduce repeated wiping.

2. Elastic silicone rubber tools

Silicone brush/scraper

Features: Food-grade silicone can withstand temperatures up to 250℃, is highly flexible, and can be inserted into narrow areas such as the rim of cups and the spout of teapots.

Applicable scenarios: Tea strainers with filter holes, coffee filter cups, deep-mouthed soup POTS, or tea sets that need to scrape off stubborn tea stains.

Cleaning advantage: The silicone surface has no pores and is not prone to bacterial accumulation. After cleaning, simply spin dry it to avoid the problem of mold on the sponge.

Folding silicone basin

Features: It can be unfolded into a cleaning pool with a diameter of over 30cm, suitable for soaking multiple pieces of tableware together. When folded, it is only 3cm thick.

Applicable scenarios: Pre-soaking of a large amount of tableware after a family dinner, or as a temporary cleaning container when the kitchen countertop space is limited.

3. Natural material tools

Horse hair/pig mane brush

Characteristics: The animal mane is naturally soft and elastic, with dense bristles, making it suitable for cleaning residues in uneven textures.

Applicable scenarios: crackle patterns on blue and white porcelain, crevices in hand-squeezed ceramic tableware, or aged stains on the surface of antique porcelain.

Maintenance suggestions: Let it air dry naturally after use. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent the mane from drying out and breaking.

Coir pan brush

Characteristics: The natural coconut palm fiber has a moderate hardness, is wear-resistant and does not absorb water, making it suitable for cleaning rough glazed pottery tableware.

Applicable scenarios: wood-fired earthenware bowls, clay POTS with kiln glaze changes, and unglazed earthenware tea sets.

Limitations: Not suitable for cleaning delicate overglaze tableware and may scratch the color layer.

Second, tool matching strategies and taboos

1. Hierarchical cleaning principle

Pre-treatment: First, use a silicone spatula to remove large pieces of residue (such as the burnt layer at the edge of the fried egg and the fat lumps on the barbecue plate).

Main cleaning:

Smooth glaze surface: Microfiber cloth + a small amount of detergent, wet wipe and rinse immediately.

Relief/slit pattern: Use a horsehair brush dipped in neutral detergent to gently brush the pattern, avoiding lateral friction.

Finishing: Use a dry sponge to absorb the moisture, or polish the glaze surface with fish-scale cloth (non-woven fabric material) to reduce the residue of water stains.

2. Taboos for tool mixing

Absolutely prohibited:

Steel wool ball/metal spatula: Scratching the glaze surface can cause permanent scratches and even damage the lead seal layer of the underglaze paint (inferior overglaze paint may release heavy metals).

Scouring pads containing bleach: Corrode the glaze surface, causing the color to become dull or partially peel off.

Caution is needed when matching:

Rough cloth + strongly alkaline detergent: It may accelerate the aging of the glaze surface. It is recommended that alkaline cleaners be used only to remove special stains such as tea stains.

Third, recommendations for special scenario tools

High-temperature firing for tableware cleaning

Applicable tools: Long-handled silicone brush + high-temperature special detergent (such as food-grade detergent containing biological enzyme components).

Key points of operation:

The freshly baked baking tray should be cooled to below 60℃ before cleaning to prevent the silicone from softening.

Caramelized sugar stains can first be soaked in warm water for 10 minutes, and then gently pushed along the texture with a silicone brush.

2. Cleaning of hand-painted/gilded tableware

Applicable tools: Special sponge for baby bottles (ultra-fine pore size) + distilled water.

Cleaning points:

Avoid the deposition of minerals in tap water in the crevices of the gold edges.

Do not use detergent in the gilded pattern area. Instead, use a clean cotton swab to wipe the local area.

3. Maintenance of antique porcelain

Applicable tools: Mink brush (diameter 0.5mm) + museum-grade cultural relic cleaning paste (containing natural beeswax).

Operating Specifications:

Only treat the stains on the non-glazed parts (such as the exposed areas of the soles and feet).

After cleaning, use a suede cloth dipped in a small amount of mineral oil to gently wipe it to restore the luster of the patina.

Fourth, Guide to Tool Selection and Maintenance

1. Core criteria for selection

Security:

Silicone tools must be marked as "Food contact Grade" and certified by FDA or LFGB.

For sponge tools, natural materials free of fluorescent agents and plasticizers should be given priority.

Durability

The scouring pad should be durable for more than 5.000 times (which can be judged by the rebound speed when pressed).

The connection between the silicone brush head and the handle needs to be reinforced to prevent it from falling off due to long-term pulling.

2. Daily maintenance skills

Sponges:

Heat it in the microwave on high for 1 minute every week to kill bacteria, or soak it in a white vinegar solution for 10 minutes to remove scale.

It needs to be replaced if used continuously for more than one month to avoid becoming a bacterial culture dish.

Silicone rubber type:

After cleaning, hang it upside down to ensure there is no water standing between the bristles.

When yellowing or hardening occurs, it can be soaked in a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice for 2 hours to restore its elasticity.

Natural material

Use conditioner to care for the horsehair brush every month to keep the hair soft and smooth.

The coconut palm brush should be completely dried in the sun after use to prevent mold.

Fifth, clarification of misunderstandings and advanced suggestions

1. Common misunderstandings

Misconception 1: The harder the sponge, the stronger its cleaning power

Hard sponge may damage the glaze surface. It is recommended to choose soft sponge with a Shore hardness of 20-30.

Misconception 2: All ceramic tableware can be soaked

Tableware with gold edges or gilding is prone to metal oxidation and discoloration when soaked. It is recommended to dry it immediately after rinsing.

Misconception 3: Disinfection cabinets can replace tools for cleaning

High-temperature disinfection can only kill bacteria and cannot remove oil stains or tea stains adhering to the glaze surface. It still needs to be pre-cleaned with tools.

2. Advanced plan

Intelligent cleaning assistance

The ultrasonic cleaner (with a frequency of 40kHz) can remove stubborn tea stains on the inner walls of tea sets, but the cleaning time should be controlled to be no more than 3 minutes to avoid cavitation corrosion of the glaze surface.

DIY cleaner

Coffee stains: Mix baking soda and toothpaste into a paste. Let it stand for 5 minutes and then gently brush it off with a soft-bristled brush.

Patina rust: Apply tomato sauce to the rust spot for 10 minutes, and then wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in clean water.

By rationally choosing tools and using them in a standardized manner, not only can ceramic tableware be cleaned efficiently, but also its artistic and practical value can be prolonged. The core principles are to overcome hardness with softness (avoid hard tools), address issues separately (match tools according to the type of stains), and prevent minor problems from developing into major ones (regularly maintain tools to prevent secondary contamination).