So you have taken that step and purchased your first piece of vintage china. You used the tools in selecting them – checking for cracks, crazing or chips. You have felt the edges of the cup or made sure that the teapot is level. Or maybe you already had some and just decided to take it out and use it. A treasure that was given to you or passed down from someone special – you have decided it would be nice to hold. As you come along this journey and learn to celebrate the art of tea, you know that your tea cups and teapots become your friends. They welcome you in the morning or give you comfort in the afternoon. They remind you of fond relationships past or have you thinking of the history of your new purchase. In any case, if you are starting out, you will want to take gentle care of your tea treasures. So today, we will learn how to take care of your vintage china.
Displaying Your Vintage China
If you have followed me, you know that I am a big proponent of using your china and I like to display it so I use open display shelves. Now, certainly having an open display is easy to use your treasures but lead to that dusting challenge (and I live where the dust does not sleep).
A closed glass cabinet is the safest way to display your vintage china. But whether in a open or glass display, you are able to view your vintage china and its still protected. Placed out of reach from littles and free of incidental bumping, but close enough for you to be able to reach.
Don’t forget to dust….dust on vintage china can damage the surface. So its recommended that at the least every 6 months, your china gets a gently dusting.
Display your teacups upright so they can be enjoyed. Though I have several hanging by the handle, it is not recommended as this is the most vulnerable part of the teacup.
Cleaning Your Vintage China
Now that you have decided to use your vintage china and need to know how to clean it. Of course if you have just purchased your piece of teatime treasure, you will want to wash it thoroughly before you first use. Obviously you want it clean but you can also see if there are cracks or imperfections you couldn’t see before.
Here’s come guidelines to follow:
- When washing your vintage china, always wash by hand. Do not use your dishwasher for the vintage pieces. Some other pieces of china allow you to put them through the dishwasher, but I don’t put any of my vintage china or glassware through the dishwasher.
- Consider putting a towel in the base of your sink to prevent bumping and cracking in the water. I do this when I have a lot of china to wash. Using a plastic bin is an alternative but the towel is the softest.
- Use warm not scorching hot water. If you can’t put your hands in it – it might be too hot for those vintage pieces. This can damage the surface and can also break the china. Use soap and water – I like to use Dawn.
- Have your tools available – sponge, brush and a small brush to get to those hard to reach places like the spout of your teapot. Make sure your brush doesn’t have metal on the end – it will scratch your china. Gently wash and scrub the dishes
- Dry by hand with a soft towel or use a drying mat, leaving everything upside down so that the water doesn’t pool. Place the mat where your china won’t be bumped.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains
Frequently your vintage china will have stains or marks, especially if you are serving tea or coffee. Here are some things you can do to help remove those stains.
- Treat the stain early and don’t let leftover tea or coffee stand in the teacup or teapot for too long.
- Put a small amount of vinegar in your wash water to help remove light stains.
- Make a paste of vinegar and salt or baking soda. Apply to the stain and gently scrub the area to remove the stain.
- If your stain still remains, you can make a solution of vinegar and baking soda and allow the piece to sit covered in the solution. Several hours to overnight may be necessary. This is great for the inside of teacups and teapots.
- Some articles reference using Oxyclean or Hydrogen Peroxide 20% (you will have to order this) and you can use a very small amount of bleach. Be cautious with these methods – they can be caustic and damage your vintage china’s finishes.
Storing Your Vintage China
Once you are done using your vintage china and you have decided to store rather than display, you will want to make sure its safe from damage. Here are some do’s and don’ts for storing your vintage china:
- Make sure that you are storing your vintage china in a controlled temperature environment. Do not store your vintage china, or any china for that matter, in your garage or your attic. The temperature variations are too wide and can damage your china.
- Do not store your vintage china using newspaper. Its not a good cushion and it can leave marks on your china.
- Do not store your vintage china using packing peanuts. Now you might have china shipped to you using packing peanuts (hopefully it is bubble wrapped first). These peanuts can actually adhere to the vintage china or treasure making it difficult to get them off risking damage. Bubble wrap is a great alternative. I like to use soft rags or pieces of material. Old towels are great.
- Separate your plates or anything that you are stacking with some kind of cushion. If stacking plates for instance, layer something soft in between. I will use old rags if I am packing them away where you cannot see them.
- Do store your vintage china where it can be protected. There are several options. I will wrap my seasonal cups in cloth and place them in plastic bins. Either in a china cabinet drawer or tucked away in a closet, careful storing of your unused vintage china is critical to prevent cracks or chips.
- There are also many great china storage options you can purchase as well.
- You can use cardboard boxes that have dividers to help. You may still want to cushion around your piece.
- Label your boxes and make them easy to lift. Your vintage china can be heavy so you don’t want to hurt your back or risk dropping the box.
- Consider making a list of your vintage china for replacement needs. Or like in my case, so you don’t have a repeat purchase…”Ooops, I already have that one!”
Now Enjoy Your China
This may seem like a lot of work – it really isn’t. Many of us have been doing this for years and its absolutely worth the outcome. So many of you have written that you have special pieces that have been tucked away for years and that you don’t ever take them out. I am here to encourage you to take those treasures out and enjoy them! And now you know how to care for your vintage china. Its absolutely the right thing to do
Treat yourself and pick out a cup, make yourself a cup of tea, get a teatime treat and sit back. Feet up as I like to say. Enjoy!
A reminder: If you are inclined to find some vintage china. My post on Tools for Vintage China Shopping https://teastheseason3.com/tools-for-vintage-china-shopping/
58 Comments
Barbara
Love the tips. Good reminder on taking care of these special finds.
Fun to imagine who owned this cup first and where has it been. What tales would it tell.
I love my teacups and taking good care of them will insure they are around for a long time.
Beth
Hi Barbara – Thanks for your comments. Yes, my teacups are special as well. Glad that you enjoyed the post!
Alexis Farmer
Love your pictures! And thank you for making me realize I’ve been cleaning my teapot wrong this whole time.
Beth
Hi Alexis – Well, glad that you enjoyed the post and that you found it helpful. Thanks for your compliment on the pictures. Appreciate your comments. Happy cleaning!
Maggie | Leave Me To Dream
Tea sets hearken back to a simple, electronics-free childhood, which is sadly becoming more and more scarce these days. I hope more 21st century parents of boys and girls set aside some time for a real, honest to goodness tea party! These tips are great!
Beth
Hi Maggie – I couldn’t agree more. If you follow me, you will see I love to have tea parties for all ages…and then just for me as well I find it very comforting and I love to see my guests enjoy this as well. Thanks for your comments and glad you enjoyed the post.
Kristin
I love looking at china. I have my own set from my wedding, plus my mother’s and my grandmother’s. I hope to one day have a house where I can display it all beautifully.
Beth
Hi Kristin – Glad that you enjoyed the post. I hope that you are using your sweet china – and three generations! That’s pretty special for sure. Well I have lots tucked away that only comes out during the season, but yes – I do have a bunch out as well. And surprisingly, my grandchildren do very well around it all. Enjoy!
Marianne
Lots of great tips! I don’t have too much in the way of vintage tea cups… but I take good care of the ones I do have!! They dont make things like they used to! Lol
Beth
Hi Marianne – Glad that you enjoyed the post. Vintage or just special china….nice to take care of it and use it as well. Thanks so much for your comment.
Ramae Hamrin
I have to tell you that one of your earlier posts inspired me to get out my grandmother’s china and start using it. Since then, I’ve had tea every day and even a little wine 😊in her tea cups. I also unpacked the plates and bowls, since they don’t do much good in boxes. I was just wondering if I could use the dishwasher. I figured not, but I’m glad you addressed that in your post. Love all your vintage tea cups!
Beth
Hi Ramae – You made my day! I am so glad that you were encouraged bring out your grandmother’s china. I am sure she would be pleased that you are enjoying it. I am delighted for you (and with the wine!). Happy that the post helped you – there are probably some pieces that can go in the dishwasher (newer pieces) but my vintage stuff does not and most experts say “no” as well. Glad that helped. Thanks again for your comment. Am smiling as I read it.
Holly
This is a perfect post! I love how you display and use your China and handwashing is the only way I take care of my China too!
Beth
Hi Holly – Thank you so much for your comment. I am glad that you enjoyed the post. After a big tea, its almost therapeutic for me to stand at the sink and just wash all the cups and teapots. Appreciate you sharing.
Tricia Snow
My husband uses bubble wrap to wrap our china too. Except he used so much that I could not see which china it was! lol
Beth
Hi Tricia – That’s so funny. I have gotten things shipped to me by me sisters, fellow tea lovers, and like you – I couldn’t tell what it was. But I was very glad that it was wrapped and not broken. I have gotten things shipped that were not packed effectively and yup – they were broken. So I appreciate your husbands fastidiousness (old word there). I actually save the bubble wrap…I can always put it to good use! Thanks for sharing your comment and glad that you enjoyed the post.
Lisa Manderino
I love the hanging display. That is a great way to showcase your china. Great tips. Thanks!
Beth
Hi Lisa – I have 3 other hanging racks (though not the recommended), I enjoy them as well. Glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for your comment.
Charlene
I love your care and passion!
Beth
Hi Charlene – Thanks. I think I do have a passion for tea and enjoying that with folks. Appreciate your comment.
Leeandra
Wow, I had no clue so much went into care for vintage china. great tips!
Beth
Hi Leeandra – Glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for the comment. Its not really complicated or that time consuming and definitely worth keep those treasures at their best. Thanks!
Sabrina DeWalt
What a beautiful and eclectic collection of china you have.
Beth
Hi Sabrina – Yes, its quite eclectic..no repeats! Thanks for your comment and glad you enjoyed the post.
Laura Lee
I don’t have vintage china, but I do have some that I bought when my husband I got married. These are good tips that I can use. I once put the china, which is painted with platinum, in the microwave and sparks flew everywhere! Then I put it in the dishwasher, and while none of it broke, the powder from the dishwasher detergent etched away at the fine painted details. 🙁
Beth
Hi Laura Lee – You are correct on the microwave. I didn’t even think about that piece of information and wonder if I should put that in as an update. One, never microwave your fine china or vintage china. And especially with the platinum border. I am soooo sorry to hear about the incident with your china and the dishwasher. Was it all of it? There is a great site Replacements where you can find all sorts of replacement items for full sets, everyday or special. If it was a couple pieces and you are inclined, I would definitely check them out to see if you might be able to replace it. If you want help – just email. I would be more than willing to help you out with that. Thanks for sharing your story – I think I will be updating. Thanks for your comment. Greatly appreciated.
Bonnie
I really like the idea of an open display case but I hate dusting so any of my teacups are behind closed door shelving.
Beth
Hi Bonnie – Yes I agree but love these shelves. It was one of the first things I purchased when I moved here – I have even used the drawers as shelves. But completely understand. Thanks for your comment!
Amy
These are really great tips! I inherited some great pieces from my great grandmother. She had an unbelievable collection and your post brought back so many fond memories of her. I still have them packed away as we have been going under major renovations but can’t wait to bust them out, get them cleaned up and find the right spot to display them.
Beth
Hi Amy – Thanks so much for sharing your memories. What a precious gift for sure. Well there are many ways to display and use your vintage and special china. I used to pack mine away but nooooo more. So enjoy – I am sure they are very beautiful. No microwave either – just passing this on from another reader. Will have that in a post soon. Thanks for sharing. Excited for you to enjoy your pieces! Thanks for the comment.
Barbara
I was given a very special tea cup & saucer from a family member that passed. I appreciate the cleaning tips! Thank you!
Beth
Hi Barbara – Thank you so much for sharing your story. My mother has passed as well and so I inherited many of her teatime treasures. And I decided I would use them a lot – like daily for some of them. Glad that you found this helpful and thanks for your comments.
Melissa Jones
That is really great info and things I would not have thought about!
Beth
Hi Melissa – So glad that you enjoyed the post. Yes, I use these tips all the time and they are helpful. Not just vintage but anything you consider precious as well. Appreciate your comments.
Chelsea
Using plastic or a towel in the sink is a great idea. We’ve gotten some antique China recently and I’ve been so nervous about washing it!
Beth
Hi Chelsea – How exciting for you to be gifted from antique china. Its a treasure for sure – well no microwaving as well…just tossing that one in. Use the gifts – they are your treasures. Thanks for sharing and appreciate your comment. Enjoy!
Santana
It takes a lot of work to keep things in good condition, but it’s worth it! There’s so much more detail and character than you’d ever get in something made today. And better quality! The stories behind the china are something I would love to know. One can only imagine where it’s been.
Beth
Hi Santana – Yes it takes work but I have to tell you, one of my favorite times is the solitude of washing up cups and pots after a big tea…I find it relaxing to reflect. Well, its funny you should comment on the history of the cups because when I am buying new cups, I often imagine who held this, when and what were their lives like. Very fun to imagine. Thanks for your comment and glad that you enjoyed the post.
Sandi
Beth, Wow do you have a lot of china! It looks beautiful in your cabinets. You can see from your photos that you take great pride in your collections. It’s lovely.
Beth
Hi Sandi – You know, I started with one years ago but was raised with using china cups at times. And tea and scones all around….Scotch and English heritage. I enjoy them and use them almost daily. Glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for your comments.
Sara
I love the hanging display. What a cute way to showcase your pieces.
Beth
Hi Sara – Well I have 3 others as well – each different. I like them as well and though not the recommended way, because of hanging by the handle, I do like to see them out. They are dust collectors though but I like having them out. Thanks for your comment and glad that you enjoyed the post.
Taryn
Ahh, dust. Don’t you love it? Seriously, thanks for the tip on the bubble wrap and the encouragement that hand washing is the way to go no matter how tempting the dishwasher may be.
Beth
Hi Taryn – Yes the dishwasher is very tempting. Just had another reader share that it ruined some of her personal treasures – so though convenient….its damaging. I use the time to just reflect (depending on how many cups I have to wash!). Glad that you enjoyed the post and thank you for your comments.
Eva Keller
I love those displays! I haven’t quite figured out how to store/display fragile things out here in California because I don’t want a mess whenever there are earthquakes. My mom has similar displays for some old stuff but she’s in Ohio.
Beth
Hi Eva – Completely understand. I have been in California with small ones. My open shelves have made my daughter nervous but they have been this way for over 15 years (dusted of course). And its high enough that the littles don’t seem to bother it….so far. Thanks and glad that you enjoyed the post. Appreciate the comment.
Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life
Thank you for reminding me it’s been some time since I’ve cleaned all my vintage china in my china cabinet! Your suggestions are spot on.
Beth
Hi Suzan – You are quite welcome. It was a reminder for me as well. And you can imagine, it will take me some time! But oddly, I do enjoy it…maybe its like planting a garden. I do see my collection grow ha! Glad that you enjoyed the post. Thanks for your comment.
Danielle Ardizzone
I figured you couldn’t just put them in the dishwasher, but didn’t realize there was much more to it than hand washing (I guess that’s why I don’t have nice things, lol).
Beth
Hi Danielle – Well its really not that complicated….so you should get yourself some nice things especially with all the dancing things that you do – ha! Handwashing is the best way for sure and I take it as a moment to deep breathe and then move on to the next thing. Thanks for your comment.
Kendra
Great information! My china isn’t necessarily vintage, but could still benefit from some TLC.
Beth
Hi Kendra – You’re right – vintage or otherwise, it does well to take care of. My formal china (gosh – folks don’t have that anymore I think) was inherited from my mother. I wouldn’t consider it vintage but would treat it the same way. Glad that you enjoyed the post and thanks for your comment.
Casandra
I just inherited a tea set from my mother in law so this will come in handy to properly care for it.
Beth
Hi Casandra – How nice to receive a special tea set. It can be a sweet memory for sure. And so glad that you were able to get some good information from the post. Its not difficult – simple things that we just don’t think about. Thanks for your comment and enjoy.
Cindy Mailhot
If that is all your china you have an amazing collection!
Beth
Hi Cindy – No that’s not all my china. Some gifts, some purchased, some inherited… but all used! Glad that you enjoyed the post. Thanks for your comment.
Cindy Moore
These are excellent suggestions! I like displaying my vintage china too. I want to be able to see it and enjoy it. Love the shelves you use from the barn!
Beth
Hi Cindy – Glad that you enjoyed the post. The shelves were a great find and perfect for where I live. But they did smell a bit like an old barn for sure – that’s gone away now. ha. Agree on the displaying for sure. Thanks for your comment.