When it comes to shopping for dinnerware, the material used is one of the key factors to keep in mind. Some of the most popular choices are stoneware, earthenware, glass, porcelain, and fine china. There are brands, such as Wedgwood, that offer dinnerware out of bone china, the material that a lot of homeowners prefer.
Bone china, just like fine china, is made of clay. This time around, however, there’s bone ash, which comes from animal bones, that’s added to it. The presence of this material gives the resulting dinnerware a translucent white appearance.
The combination of clay and bone ash also makes for dinnerware that’s lighter compared to those that are made out of pure porcelain. Because its lightness makes it easy to take care of as well as store, a lot of consumers are going for bone china dinnerware. However, there is one more reason why many prefer the material over the rest: it makes for some of the most durable dinnerware options in the market.
Although it looks delicate and feels fragile and lightweight, bone china is the most hard-wearing ceramic dinnerware out there. It is why most of its kind are dishwasher-safe. Provided that there are no metallic bands or decorative elements, bone china is also microwave-safe. In other words, it’s one of the most versatile options.
However, it does not mean that bone china dinnerware is indestructible. Even though it’s the kind of ceramic dinnerware that can take the most beating, it still needs love and care, just like other dinnerware products around.
Whether yours is Wedgwood or any other brand, make sure that you follow the easy storing tips below to make sure that your bone china dinnerware will last for decades.
Separate Them with Paper Towels
In case you haven’t noticed yet, the under rims of bone china do not have glazing. Don’t let them come into contact with the glazed surface of another dinnerware. Otherwise, its surface may end up scratched. When stacking your dinnerware, place a paper towel in between pieces. You may also use a paper napkin or a soft piece of cloth.
Do Not Stack a Lot of Plates
Aside from separating bone china plates with paper towels, it is also a good idea to stack no more than 4-6 plates. Even though bone china is undeniably hard-wearing, the ones below may end up cracked. You should also remember to stack the same dinnerware size and shape for equal weight distribution, thus preventing an accident from striking.
Keep Away From High Temperatures
Just like other ceramic dinnerware products, bone china is sensitive to extreme heat. Make sure that you keep them away from direct sunlight or kitchen appliances that give off heat. Sudden changes in temperatures can cause the body as well as glaze to expand and contract, causing fine lines or cracks to appear.
Clean Them Well Before Storing
As soon as you’re using your dinnerware, remove any remaining food. You must do this even if you don’t intend to wash it right away. Otherwise, stains may occur on the glazed surface. After washing your dinnerware, dry them thoroughly with a soft cloth to keep the formation of unsightly water spots at bay.
Dinnerware products out of bone china are some of the most durable options out there. Despite this fact, you still need to take good care of them by storing them the right way.
Author Bio: Carmel Issac is a freelance writer who offers to ghostwrite, copywriting, and blogging services. She works closely with B2C and B2B businesses providing digital marketing content that gains social media attention and increases their search engine visibility.