How to Clean China
Wash with a sponge in a sinkful of soapy water — “the hottest
water your hands can stand,” advises Nancy Bock, vice president of education for the Soap and Detergent Association.
Change the water often to maintain suds until the very last coffee cup. “The detergent emulsifies grease and oil and helps water sheet off surfaces to prevent spotting,” says Bock.
To remove coffee or tea stains in the bottom of a cup, says Curtis-Michael, swish 2 tablespoons of vinegar around in it, then wash as usual: “Vinegar acts as a bleaching agent—you can see it working.”
Rinse thoroughly with hot water. Again, the hotter it is, the cleaner the dishes: A temperature of less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit will leave a greasy residue. Also, the
better you rinse, the fewer the spots.
If you have enough room, let
your china air-dry (or use your dishwasher as a drying rack). Otherwise, dry with a cotton cloth.
