Easy ways to protect your dinnerware

The plates, bowls, cups and saucers that serve your daily meals shouldn't just be utilitarian. From the most modest earthenware breakfast set to the finest porcelain saved for special occasions, the variety of colours and patterns in today's dishware can spruce up any table and suit any taste.

The term china includes all pottery made by firing clay in a kiln, from the rarest porcelains to the most primitive earthenware. The differences among types of pottery depend upon the kinds of clays that are used, the firing temperatures used in production and the qualities of glaze, decoration and design. The basic types of china you will find in stores are listed below.

Porcelain:

• Porcelain is a non-porous, translucent china prized for its rich patterns and strength.
• Porcelain is the most expensive pottery used in dinnerware.
• Some modern porcelain is safe for dishwashers and microwaves.

Bone china:

• Bone china is a non-porous, translucent pottery made with bone ash, which gives it a brilliant white colour.
• Not as expensive as porcelain, bone china is still costly.
• Some modern bone china is also safe for dishwashers and microwaves.

Stoneware:

• Stoneware is a non-porous, opaque, heavy pottery that holds heat well, making it good for casseroles and dinnerware.
• Stoneware dishes, which are available in a variety of patterns, are dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
• Not as pricey as porcelain or bone china, stoneware is popular for everyday use.

Ironstone:

• Ironstone is another non-porous, heavy pottery that is a favourite for everyday dishes.
• Ironstone is moderately priced and dishwasher- and microwave-safe.

Earthenware:

• Earthenware is a porous, lightweight material, opaque and not as expensive as other types of pottery.
• Earthenware's lower firing temperature allows more brilliant glazes, making a wide variety of striking and colourful patterns possible.
• It is more likely to chip in everyday use than other types of pottery.

Never use handmade pottery to serve such acidic foods as vinegar-based dressings, fruit juice, tomatoes or lemonade. If lead was used in the glaze or decorations, the acid can cause it to leach out.

• Look for lead-free labels on commercial earthenware.
• Never store wine in a lead crystal decanter; the acid in the wine will, over time, leach out the lead. Drinking wine out of lead crystal glasses is safe.

If your dinnerware can't go into the dishwasher, you can easily wash it by hand in the sink.

• Place a terry towel along the bottom of the sink to prevent scratches or chips.
• Use warm water, a mild dish detergent and a sponge.
• Rinse the dishes in warm water and dry with a lint-free towel.
• Be particularly gentle with gold or silver trim.
• Dried egg can cement itself to patterned china. To remove it, rub the spot with a slice of lemon and then wash.

Following these simple steps will help ensure your entire dinnerware set will last for many years. Proper care is essential to keeping your entire set intact and preventing costly and hard-to-find replacements.