To ensure your new purchases remain in top condition, we've assembled a guide on how to care for bone china.
What is fine bone china?
Fine bone china is a type of ceramic containing bone ash known for its exquisite delicacy and remarkable chip-resistant and durability properties. Fine bone china mugs boast a blend of delicacy and strength unparalleled by other materials. In this blog, we'll explore the essence of bone china mugs, the importance of proper bone china care to maintain them and provide insights into handling, cleaning, and storing them effectively.
Understanding fine bone china
Fine bone china is composed of porcelain, bone ash, kaolin, and feldspathic material. Its unique composition renders it exceptionally durable yet delicate, making it an ideal choice for tea and coffee crockery. Notably, bone china exhibits superior resistance to chipping and conserves heat better than standard porcelain or ceramic mugs, ensuring longevity and reliability in daily use.
How to Care for Bone China
We enjoy savouring our tea or coffee in Fine Bone China mugs, where each sip is enhanced with enriched flavours and optimal temperature retention, ensuring the perfect cup every time.
To preserve both the appearance and taste of our china, proper care is paramount. It's advisable to promptly wash it after each use and refrain from using scouring pads or abrasive detergents. The delicate glaze of Fine Bone China lends it an exquisite whiteness and translucency, making it susceptible to discolouration if tea-stained mugs are left unwashed for prolonged periods. Handwashing with mild detergents is recommended to prevent abrasion and preserve the delicate glaze. After washing, dry the mugs gently with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and streaks. Additionally, store bone china mugs away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent potential damage.
Handling and Usage Tips
When handling fine bone china mugs, take care to avoid sudden temperature changes, as rapid shifts in heat can cause thermal shock and lead to cracks or fractures. Always use coaster pads to protect surfaces and minimise the risk of scratches or damage.
How to clean fine bone china
Over time, a well-loved mug may develop stains from dark beverages like tea or coffee. Most stains can be effectively removed by soaking in warm water and dish soap for a few hours before washing. Ensure you avoid abrasive tools and detergents, which could damage the glaze or surface finish.
How to remove stains from bone china?
For more persistent stains, create a paste of 1 tbsp baking soda, ½ cup vinegar and ½ cup warm water. Apply the paste in a circular motion to the affected area using a soft cloth, allowing it to soak for several hours. Rinse thoroughly and dry with care to avoid water spots.
Can you put fine bone china in the dishwasher?
Washing bone china in a dishwasher is perfectly safe provided you follow these guidelines carefully. Ensure pieces are loaded without touching to prevent scratching, avoid overloading, and keep the wash temperature below 40ºC (104ºF). Opt for cycles such as 'gentle,' 'short wash,' or 'china and crystal,' and use mild detergent—eco-detergents are preferable over stronger options. Immediately run a rinse cycle after washing to eliminate detergent residues, which prevents the formation of a film on your fine bone china.
Does bone china scratch?
While bone china is renowned for its durability, it can still scratch under certain circumstances. To minimise the risk of scratches, handle bone china mugs with care, avoid using abrasive detergents and tools, and protectively store them by avoiding stacking directly on top of each other.
How to repair bone china cracks
In the unfortunate event of a crack or fracture, repairing bone china requires delicate handling and appropriate adhesive. Opt for a high-quality ceramic adhesive specifically designed for repairing fine china. Apply the adhesive sparingly, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure a seamless repair. Avoid using superglue or epoxy, as these may contain chemicals that could harm the delicate surface of bone china.
How to store fine bone china long-term
When storing fine bone china mugs for extended periods, it's essential to protect them from dust, moisture, and potential impacts. Use a soft cloth to cushion the mugs and prevent scratches or chips. Store them in a stable environment away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations to maintain their pristine condition for years to come.
