Do's and don'ts when washing up old treasures
How do you best wash up your old drinking glasses, plates and tableware so they keep shining like gold? Our rules of thumb.
Are you also one of those people who love finding old treasures — drinking glasses, plates and other beautiful tableware? Then you've come to the right place. How do you best wash your treasures so they keep shining like gold?
The glazed treasures
Let's start with one important rule: if your treasures are surface-glazed, the dishwasher is a green light. The surface glaze protects and holds onto the magic, so don't be afraid to give them a turn in the machine.
How do I tell if I have a glazed treasure?
Glazed things typically have a smooth, shiny surface, like the plates below. Besides being able to tell by looking, feel them properly — glazed surfaces are smooth, hard and uniform.
If the colour on your fine pieces has been printed directly onto the surface instead, you need to pay attention.
Printed colour and glass with film — be careful with the machine
Printed colour on old treasures is fragile, so the rule here is simple: hand-washing is the key to preserving the colour and pattern. The dishwasher can be a little too rough on them and risks washing the colour away.
So how should you go about hand-washing?
Hand-washing: step by step
Fill the sink with lukewarm water: a good rule of thumb is to always start with warm or lukewarm water, which helps soften dirt and grime before you really get going.
Mild washing-up liquid is key: pick a mild soap, ideally one that isn't too aggressive. We don't want to strip the natural glow off the treasures, only the dirt.
Use a soft sponge or cloth: no rough brushes here. A soft sponge or cloth will do the trick without scratching or affecting the colours. It's such a shame when you've used a scouring pad and end up dragging dull streaks across your new treasure.
Enjoy the process: take it slow. Give your treasures the attention they deserve. Think of it as a little self-care for both you and your new finds.
A note on printed glass: when you're washing printed colour, be careful and attentive. Don't let the treasures sit in the water too long, and avoid rubbing too hard. If you see signs that the colour is starting to come off, scrub more gently.
Colour-saving tips for the dishwasher
If you can't resist the convenience of the dishwasher, here are some tips for preserving the colours even when the machine is calling:
Low temperature: pick a low temperature so your dishwasher doesn't turn into a hot sauna for your treasures.
Use a gentle programme: most dishwashers have gentle programmes that suit your colourful friends perfectly. Pick that programme to minimise the risk of colour fading.
A little distance between the treasures helps prevent chips and scratches: don't pack your colourful treasures too tightly together in the dishwasher. Give them a little room to breathe and relax.
