Six Ways to Take Care of your Cutlery & Crockery

Words: Crush

When you have spent time and money on selecting and buying quality cutlery, tableware and serveware, it is important to also consider the correct care instructions of these items – even for the smallest cup or bowl in your home. “Treat your beautifully crafted items with the love and kindness that they deserve and they will serve you for many years – even decades.” Betsie van der Westhuizen, general manager at Maxwell & Williams South Africa, shares this and six essential tips for taking care of your cutlery and crockery.

Treat your beautifully crafted items with the love and kindness that they deserve and they will serve you for many years – even decades.

Top Tips for Cutlery & Crockery

These six tips will ensure your crockery and cutlery look good-as-new.

1. General Usage

Always familiarise yourself with the label at the bottom of the plate or dish to check for special care instructions. Most dinnerware and tableware items are dishwasher safe, but when in doubt, rather handwash. Double check items with metallic bands of gold and platinum – some of these items might be microwave safe but others aren’t.


2. Wash with Care

Always wash new items before using them for the first time. The sticker at the bottom of your crockery is water soluble and can be removed with relative ease after soaking the item in warm soapy water for about 1 hour.

“Next time you are tempted to leave dirty mugs and plates standing around until the next day, consider that food and drinks – especially those with darker colours and pigments like red wine, tea, coffee and curries – can leave stains on your crockery,” warns Betsie.

When washing your cutlery and crockery, avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool, as they can scratch the surface. Instead, use a soft sponge or cloth and a mild dishwashing detergent to prevent any damage. Trade harsh bleach or abrasive cleaning agents for natural products like white vinegar or bicarbonate of soda.


3. Correct Storage

When it comes to storing cutlery and crockery, ensure that they are dry and free from any water spots or stains. A dry, well-ventilated storage area will prevent any moisture build-up. “Avoid stacking your best cutlery and crockery on large piles, as it can lead to scratching and damage. Keep them separated by using coffee filters or paper plates,” says Betsie.

Take special care with older, delicate china sets as large stacks can result in cracks or damage due to the weight of the items.


4. Polish Regularly

Betsie adds, “Cutlery should always be washed after use as food particles cause stains.  It should also be dried with a cloth after being cleaned in a dishwasher.  If you are the proud owner of 18/0 stainless steel cutlery, try to avoid placing them in a dishwasher.”

To maintain the shine of your cutlery, remove stains and keep a brand new look, polish them regularly with a soft cloth.


5. Caring for Wooden Items

Items like wooden serving spoons and boards are handcrafted with great care. Remember that, over time, a dishwasher could ruin the durability and the beautiful grain of wood.

Simply hand wash wooden items with warm water and a mild soap, and dry completely with a dish towel. Don’t soak wooden items for long periods.

“We also recommend occasionally applying a thin layer of vegetable oil to prolong the wood’s durability,” says Betsie.


6. Temperature Checks

To avoid thermal shock to your crockery, avoid putting a piping hot dish or plate in cold water or placing a cold item directly from the fridge or freezer into a preheated oven.

Always check the label of your dinnerware and serveware to ensure it is oven safe.

“Never use your regular bowls or plates as ovenware or bakeware, unless the instructions on the item indicates that it is safe,” warns Betsie. “Plates and regular serveware should also never be placed into a stove top or open flame.”


Product Recommendations:

Add these gorgeous crockery and cutlery items to your collection…

Maxwell & Williams Dune set of 3 bowls in white (12cm, R 319)
Maxwell & Williams Teas & C’S Classic Footed Cup & Saucer White (200ml, R 259)
Maxwell & Williams Picnic Perfect Acacia wood Lazy Susan (40cm, R499)
Maxwell & Williams Epicurious Deep Quiche Dish, 24x5cm, R 249
Maxwell & Williams Dune Oval Platter Taupe (36x27cm, R439)
Maxwell & Williams Marc Martin Dusk 12 piece Dinner Set in blue, R 1649
Maxwell & Williams Feline Friends – Mug Well Read with Maxwell & Williams Cosmopolitan Cutlery Set, 56 piece, R2400


About Maxwell & Williams

Maxwell & Williams understand how people use tableware. Since entering the market in 1995, the iconic Australian brand has offered something for every taste and occasion. The high-end ceramics, glass, stainless steel and acrylics are made of the finest materials, from the world’s leading manufacturers. Traditionally known for white sets, Maxwell & Williams has expanded to offer over 2000 quality and affordable mix and match items.

Maxwell & Williams is available in over 120 outlets in South Africa, Takealot.com, Yuppiechef.com and from the Maxwell & Williams online store.

For more information, visit the website and social links below:

maxwellandwilliams.co.za | Facebook | Instagram

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