Five Tips to Care for Japanese Tableware
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Japanese ceramic tableware is known for its beauty and craftsmanship. When you use it to serve the food, you will be surprised at how this Japanese pottery elevates the dining experience. To maintain its appearance and function to a high standard, Japanese pottery requires proper care. Here are some basic tips for preserving and stacking precious ceramic pieces:
1. Avoid drastic temperature changes
Ceramic and porcelain items are prone to cracking when subjected to sudden changes in temperature, so please avoid removing items directly from the refrigerator and placing them in a hot oven or microwave oven at the same time. Also, it is important to avoid heating empty tableware in the microwave oven, as this can damage both the tableware and the microwave oven.
2. No direct heat on tableware
Similar to the tip above, never expose ceramic dishware to direct heat sources such as stovetops or grills, or it will damage the tableware.
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3. Place individual tableware lightly in the cupboard
Despite being durable, the hardest surfaces can get scratched, similar to the way a diamond scratches a diamond. This can also happen to your porcelain and other ceramic products, especially those with coloured glazes. As a result, please be careful when stacking and handling dishes to avoid scratching the glaze. For example, you can place the tableware lightly in the cupboard; or you can consider putting a thin cloth or piece of paper in between the individual pieces to prevent scratching.
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4. Avoid putting metal utensils and Japanese tableware together
Ceramic products may develop "metal marks" on their surface due to the friction of metal objects. These marks are not scratches, but there will be residue left when metal items come into contact with ceramic surfaces during normal cleaning. To prevent metal marks on ceramics, please be reminded not to place metal utensils next to or on top of ceramic items in the dishwasher or sink. If you find any metal marks on the tableware, you can make a paste by mixing 2 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water and then adding a few drops of dish soap to remove them. You simply apply the paste to the affected area, then scrub gently with a non-abrasive scrub pad, rinse it, and repeat the procedure if necessary.
5. Do a spot test before using cleaning tools
When you clean the Japanese tableware, especially those that have glazes with rich colours or intricate decorations, you can use "spot testing" at the back of the item before using any cleaning method to make sure the tools are harmless to your lovely tableware.
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By following these care tips, you can enjoy your Japanese ceramic tableware and keep it in great condition for years to come. Proper care not only preserves its unique beauty but also prolongs its lifespan and enhances its usefulness in everyday dining experiences.
