Caring for porcelain

Porcelain can be hard and durable while still being vulnerable to knocks, chips and cracks. Before cleaning, examine the surface in good light. Look for loose gilding, lifting decoration, cracks and old repairs. A change in colour is not a diagnosis: stains can come from food, contact with metal or ageing repair materials. If you are unsure what has changed, seek advice rather than trying a stronger cleaner.

Clear a stable landing place before lifting a piece. Use both hands to support its body; avoid carrying it by a handle, spout, knob or rim. Move loose lids separately. Keep display shelves steady and leave space between objects. Add soft cushioning between stacked pieces, and avoid sudden temperature changes. A repaired object may be weaker than it appears, so take particular care when moving it.

For sound surfaces, remove loose dust with a soft brush, keeping its metal collar away from the glaze. Cleaning can damage delicate decoration, so do less rather than scrub harder. Robust glazed pieces in good condition may be washed gently with lukewarm water and a little mild dish soap in a padded basin. Rinse and allow them to dry without added heat.

Do not put valued or finely decorated ceramics in a dishwasher. Avoid abrasive cleaners, bleach and acids. Do not soak cracked or repaired pieces, or wash objects with unstable decoration. Unglazed, soft or fragile ceramics need individual advice from a conservator.

A persistent mark is often less harmful than an aggressive attempt to remove it. If gentle cleaning does not help, stop. For a broken piece, keep the fragments protected and consult a ceramics conservator; avoid fitting or gluing them together yourself. These are general conservation principles. For contemporary functional pieces, also follow the maker’s instructions for their particular glaze, decoration and intended use.