Your tableware deserves special attention. Whether for everyday meals or special occasions, there's nothing quite like sparkling plates, spotless glasses, and cutlery that retains its shine. To preserve the beauty and quality of your dinnerware, here are some simple and essential tips to apply daily.
🚫 What should NOT go in the dishwasher
Even if the dishwasher makes our lives much easier, some items absolutely must be hand-washed if you want to keep them intact:
Delicate porcelain, especially when adorned with gilding or silver, is very sensitive. Hot cycles and abrasive dishwasher detergents can dull or erase the decorations.
Crystal glasses are particularly fragile. Over time, machine washing can cause fine cracks and make them lose their natural brilliance.
Silver cutlery does not tolerate prolonged humidity well: it can tarnish, stain, or oxidize, even after a single machine wash.
Quality knives, especially those with a sharp blade, can be damaged by the powerful jets of the dishwasher. The result: they dull much faster.
⚠️ What is compatible… but with caution
Not everything is forbidden, fortunately! But even for more robust items, a little vigilance is necessary.
Everyday plates and glasses, as long as they are durable, can go in the dishwasher. But opt for a gentle, low-temperature cycle, and avoid stacking them too closely to prevent shocks.
Glazed ceramics can also go in the machine, but with a few precautions: space them well in the basket, especially if they have reliefs or patterns. Too much proximity to other objects could cause chips.
🧼 Manual cleaning: gentle but effective
For precious or fragile items, nothing beats good hand washing. Use a non-abrasive sponge, lukewarm water (neither too hot nor too cold), and a little mild dish soap. No need to scrub too hard: gentleness is your best ally. Remember to dry each item immediately with a soft cloth, preferably microfiber or cotton. This prevents water spots and preserves the natural shine of the dishes, especially for glass and cutlery.
By adopting these simple gestures, you will extend the life of your dishes while preserving their original shine. Because a beautiful table starts with well-maintained items 💫
