Your home is a reflection of your taste, your moments, and your memories. Every corner of the house carries stories, often through the decor and dinnerware you love most. Among them, ceramics and glassware hold a special place. They are functional and beautiful expressions of craftsmanship and care.
From the smooth glaze of a handcrafted ceramic plate to the delicate shimmer of a glass vase catching the afternoon light, each piece is unique. But this uniqueness can fade if not cared for properly. The right care ensures that your collection continues to shine, meal after meal, and year after year.
Here’s your go-to guide on how to clean, store, and handle your favourite ceramics and glassware, the right way.
Understanding Ceramics and Glassware
a. Ceramics: Crafted with Artistry
Ceramics are everlasting. Made through age-old techniques, every ceramic piece carries the mark of craftsmanship. From pottery wheels to glazing kilns, each stage gives it texture, tone, and individuality.
Ceramic dinnerware like Grey Scalloped 22 Piece Dinner Set For 6 is an everyday essential that can uplift even the simplest meal into an experience. Beyond the dining table, ceramics also make stunning decor, including vases, planters, and figurines that add character to any space.
b. Glassware: Elegant and Refined
If ceramics bring warmth, glassware brings sparkle. The appeal of glass lies in its clarity and shine. Glassware is becoming more and more common in modern kitchens, with borosilicate products becoming a widely chosen daily use option. For instance, Nestasia’s trending Groovo food storage containers are a part of daily meal preps and hence need everyday care!
Glassware is delicate and demands gentle handling and proper maintenance to keep its sheen intact.
The Dos: How to Keep Them Looking Brand New
Your ceramics and glassware can last for years with a few simple, mindful practices. Let’s start with what you should do.
Handwash Gently
When it comes to cleaning, gentleness is key. Use a soft sponge with mild dish soap and wash one piece at a time to avoid clinking or scratching. Avoid abrasive scrubs as they can damage the glaze on ceramics or create micro-scratches on glass.
Use Lukewarm Water
Extreme water temperatures can be harsh. Hot water can lead to cracks in ceramic glazes or cause cloudiness in glass. Cold water, on the other hand, might not clean thoroughly. Lukewarm water strikes the perfect balance, safe for both materials while ensuring a spotless clean.
Dry with a Soft Cloth
Leaving your pieces to air dry might seem convenient, but it often leaves behind water stains. Instead, use a microfiber or lint-free towel to dry them immediately after washing. This preserves the sheen of glassware and keeps ceramics smooth and spot-free.
Store Safely and Smartly
Storage is just as important as cleaning. Stack ceramic plates or bowls with soft napkins or felt sheets in between to prevent scratches. Glassware should always be stored upright, with enough space between pieces to avoid accidental knocks or chips.
For instance, Nestasia’s stackable ceramic cups are designed for smart storage without cracking or damaging the products. Investing in such functional-meets-aesthetic ceramics makes sure your products stay safe and last long!
Handle with Care During Serving
It’s easy to forget, but the way you serve food or drinks also impacts longevity. Always lift ceramics by their base, not the rim. When serving hot food, allow it to cool slightly before transferring to a cold ceramic plate. This prevents thermal shock and cracking.
Similarly, don’t pour boiling water directly into a glass or ceramic mug. Let it rest a moment before use.
It’s also a smart choice to purchase microwave and flame-safe cooking utensils like the Limonelle Flame Safe Ceramic Cooking Pot 1600ml. Such products make the care process easier while making it efficient to have ceramics in your everyday lifestyle.
The Don’ts: What to Avoid at All Costs
A little carelessness can quickly dull or damage even the best-quality ceramics and glassware. Here’s what you should steer clear of.
Using Abrasive Scrubs or Harsh Cleaners
Strong detergents, steel wool, or rough scouring pads can damage glazes and leave visible scratches. Over time, this dulls the shine and ruins the texture of your pieces.
Stacking Glassware Tightly
Stacking glasses to save space might seem convenient, but it creates pressure points that lead to cracks or chips. Always use stackable products or use separators like tissues, felt pads, or paper sheets between them.
Exposure to Sudden Temperature Changes
Rapid shifts in temperature can cause both ceramics and glass to crack or shatter. Avoid moving items directly from the fridge to the oven or pouring boiling water into cold containers.
Using Metal Utensils for Stirring or Serving
Metal spoons can leave scratches or marks, especially on glazed ceramics or glass pitchers. Use wooden or silicone spoons as they’re gentler and extend the life of your serveware.
Ignoring Tiny Cracks or Chips
Even the smallest cracks can expand with heat or washing. Not only does this compromise durability, but it can also make the item unsafe for use. If a piece is chipped, repurpose it instead of discarding it completely.
Lifesavers: Hacks to Protect and Prolong Their Life
When cared for correctly, ceramics and glassware can last for generations. Here are a few handy hacks that can make maintenance easier and smarter.
Baking Soda Magic
Baking soda is your gentle hero. Mix a small amount with water to form a paste. It’s perfect for removing tea or coffee stains from ceramic mugs or discoloration from plates. It cleans without scratching or dulling the glaze.
Vinegar Rinse for Glassware
Hard water can leave behind cloudy streaks on glass. A simple vinegar rinse can bring back the shine. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water, rinse your glassware, and dry with a microfiber cloth for a crystal-clear finish.
Felt Liners or Silicone Mats
To prevent chips or scratches inside cabinets or drawers, line them with felt pads or silicone mats. This cushions ceramics and prevents movement when you open or close shelves. You can even repurpose the anti-slip Embossed Cerulean Round Placemat Set Of 6 for secure storage of ceramic and glassware in shelves and cupboards.
Regular Polishing for Glassware
Polishing isn’t just for special occasions. Wipe down your glassware every few uses with a clean microfiber cloth to keep it looking new. It removes fingerprints, dust, and minor smudges that dull the surface.
Rotate Usage
If you have a set of mugs, plates, or glasses, try not to use the same few pieces every day. Rotate them so that wear and tear are distributed evenly. It keeps the entire collection in good condition and prevents uneven fading.
Looking for a variety of designs? Alternate between the Set Of 6 Stackable Drinking Glasses Ribbed and the Pink Lotus Square Borosilicate Glass Tumbler Set Of 4 for a perfect play of pattern and style!
Repurpose Smartly
Accidents happen. But that doesn’t mean your damaged ceramics or glassware must go to waste. Slightly chipped mugs can become planters or pen holders, while cracked bowls can serve as potpourri dishes or trinket trays.
Handle with Heart
Think of care as the final ingredient in good design. It’s what keeps your ceramics glossy and your glassware gleaming long after the first use. A few mindful habits like polishing often, protecting smartly, and preserving always, go a long way in keeping your Nestasia pieces looking their best.
But the real trick? It lies in choosing the right products for your home: pieces that are not only beautiful but built to last, designed with quality and craftsmanship in mind. When your ceramics and glassware are thoughtfully made, your care becomes effortless and your collection continues to shine moment after moment.
Because great design deserves great care, and a little attention makes all the difference.
info@nestasia.in
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