Complete Guide to Jingdezhen Porcelain Care and Maintenance

Daily Cleaning: The Gentle Approach

For everyday care, hand wash your porcelain with a mild dish soap and lukewarm water. Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth—never abrasive scouring pads, steel wool, or stiff brushes, which can leave micro-scratches on the glaze that dull the surface over time. If you must use a dishwasher, place each piece securely in the rack so nothing can rattle against its neighbor during the wash cycle. Use the gentle or china cycle, and skip the heated dry phase—let the pieces air-dry instead.

Removing Stubborn Stains

Tea stains and coffee rings are the most common offenders. Make a paste of baking soda and a few drops of water, apply it gently with a soft cloth, and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. For oily or greasy residue, a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water works wonders. Soak the piece for 10–15 minutes, then rinse and dry. Never use bleach or harsh chemical cleaners on porcelain—they can penetrate microscopic pores in the glaze and leach into the body over time.

Proper Storage and Display

When stacking plates or bowls, place a soft separator—felt, cloth, or foam—between each piece. This prevents the foot rim of one piece from scratching the glazed surface of the one below it. For cups and delicate items, avoid stacking altogether; display them individually on stable surfaces. Keep porcelain out of direct, prolonged sunlight, which can gradually fade underglaze pigments, especially red and gold decorations.

Long-Term Preservation

Always handle fine porcelain with clean, dry hands—the natural oils and acids from your skin, while seemingly harmless in the moment, can build up on the surface over years and affect the glaze’s brilliance. Avoid sudden temperature changes (thermal shock) at all costs: never pour boiling water into a cold porcelain teapot, and never move a piece directly from the freezer to the oven. Jingdezhen high-fire porcelain is exceptionally durable, but even it has limits.

When Damage Happens

If a chip or crack appears, address it promptly. Small chips can be smoothed with very fine-grit sandpaper (use caution—this is for the foot rim, not the glazed surface). For more significant restoration, consult a professional ceramic conservator. A well-cared-for piece of Jingdezhen porcelain can last centuries—some of the finest museum pieces in the world are over 500 years old and still radiant.

Your Jingdezhen porcelain deserves the best. Explore our premium collection, crafted to be cherished for generations.