Royal Albert China has been the apple of every home’s eye worldwide, due to its unique beautiful design and delicate craftsmanship. Famous for the charming floral patterns and timeless elegance, this fine china adorns a number of homes and is always a favorite for tea parties and special occasions or just basic everyday luxury.
Among the frequently asked questions by amateurs and collectors of Royal Albert, one is whether this beautiful china can be safely washed in a dishwasher. Further on, we shall take a closer look at the peculiarities of behavior with Royal Albert China in respect of its treatment and the question of whether a dishwasher is suitable for its cleaning.
What Is Royal Albert China Made Of?
Royal Albert China is made from quality bone china, a type of porcelain that incorporates bone ash to achieve an extremely translucent yet delicate appearance with strength. Bone china is most well-known for being lightweight yet resistant to chipping, which makes it different from other types of porcelain. The addition of bone ash makes the china durable as well as resilient; however, it is still prone to damage brought about by various factors such as extreme temperature fluctuations, harsh detergents, and abrasive materials.
Understanding the Sensitivity of Royal Albert China
Royal Albert China is much more sensitive than the other types of porcelains because they are usually intricately detailed, hand-painted, and sometimes feature gold or silver gilding. It is sensitive in nature because:
- Thin Fragile Construction: Lighter in weight compared to other kinds of china, this both delivers a resilience in certain aspects but is equally prone to chipping.
- Hand-painted Detailing: Much of the gold and silver detailing on pieces produced by Royal Albert is done by hand, which can make these pieces much more easily subjected to fading or tarnishing.
- Sensitive to Temperature: Shock associated with extreme temperature changes may cause crackling or crazing of the glaze, which has a negative effect on the aesthetic and structural integrity of the china.
Given such sensitivities, it would be important to take a closer look into the viability of such delicate products in high temperatures and water pressure inside dishwashers.
Can You Put Royal Albert China in the Dishwasher?
While Royal Albert China pieces are durable, they are not designed to resist the unfavorable conditions of a dishwasher. Most dishwashers have extreme heat, pressure, and powerful detergents that will definitely be highly injurious to bone china. Here is a breakdown of reasons why the use of dishwashers is generally not advisable for such delicate items:
- Temperature Risk: Washers get extremely hot during a cycle that may cause thermal shock to the fine china. A sudden change in temperature may cause it to crack or cause “crazing,” which refers to the small, fine lines that appear across the glaze.
- Damage to Gilding and other Ornamentation: The nature of dishwasher detergents is usually too strong to be used with the gilding and ornamental paint used on Royal Albert China. Over time, the dishwasher detergent will burn away at these embellishments causing them to fade and not be as bright.
- High Water Pressure: The strong jets of water inside a dishwasher can cause lighter items to shift around, making them more susceptible to chipping and scratching-or even breaking.
Exceptions to Using a Dishwasher
Some Royal Albert China may today be labeled “dishwasher safe”, meaning they underwent a treatment to withstand certain dishwasher cycles. Even those are recommended for the gentlest settings only, and for fine china, it is highly recommended to hand-wash them in order to keep their integrity over time.
How to Clean Royal Albert China Correctly
To preserve the beauty of Royal Albert China and ensure that it lives for a very long time, the following are some standard care instructions recommended:
1. Hand Wash in Warm Water
The most gentle and most effective way to clean Royal Albert China is simply washing by hand. Never thermal shock by exposing it to very hot or very cold water, always use lukewarm water. Use a mild type of detergent without abrasives or harsh chemicals. Fill the sink with warm water and add just a few drops of gentle dishwashing soap, then carefully wash each piece with a soft sponge or cloth.
2. Shun Harsh Detergents
Strong detergents and those with bleach or lemon can erode bone china. A mild detergent will clean but with so much gentleness that it won’t strip away any decorative elements or damage the surface of the China. Always read the ingredients in the detergent and avoid any product that is high in harsh chemicals or contains strong abrasive properties.
3. Use a Soft Cloth or Sponge
Cleaning Royal Albert China is usually best done without using scouring pads or any abrasive materials because this will scratch the glaze. A soft sponge or cloth will serve, with light wiping motions cleaning off most of the residue without the risk of causing any type of damage.
4. Rinsing Thoroughly
Wash each piece and rinse off with lukewarm water to clear all soap residue. Leaving any soap residue may discolor the china into a dull or cloudy appearance, thus losing its luster. If occasionally the soapy residue remains, it may also have some acidic reaction on the gilding since it was not washed properly.
5. Air Drying or Towel Drying
Rinse and dry immediately to prevent water spots or streaks. Pieces should be gently dried with a soft, dry, and lint-free cloth or air-dried on a clean dish rack. Do not drip dry; standing water can cause eventual dulling of the glaze.
Safe Storing of Royal Albert China
Additional care in storing not-in-use pieces of Royal Albert China to avoid chips, cracks, and fading includes:
1. Avoid Stacking When Not Necessary
Stacking bone china plates often results in scratching, especially if the edges have gilded rims. In case stacking of your plates is absolutely necessary, insert a soft cloth or a felt separator in between each plate to avoid scratches and glaze abrasion.
2. Padded Storage Cases for Long-Term Storage
If you’re looking for long-term storage, or perhaps you use your Royal Albert China only on special occasions, investing in padded storage cases will be a good idea. These are designed in such a way that they protect fine china against accidental bumps or jostling, and many of them are made with dividers to promote easy organization.
3. Store in a Low-Humidity Environment
High levels of humidity might result in mold growth or discolorations on the fine china. Keep your china in a cool, dry place to save it from going bad in quality and appearance. Some collectors suggest silica gel packs for keeping the storing area dry.
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight
This is particularly true for Royal Albert China’s bright, floral designs. Never store any type of china near a window or any other source of direct sunlight, as this can lead to fading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newer Royal Albert China Dishwasher Safe?
Some pieces of today’s Royal Albert can be washed in the dishwasher, but even these are better hand washed to preserve fragile details. Always check with the manufacturer such recommendations, but if unsure, take the path that’s easiest on the china-hand washing.
Can Royal Albert China Go in the Microwave?
No, never microwave bone china featuring metal accents as a general rule. The metallic gilding can cause arcing and may eventually damage both the china and the microwave.
How Do I Clean Stubborn Stains on Royal Albert China?
If particularly stubborn, avoid bleach or harsh cleansers. Instead, soak in a mixture of water at room temperature and baking soda for several minutes, then scrub gently with a soft cloth.
Properly taking care of Royal Albert China preserves radiant beauty while maintaining its value over time. With these tips, a little TLC for each of your pieces will have you enjoy your collection of Royal Albert being part of your home for years to come.
