Essential Guide To Caring For Your Mid Century Dinnerware

Mid century modern dinnerware sets have made a comeback in recent years with their retro-inspired designs. But to keep these iconic pieces looking their best while retaining value, proper care and cleaning are essential.

Overview of Mid Century Modern Dinnerware Sets

First produced in the post-war era of the 1930s-60s, mid century dinnerware features sleek, minimalist shapes with gentle curves and angles. Favoring function over ornamentation, patterns tend to be graphic or abstract in style.

Iconic collections like Russel Wright's American Modern dinnerware, introduced in 1939, showcase the mid century aesthetic with simple round shapes, clean lines, and bright hues. Later sets brought more exuberant designs, like Franciscan's famous Starburst pattern with concentric circles radiating from the center.

Common Materials

Vintage mid century dinnerware can be ceramic, enameled steel, glass, or melamine. Ceramic sets may be vitreous china, earthenware, porcelain, or stoneware. Understanding these materials is key for proper care.

• Porcelain - Made of kaolin clay, fine porcelains are more delicate.
• Stoneware - Denser and less porous than porcelain.
• Earthenware - Porous clay needing protective glaze.
• Glass/Melamine - Prone to chipping if dropped.

Why Proper Care is Essential

Due to their age, vintage mid century dinnerware requires gentle care. Harsh cleaning can damage fragile finishes, while improper storage can lead to cracks and chips.

Later and contemporary pieces also need care to prevent scrapes, fading, and clouding from regular use. Proper techniques keep sets looking their best while retaining value and investment.

Preserving Aesthetics and Value

As mid century ceramics grow increasingly collectible, condition is paramount. One small chip can dramatically reduce resale value of rare vintage dishes. Careful handling and display preserve investment while retaining beauty.

Maintaining Function and Durability

With regular use, minor damage is inevitable. But careful cleaning and storage minimizes wear, while replacing damaged pieces allows you to enjoy using, rather than just displaying, your mid century dinnerware.

Identifying Materials

Mid century dinnerware can be marked with manufacturer stamps, stickers, or etching that identifies the material. Maker's marks help date pieces and determine care needs. If unmarked, visual cues signal likely materials.

Manufacturer Marks

The underside of mid century plates and cups often features markings like "Vitreous China," "Ovenproof," or a printed pattern name. Research the manufacturer and pattern online to learn more.

Visual Cues

Porcelains have thinner, translucent walls while stoneware and earthenware pieces are thicker and more opaque. Glassware feels smooth and cool. Weight offers clues too--porcelain is lighter than robust stoneware.

Cleaning Tips

When cleaning mid century dinnerware, always use the gentlest method needed for the task. Test products in inconspicuous spots before wider use.

Handwashing

Gentle handwashing preserves decorative patterns best. Use moderate water temperature and a soft sponge or cloth with plain dish soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbers. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Dishwashers

If dishwasher-safe, place mid century pieces on upper racks away from heating elements. Select low temperature settings and non-abrasive detergent. Allow to fully dry before removing to prevent chipping.

Stain Removal

Treat stains quickly as dried spills can set. For dried food, soak pieces to loosen debris before washing. Mineral deposits respond well to white vinegar while a baking soda paste lifts grease.

Storage Recommendations

Improper storage causes unnecessary damage. Follow these tips to keep mid century dinnerware looking pristine between uses.

Climate Control

Keep dishes in temperate conditions away from dampness or drastic temperature swings which stress materials. Ideal conditions are 60-75degF and 40-60% relative humidity.

Careful Stacking

Stack plates and bowls carefully with even weight distribution to prevent cracking edges and rims. Place cups rim down and insert cloth napkins between each for protection.

Covering Decorated Surfaces

Drape soft linens over stacked mid century dinnerware to shield intricate patterns and delicate metallic finishes from abrasions during storage.

Caring for Collectibles

Rare vintage mid century ceramics require specialized care. Follow these conservation tips to preserve value and antique appeal.

Inspect Condition

Examine older pieces closely prior to cleaning, noting any hairline cracks, weakened handles, or loose glaze. Consult experts about fragile items and only handle gently.

Document Before Restoring

If attempting do-it-yourself touch-ups, photograph damage first for records. Minor mends may use porcelain repair epoxy while missing pieces can be custom-replaced.

Consider Displaying Only

For rarer collectibles, forgo use to prevent further wear. Display in cabinets or on stands to protect while still enjoying their beauty.

Sourcing Replacements

Replace damaged mid century dinnerware pieces to keep sets functional. Both vintage and new replacement pieces are available.

Secondhand Replacements

Sites like Replacements.com and eBay offer mixes of new old stock and previously-owned pieces to fill gaps in vintage sets. Shop estate sales and antique shops too.

Modern Replacements

Some mid century patterns remain in production, like Anchor Hocking's Fire King and Pyrex items. For other sets, custom fabrication services can recreate missing dishes.

Accompanying serving pieces and glassware need specialized care too. Follow material-specific tips to remove stains and prevent clouding, etching, and fading when cleaning.

Mid century dinnerware sets can be enjoyed for many years, even if they are not new. Follow these essential guidelines to keep these design classics looking their vibrant best.