China Storage - Did You Ever Hear the Expression ?A Bull in a China Shop?? It Doesn?t Take

Your china is incredibly delicate; even a clumsy slip or rough landing can completely shatter a precious piece. Because each item is often exceptional and irreplaceable, careful handling and proper storage are essential to prevent damage. This guide offers practical tips to keep your chinaware safe and pristine for years to come.

Choosing the Right Storage Solutions

Always treat your china delicately, as it can scratch or chip very easily. Protecting it from falling isn't the only concern; you also need to prevent surface damage. One effective way to ensure protection is to invest in specialized china storage bags or boxes.

Specialty china storage solutions, such as:

These options offer both superior protection and an attractive way to display or store your collection. Prices for these items can vary widely, typically ranging from about $10 to $100, depending on the type and quality.

If you prefer not to buy plate dividers, you can easily create your own using foam or felt circles. Simply cut circles slightly smaller than your plate's diameter and place them between plates and bowls. This simple step prevents them from clashing against each other and getting damaged while stored.

Where is the Best Place to Store China?

Inside your cupboards, the safest place for your china is on the lower shelves. Stacking china too high can make it difficult to access and increase the risk of items falling. Many china collectors opt to install heavy-duty sliding drawers under countertops for their chinaware. While this might be a more significant investment, it offers excellent safety by eliminating the need for storage on high shelves. If custom drawers aren't an option, prioritizing lower cupboards is your best bet.

When stacking plates, a good rule of thumb is not to exceed eight inches in height. Overly tall stacks of plates can easily topple, risking damage to many pieces. Even if you're using plate protectors, stacking too many china pieces on top of each other poses a significant risk and should be avoided.

Preparing Your China for Storage

Before putting your china away, always ensure that you wash and dry each item carefully. Failure to do so could lead to minor damage, scratches, chipping, or dust accumulation. To minimize dust, consider investing in a china case, which is specifically designed to keep your chinaware not only protected but also dust-free.

Protecting Your China from Earthquakes

While an earthquake might not be the first thing you think about when storing china, tremors are a common cause of damage. To protect your china from earthquake-related destruction, store pieces on lower shelves and install latches or locks on your cupboard doors. This prevents contents from falling out during a shake.

Taking care of your china pieces doesn't have to be difficult. It's simply a matter of implementing safety measures and valuing your chinaware beyond regular dishes. These small investments in time and proper storage are well worth it to preserve your cherished collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high can I stack china plates?

You should not stack plates more than eight inches high. Overly tall stacks can easily topple, increasing the risk of damage, even with plate protectors.

Should I wash my china before storing it?

Yes, always wash and thoroughly dry your china items before storing them. This prevents minor damage, scratches, chipping, and dust accumulation over time.

How can I protect my china from earthquake damage?

To protect china from earthquakes, store pieces on lower shelves and install latches or locks on your cupboard doors. This helps prevent items from falling out during tremors.