Cleaning the patina from vintage tea cups?

[Saladin]

Blasphemy around here I'm sure, but I've got my reasons. I have a nice set of Japanese cups from a famous Mashiko potter (probably from the mid 70's) and the insides are quite stained from years of tea consumption. They are in otherwise perfect shape and have no cracks or chips despite their thin, delicate lips.

I've thought about cleaning them so the would look new, but I'm not sure of how I'd do it (dish-soap and toothbrush)? I'll say that I'm not completely obtuse and would never clean a vintage chawan or an antique hagi piece etc.. but these to me are slightly dirty looking and would look better clean. Any advice?

[entropyembrace]

soak them in a bleach solution.

[brose]

Check out this old topic http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=9976

I like the using baking soda paste for more delicate wares, or dilute bleach works very well, just dont let it soak in the bleach too long if it has a nice finish.

[Chip]

Funny, I prefer a brief soak with white vinegar for non porous teaware ... different strokes for different folks.

[IPT]

Can you show photos of the cups in question? That would help.

[Saladin]

Thanks for all of the advice. I'll try baking soda first as I'd like to stay away from harsh smelly chemicals. I'll try to snap a photo later.

[Saladin]

I couldn't find any baking soda yesterday so I tried a little baking soda toothpaste ... Worked a little bit. I'll try some vinegar.

Here is one of the cups. As you can see it's quite stained.

[Drax]

Here is one of the cups. As you can see it's quite stained.

Uh, are these photos "before" or "after"....?

[Saladin]

Before. Looks more stained in person (just inside).

[debunix]

From the photo, it's hard to tell stain from glaze pattern. Nice cup, regardless.