Preferred methods for cleaning porcelain

[tortoise]

I've done some cursory research and asked around a bit and I've heard some people like to use denture tablets, some use baking soda, and some use bleach to clean their porcelain ware. I'm hoping that a few of you can share with me your experience of cleaning tea stains from porcelain so I can cut down on my trial and error as I haven't done this before. I have just a few items that need a touch up.

Thank you for your time!

[wyardley]

Baking soda or powder, but not too thick a paste (so it's not too abrasive). Or a microfiber towel / sponge may work.

[Chip]

Straight, clear vinegar. Fill the cup with vinegar and let it soak for a while, then clean with some kind of sponge or whatever, sometimes a bottle brush. This usually does the trick quite nicely.

[tortoise]

but not too thick a paste (so it's not too abrasive).

See, that's the kind of tip you don't always find. Thanks.

Straight, clear vinegar. Fill the cup with vinegar and let it soak for a while, then clean with some kind of sponge or whatever, sometimes a bottle brush. This usually does the trick quite nicely.

Ah. Easiest of all, sounds like. Thanks.

[Chip]

but not too thick a paste (so it's not too abrasive).

See, that's the kind of tip you don't always find. Thanks.

Straight, clear vinegar. Fill the cup with vinegar and let it soak for a while, then clean with some kind of sponge or whatever, sometimes a bottle brush. This usually does the trick quite nicely.

Ah. Easiest of all, sounds like. Thanks.

If that does not work, then I sandblast. Stains gone!

[teaisme]

Or a microfiber towel / sponge may work.

+1

Microfiber cloth + hot water = clean porcelain

[rdl]

Baking soda or powder, but not too thick a paste (so it's not too abrasive). Or a microfiber towel / sponge may work.

if your stains are not too strong i think a long simple soaking in a baking soda (i dissolve a good amount of it added to water) without scrubbing usually works. a q-tip or light cotton cloth wiping while still wet gets off the loosened build-up.

from wikipedia:
"Most commercially-available baking powders are made up of an alkaline component (typically baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate)... Baking soda is the source of the carbon dioxide..."

[Jayaratna]

I use to brush them with the inner side of a halved lemon and let them soak for a while, then I wash them with dishsoap. If the stains resist, I boil porcelains in water mixed with vinegar.

[Chasm]

The vinegar soak and rinse is good for serious stains. If anything remains a microfiber cloth might get rid of them, or a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. If you use the Magic Eraser, do it either under water or under running water keeping everything completely soaked to minimize abrasiveness. I've yet to find anything that doesn't come off with this method.

[Chasm]

I forgot to answer for regular cleaning once you've gotten rid of any stains. For teaware, where I don't want to risk soap residue (I can taste it in the greens I drink), I go with a prompt and thorough rinse after use using my fingertips for scrubbing, followed by a scalding rinse.

Where I currently live, between what's already in the water and the amount of water softener salt the building uses, I towel-dry each piece immediately after the scalding rinse -- rinse one piece, dry, rinse another piece, dry.

[Alex]

I guess if it builds up then I'd use vinegar. But I clean all my stuff straight after use and use warm water and a micro fiber cloth.

[tortoise]

I guess if it builds up then I'd use vinegar. But I clean all my stuff straight after use and use warm water and a micro fiber cloth.

Straight after use, huh? I can do that about 80 percent of the time.

Good news: Just a little vinegar took care of it. All my stuff looks brand spanking new again.

[Chip]

I guess if it builds up then I'd use vinegar. But I clean all my stuff straight after use and use warm water and a micro fiber cloth.

Straight after use, huh? I can do that about 80 percent of the time.

Good news: Just a little vinegar took care of it. All my stuff looks brand spanking new again.

uh huh, that's right!

[Alex]

Yeah vinegar always gets the tough stuff out.

[betta]

It depends on what kind of stain you want to remove.

For porcelain, especially antique ones, I suggest to use regular weak bleach solution boil gently for 10-15 min will be enough to remove stain caused by organics, such as tea stain.

Baking soda and acid are abrasive chemicals, will be useful for inorganic stain, such as calc, etc. Since they're abrasive, you should try to avoid using it as best as you can.
As a substitute to vinegar, you may try citric acid powder which does not release unpleasant odor like that of vinegar.