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It is often possible to remove stains from porcelain, stoneware, and pottery. Here are methods I've found to be effective and some cautions:
Carol Hearn
Wandering Creek Antiques
- 1. If the discoloration is surface utensil marks or some other kind of surface stain that hasn't penetrated the glaze, it can very often be permanently removed with Simichrome (available in hobby stores) or auto metal polish (available at auto supply stores). This won't removed any associated gouge, but will often fade the color of the stain. Be sure to polish very well and wash with soap and water before using the piece of china.
- 2. A denture cleaning tablet will sometimes remove coffee or tea discoloration from the inside of cups. Put 1/2 tablet in the cup and fill above the level of the stain with hot water. If stain is improved but not completely gone, repeat with other 1/2 tablet.
- 3. Older pottery and ironstone sometimes get ugly stains from oil seeping through the glaze at a glaze pop or crazing line. These aren't touched by soap and water or other normal cleaning efforts. AS A LAST RESORT soak item in bleach diluted with water (I use about half bleach) overnight. This works sometimes, but definitely not every time. Sometimes this treatment will cause the glaze to flake off after it dries, so it should be used with the understanding that it could make the problem worse.
- 4. I've also heard that peroxide (very inexpensive at a beauty supply store) can be used as a soak like bleach. I haven't tried this yet but plan to try.
Carol Hearn
Wandering Creek Antiques
Guide created: 06/09/07 (updated 12/20/11)
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