Tips for Removing Stains and Marks from Tableware
Nothing spoils a dinner party vibe faster than a wine-stained glass or a coffee-ringed plate. If you're someone who takes pride in your table settings, stained tableware is a frustrating issue.
But here's the thing: most stains aren't permanent, even when they seem impossibly set in.
Whether it's a hand-me-down porcelain plate or a trendy matte-black serving bowl set, knowing how to handle stains can save you a ton of frustration.
This article is your go-to guide for restoring the shine to your favorite pieces with easy, effective stain-removal techniques that’ll make your tableware guest-ready in no time.
Most Common Stains on Plates and Dishes
No matter how elegant your tableware set is, stains don’t care. Stains on dishware are different based on what caused them, and this affects how we can remove them. First, you need to identify what you’re dealing with:
Coffee and Tea: Mugs and cups made of white ceramic often get brown spots on them.
Tomato Sauce and Ketchup: Tomato-based condiments can leave orange-red spots because they are acidic.
Hard Water Marks: If your glasses no longer sparkle even after being washed often, it's probably because of minerals in hard water. Most of the time, these are calcium layers called lime that can be cleaned off with vinegar or certain cleaners.
Silverware Scratches: Ever noticed grayish streaks or lines on your plates? Those are likely metal marks from your cutlery.
Stain-Removing Fixes That Actually Work
Baking Soda
If you only take away one tip, let it be this: Baking soda is your friend. Baking soda is mildly abrasive – which makes it perfect for lifting stains without scratching most surfaces.
Mix a tablespoon or two with warm water to make a soft paste. Rub it gently over the stain using a soft cloth or sponge. Then, rinse thoroughly.
It works especially well for coffee, tea, and tomato-based stains. No harsh smells, no weird residue –just an effective cleaning product that you already have in your pantry.
Pro tip: For deeper stains, let the paste sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing. A little patience goes a long way. Just avoid using it on very delicate glazes or porous surfaces.
Cream of Tartar
Don’t have baking soda? Cream of tartar or potassium bitartrate is one of the best natural stain removers out there.
Sprinkle a bit directly onto the stain and add some water or lemon juice. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes before scrubbing gently with a wet scouring pad. After that, rinse with warm water and dab dry.
This simple technique works wonders on glazed porcelain and bone China.
Vinegar and Dish Soap
Got cloudy glassware that’s lost its sparkle? White vinegar is the solution to that:
- Soak items in a 1:1 mix of vinegar and water for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Rinse, then wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
For grease and oil-based stains, mix equal parts white vinegar and dish soap in a small bowl. Apply it with a sponge or microfiber cloth and give it a little elbow grease. The vinegar cuts through the oil, while the soap lifts it away.
Don’t like the smell of white vinegar? You can add a few drops of lemon juice to cut the vinegar scent.
Metal Marks
Cutlery Rest from our Table Complements Collection
Those gray scuff marks from knives and forks? They’re not actually scratches on your plate. They’re streaks of metal from your flatware. When stainless steel utensils rub against ceramic or porcelain, tiny bits of metal get left behind.
Here are some ways to get rid of utensil marks:
- Mix baking soda with water and rub in gentle circles.
- Apply ceramic cooktop cleaners if your plates have a glossy glaze.
- Use a magic eraser to remove light scratches.
Choose Stain-Resistant Tableware for Your Next Purchase
While most stains can be tackled with a little effort, the smartest move is choosing tableware that’s built to last in the first place.
Catalonia Plates stand out as a premium choice for those who expect more from their tableware. We have earned a reputation as the go-to for haute cuisine plates and dishes. All our tableware pieces are carefully crafted to resist stains and daily wear.
So whether you're setting the table for a quiet lunch or a full-blown holiday feast like Easter, Catalonia Plates delivers both function and practicality.
Ready to find your perfect set? View our entire catalog today!
