Porcelain cleaning and care for your Rosenthal tableware

Porcelain in the dishwasher: friend or foe?

When cleaning porcelain tableware, it depends on the decoration. White porcelain tableware without decoration is generally dishwasher-safe and easy to care for. However, even the Rosenthal tableware collections with elaborate decorations are usually dishwasher safe. Look for corresponding information such as “dishwasher safe” or “dishwasher suitable” in the product description. Rosenthal porcelain also has the best properties in terms of abrasion and scratch resistance.

Gold rims and decorations in the dishwasher: special care for special details

In Rosenthal tableware designs with decorations, the colors are melted into the glaze at over 1000°C. This softens the glaze and the decoration sinks into it. This makes the porcelain tableware indestructible in terms of color and luminosity. Decorations marked in this way have been tested by the Institute for Materials Technology (IWT) at Rosenthal GmbH. This makes care and cleaning of the porcelain tableware very easy.

The tableware can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher. Although Rosenthal porcelain tableware is highly resistant to abrasion and scratches, a little more care and special attention is required for gold and platinum decorations. Due to their natural material properties, gold and platinum coatings are not completely scratch-resistant. For elaborate gold decorations, therefore, use the gentle cycle at a maximum temperature of 55°C in the dishwasher or wash by hand using a mild detergent and soft sponges.

Dishwasher-safe bone china – elegant, translucent, easy to care for

Bone china is one of the finest types of porcelain in the world – light, delicate, yet particularly sturdy. The surface appears silky smooth and slightly translucent, but is technically a glass-like layer that should be treated accordingly. Rosenthal uses bone china in selected collections, such as the Rosenthal Brillance collection or the minimalist Jade tableware collection, which perfectly combine elegance and everyday practicality.

Despite its delicate nature, bone china is dishwasher safe, provided that a few points are observed: Over the years, deposits or discoloration can occur due to starch deposits from food, hard water, or incorrect detergent dosages – especially if dishwashers are not set optimally. These deposits can develop into a thin but stubborn film over time. To prevent this, we recommend the following measures:

• the correct dosage of detergent, dishwasher rinse aid, and salt,
• regular maintenance of the dishwasher,
• occasional cleaning of the porcelain with a liquid porcelain or ceramic hob cleaner.

Such stains do not affect the glaze – they can usually be removed completely. The harder and denser the material, the better it is protected against the effects of machine cleaning – a clear advantage of bone china and hard porcelain. Rosenthal uses only high-quality bone china, which not only looks impressive but also impresses in everyday use with its high dishwasher resistance.

Is porcelain heat-resistant and oven-proof?

Whether porcelain is oven-proof depends on how it is manufactured. High-quality porcelain, such as that produced by Rosenthal, is generally temperature-resistant and can be used in the oven. However, you should avoid sudden changes in temperature, as these can cause tension in the material.

Therefore, do not preheat the oven, but place the porcelain in the cold oven and heat it slowly. Avoid direct contact with open flames or hotplates. It is also possible to freeze porcelain, but it should be completely thawed before reheating to avoid overstressing the material.

Microwave-safe tableware

Rosenthal porcelain without metal trims can be safely used in the microwave – ideal for quickly reheating food. Series with gold or platinum rims are excluded from this. If in doubt, please refer to the information on the product detail page.

  Hand wash for high-quality decorations

With this decor, the appearance of the porcelain and its artistic design are paramount. Dishwasher safety is deliberately not a priority here. The use of high-quality colors and the subtle design mean that the dishwasher should not be used. This decor has been tested by the Institute for Materials Technology (IWT) at Rosenthal GmbH. The tableware should only be washed by hand.

Rosenthal porcelain: quality that impresses

Rosenthal has stood for excellent porcelain quality and innovative design for over 140 years. The products are characterized by their high temperature resistance, dishwasher safety, and durability. The Rosenthal Dining Collections offer a wide range of tableware collections that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The use of high-quality materials and careful porcelain production and processing ensure that Rosenthal porcelain retains its shine and beauty even with regular use. The combination of tradition and modernity makes each piece a timeless and durable companion.

Cleaning dishwasher-safe glasses correctly

Many glasses today are dishwasher safe – however, there are a few things to keep in mind when cleaning them. If possible, use the gentle cycle at a maximum temperature of 60°C and a mild detergent to protect the material and decoration. Place the glasses securely in the dishwasher basket so that they cannot knock or rub against each other. A slight tilt is ideal so that the rinse water drains well and no stains form.

Even though Rosenthal glasses are designed for everyday use, gentle cleaning protects them from premature clouding or a dull shine – especially clear, long-stemmed glasses.

Hand wash for delicate decorations

For glasses with printed decorations, gold or platinum embellishments, and lead crystal, we recommend washing by hand. Harsh cleaning agents and high temperatures in the dishwasher can quickly damage delicate surfaces or cause colors to fade. Instead, use lukewarm water and a mild dishwashing detergent.

Our tip: Never place several glasses in the sink at the same time – this prevents scratches or breakage. After rinsing, you should immediately dry the glasses with a soft cloth. When polishing tumbler glasses, be careful not to twist the stem – this can cause it to break off.

Stainless steel and PVD cutlery – robust but not indestructible

Cutlery made of stainless steel or with a high-quality PVD coating is generally dishwasher safe. However, Rosenthal recommends cleaning by hand to minimize external influences. In the dishwasher, aggressive detergents, high temperatures, or prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to staining or rust, especially on knife blades.

Care instructions for dishwasher-safe stainless steel cutlery:

• Rinse cutlery as soon as possible after use to remove any acidic or salty food residues (e.g., vinegar, mayonnaise, fish stock).
• Arrange cutlery upright with the handles facing down in the cutlery basket – make sure that spoons do not slip into each other.
• Remove the cutlery immediately after the wash cycle has ended, even if it appears dry, and dry it by hand.
• Avoid washing stainless steel and silver cutlery in the same cutlery basket of the dishwasher to prevent contact corrosion.
• Light stains can be easily removed with a non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner.

Cleaning silver cutlery – timeless elegance, gentle care

Silver-plated cutlery brings shine and tradition to the table – and deserves special attention. Even though it is generally dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended to preserve its shine and patina in the long term. The shine of silver cutlery is best preserved when it is used daily.

• Special features of silver care:
• Silver tarnishes when it comes into contact with substances containing sulfur – such as egg yolk, mustard, legumes, or fish.
• Sulfur-containing gases in the air also cause discoloration during prolonged storage.
• Use silver care products that prevent tarnishing in the form of cloths, pastes, or immersion baths for regular cleaning.
• Store your silver in a specially lined cutlery tray or in impregnated felt cloths.

Gold-plated cutlery – elegant but delicate

Gold-plated cutlery is characterized by its elegant and shiny surface. During the gold-plating process, the finest hard gold is applied to the cutlery items by electrolysis. Rosenthal's high-quality gold-plated cutlery impresses with its luxurious appearance. To ensure that the gold coating retains its shine, hand washing only is recommended.

How to clean gold-plated cutlery correctly:

• Rinse immediately after use to prevent deposits from forming. Do not allow food residues or other liquids to dry, as these can attack the gold plating.
• Use a soft cloth, mild detergent, and lukewarm water.
• Make sure to thoroughly clean the spaces between tines, e.g., between the prongs of a fork.
• Rinse each piece from top to bottom and dry it immediately by hand to prevent water spots.
• Store your gold cutlery in a dry and protected place – ideally in a separate cutlery tray.
• Polish your cutlery once or twice a year with a polish that is specifically designed for gold cutlery.
• Switch between cutlery items regularly to ensure even wear.