How to Care for Dinner Plates to Prevent Chips and Crazing

By Premium Dinnerware for Every Occasion | Published: 2026-10-29

Category: How-to Guides

Learn practical steps to prevent chips and crazing on your dinner plates, from hand-washing to smart storage, so your dinnerware stays beautiful for years.

Quick Answer

To keep your dinner plates chip-free and avoid crazing, hand-wash them with mild detergent, avoid thermal shock, and store them with protective padding between plates.

Why Crazing Happens and How to Avoid It

Crazing appears as fine cracks in the glaze and is often caused by sudden temperature changes. Stoneware, like our Dinner Plates, is durable but still benefits from gentle temperature handling. Avoid moving plates from the fridge straight to a hot oven or pouring boiling water over a cold plate.

Stacking and Storage: The Hidden Chip Risk

Most chips occur during storage, not use. When you stack plates, the rim of the plate below can knock against the foot of the plate above. A simple felt pad or paper plate between each layer prevents this. Also, keep stacks manageable—overfilling a cabinet can lead to toppling and edge damage.

Step-by-Step Dinner Plate Care

Wash by hand with mild detergent: Use warm water and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers and harsh dishwasher detergents that can dull the glaze over time. Check for food residue after washing; a gentle rinse prevents staining.
Avoid thermal shock: Let hot plates cool before washing and never place a cold plate directly into a hot oven or microwave. Sudden temperature changes can cause crazing. Wait at least 10 minutes after cooking before washing.
Dry plates completely before stacking: Moisture trapped between plates can encourage bacterial growth and leave water spots. Dry each plate with a soft towel and ensure it's fully dry before stacking. If you must stack while slightly damp, place a paper towel between plates.
Store with protective padding: Place a felt pad, paper plate, or cloth napkin between each plate to prevent rim-to-foot contact. Store stacks in a low-traffic cabinet to avoid accidental bumps. Limit stack height to 6-8 plates to reduce pressure on the bottom plates.
Handle with care during use: Carry plates with two hands and avoid sliding them across surfaces. When serving, use a spatula or tongs instead of metal utensils that can scratch the glaze. Use a trivet under hot plates to protect both the plate and your table.

Product Spotlight

Dinner Plates: These stoneware plates are hand-finished in Portugal and feature natural flecks that surface during firing. The natural variations mean each plate is unique, but they also make it important to avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the glaze.
Dinner Plates