Love Your Dishes Longer: Easy Tips for Cleaning and Storing Your Dinnerware

Every dish, plate, and bowl from Coton Colors is designed with care and attention to detail. From the material choice to the hand-finished touches, our dishware collections keep your tablescape looking polished. With a few simple habits, you can ensure your serveware and serving dishes stay in exceptional condition for years to come.  

Caring for your everyday serving dishes and seasonal styles is a small act that makes a big difference. These routines help preserve both their charm and functionality, whether you use ceramic serving platters, wood plates, or heirloom fine China.  

The Importance of Caring for Your Dishes and Serveware 

Your serving dishes are part of your daily rhythm and the special memories you create around the table. Taking care of your serveware isn’t just practical; it also reflects the same thoughtfulness that inspired you to collect these designs in the first place.  

Whether you use your serving dishes, plates, and bowls daily or only break them out for special occasions, proper care helps extend the life and beauty of your serveware. Having styles in different materials {from a wood plate to a ceramic serving platter} adds unique character to your collection, and knowing how to care for each ensures they remain part of your table year after year.  

 Common Dish Materials  

Dinnerware comes in many forms, and each material brings its own personality to the table. From the refined look of porcelain to the earthy warmth of wood plates and wood boards from our Fundamentals Collection, understanding what your dishes, plates, and bowls are made of helps you appreciate their beauty and function even more. Whether you’re setting the table with everyday serveware or pulling out a favorite serving platter for guests, each material adds a distinct touch to your collection:  

•  Ceramic – Timeless and versatile, known for its smooth finish and classic appeal.  

• Porcelain – Refined and delicate, often reserved for special occasions or formal dining.  

• Stoneware – Rustic and durable, with a handcrafted look that brings warmth to any table.  

• Wood – Natural and inviting, found in wood plates, wood boards, and other serveware that add organic charm to your spread.  

Ceramic Serving Dishes and Plates  

Ceramic serving dishes and plates are staples in any home, offering a perfect balance of beauty and everyday durability. Crafted from earthenware chosen for its strength and classic look, these styles are designed to be used often, whether a selection from Signature White for weeknight dinners or Iris Blue for an impromptu dinner party with friends. Their versatile nature and comfortable weight make them a go-to choice for daily dining.  

Although they’re built to last, ceramic dishes still benefit from a bit of mindful handling to help preserve their finish and form. While no ceramic is completely chip-proof, our thoughtfully designed collections of ceramic plates, bowls, and serving dishes are dishwasher- and microwave-safe and made to stand up to regular use.  

Porcelain and Stoneware Dishes 

Porcelain and stoneware dishes bring a refined touch to any table and are often reserved for holidays, celebrations, and special family meals. With their delicate detailing, hand-painted finishes, and occasional metallic accents, these designs transform an ordinary tablescape into something memorable.  

 To keep porcelain and stoneware serving dishes looking their best, handle them with care and handwash whenever possible. High heat and strong detergents can dull their finish or damage metallic designs. Gentle cleansing and soft storage barriers between stacked serving platters, plates, and other dishes will help preserve their beauty.   

Wood Boards, Bowls, and More 

Wood serving platters bring a sense of warmth and natural beauty to your table, with each design showcasing its own unique grain and character. The rich, organic texture of wood adds depth to any tablescape, whether you’re using wood plates for everyday meals or a wood board to serve appetizers to family and friends. Our Fundamentals Collection highlights the beauty of acacia wood – chosen for its strength, smooth finish, and striking variations in tone that make every style one of a kind.  

Designed to be both functional and timeless, these serving dishes and bowls are meant to be used often and loved well. Acacia wood is naturally durable, but to maintain its color and luster, it benefits from a little extra care. Handwashing and occasionally conditioning with food-safe oil will keep the surface hydrated and protected, preventing cracks or dullness over time.   

The Right Way to Wash Dishes  

Most dishes and serving platters are dishwasher-safe, but some benefit from a gentler approach to maintain their beauty and finish. Understanding which plates, bowls, and serveware need a little extra care helps preserve their details, materials, and craftsmanship. Handwashing is essential for designs made from natural or delicate materials, as it helps prevent fading, cracking, and surface wear over time.  

 When in doubt, always opt for handwashing to protect the finishes that make your serving dishes feel special. A soft sponge, mild soap, and warm water are all you need to keep these styles looking their best.  

Avoid soaking or harsh scrubbing for serveware with intricate designs or natural materials such as:  

•  Wood boards, wood plates, and wood serving utensils  
• Styles with hand-painted or metallic accents  
• Limited-edition or heirloom-quality designs 

Handwashing Techniques for Delicate Dishes 

When handwashing your dishes, plates, and bowls, use a soft sponge or cloth paired with mild dish soap to gently lift away food without damaging the surface. Abrasive scrubbers can scratch or dull the finish, especially on materials like stoneware or serveware with decorative glazes. For delicate styles {like your great-grandmother’s fine China}, it’s best to wash one at a time to prevent bumping or chipping in the sink.  

Avoid harsh cleaners or bleach, as they can strip away protective glazes or fade hand-painted details. Always rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue, then dry immediately with a soft towel to prevent water spots. A few extra moments of gentle care help keep your serving dishes, wood plates, handcrafted bowls, and other favorites looking their best for years of use.  

 How to Care for Wood Dishes and Serveware  

Wood plates, wood boards, and serveware require a bit of extra care to preserve their natural beauty and strength. Never place them in the dishwasher or leave them soaking in water, as prolonged moisture and high heat can cause warping, cracking, or a dull finish. Instead, gentle cleansing and quick drying will help preserve their smooth surface and rich color.   

To clean your wood plates, bowls, and boards, wipe them with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry immediately with a soft towel. For tougher spots, use a soft-bristled brush to loosen residue without scratching the surface, and avoid harsh cleaners or steel wool. Once clean, regular conditioning with food-safe wood oil helps restore moisture, enhance the grain, and protect each style for long-lasting use.   

Using Wood Oil to Preserve Your Wood Dishes 

Wood oil helps condition and protect your favorite wood plates, boards, and bowls, keeping them from drying out or cracking over time. Our Wood Treatment Oil is food-safe and specially formulated to restore luster while extending the life of your wooden serveware, serving dishes, and utensils.  

To use, apply a small amount of oil to a clean, dry surface with a soft cloth, allowing it to soak in, then buff gently to a subtle sheen. This simple step replenishes moisture, enhances the natural color, and creates a protective barrier against wear. For the best results, condition your wood dishes and wood boards once a month or more often if they’re part of your everyday dinnerware collection.  

Drying and Airflow Tips for Serving Dishes and Serveware 

 Proper drying is an important step that’s often overlooked when caring for dishes, plates, bowls, and serveware. Even the most carefully washed designs can develop water spots, odors, or dull finishes if moisture is left behind. After washing, gently towel-dry each style with a soft cloth, paying special attention to edges, crevices, and grooves in wood boards or patterned stoneware.  

Allowing for airflow while drying can also help protect your tableware. Use a dish rack with ample space between plates, bowls, and serveware so air can circulate freely and avoid stacking wet dishes on top of one another. For delicate designs or wood plates and boards, never let them sit damp for long periods, and always finish with a soft towel to maintain their color, luster, and integrity.   

How to Store Your Seasonal Dishes 

From autumn gatherings to summer al fresco affairs, keep your table fresh and your collection in top condition when you rotate your serving dishes and serveware seasonally. Off-season styles can be stored carefully in protective bins or with felt liners to prevent scratches and maintain their finish. Before bringing them back into rotation, inspect each design for small chips, cracks, or dryness in wood boards and other natural materials.  

This simple practice not only protects your collection but also encourages mindful use, allowing you to rediscover favorites and add a sense of occasion to every seasonal gathering. By rotating your tableware thoughtfully, you ensure that every serving dish or dinner plate remains ready to shine whenever you need it.   

Protecting Plates and Bowls from Everyday Damage 

Keeping your plates, bowls, and serving dishes in excellent condition starts with a few simple habits. Avoid stacking too many styles directly on top of each other. If you do need to stack them, use felt or soft separators to help prevent surface scratches and chips. When putting dishes away, lift and place them gently instead of dragging them across hard countertops or shelves, which can wear down glazes and cause edge damage over time.  

Temperature changes can also affect your dishes, so be mindful of thermal shock. Moving dishes directly from a hot oven or microwave into cold water {or vice versa} can cause cracking. And while it’s tempting to use metal utensils for serving, they can leave gray marks on glazed surfaces. You can still curate a stylish collection of utensils using wood or silicone, which will also keep your serveware and serving dishes looking their best.  

Everyday Maintenance Habits for Dinnerware 

A few small, consistent habits can make a big difference in keeping your plates, bowls, and serving dishes in the best possible shape. Wiping down cabinets and shelves, re-oiling wood boards monthly, and checking for minor scratches or residue ensures that your dishes stay in excellent condition.  

Keeping a soft cloth handy for quick touch-ups and washing dishes soon after use helps prevent build-ups and avoid unnecessary wear. By making these routines part of your regular kitchen rhythm, caring for your collection becomes easy, practical, and stress-free.  

 Smart Serving Dish and Serveware Storage and Organization 

Keeping your serving dishes and serveware organized not only makes them easy to access but also protects delicate styles and encourages you to use them more often. Thoughtful storage preserves the condition of your plates, bowls, and serving dishes, whether they’re part of your daily routine or reserved for special moments. Store each design based on how often it’s used, ensuring everything has a place and remains in excellent condition year-round.   

• Daily dinnerware – Stack carefully in easy-to-reach cabinets with dividers or rubber shelf liners for added grip and protection.  

• Seasonal or special-use styles – Store in protective containers or felt-lined bins, and label them for quick access when entertaining.  

• Wood boards and platters – Keep upright in a rack or store vertically in a cabinet to save space and prevent warping.  

• Bakeware – Nest similar sizes together and place a soft cloth or towel between each style to prevent scratching or chipping.  

 With a few mindful habits, your bowls, plates, and serving dishes can look as lovely years from now as they do today. Taking time to wash gently, store thoughtfully, and care for special materials like wood and stoneware helps preserve the quality and charm that makes your collection unique.  

From weeknight dinners with your everyday dishes to festive celebrations with seasonal serveware, each well-kept style tells a story, and thoughtful care ensures those stories continue for years to come. With the proper attention, your serving dishes, wood boards, and bowls will always be ready for you to set a table you love.