The Best Way To Remove Stains From Fine China Is Hiding In Your Bathroom

Whether you have your own china set at home or you're on a quest to amass more vintage pieces, discovering stubborn stains on porcelain can be disheartening. However, they're not uncommon — and despite how severe they may look, they may not even be all that permanent or hard to beat. All you need to get rid of porcelain staining caused by darker foods and liquids, such as tea, coffee, and even chocolate, is two things you probably already have at home: hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.

We've long known that baking soda is effective at removing stains from enamel. And when combined with vinegar, baking soda is also great for cleaning up chocolate marks. But until now, we haven't quite grasped this powder's magical powers when used alongside hydrogen peroxide. However, before you start pouring this concoction all over your grandmother's china, there are a few things you should know.

To begin, you should clean the china in question with regular dish soap and warm water, using a sponge or microfiber cloth to remove any surface residue. Much like when you use baking soda to restore CorningWare, your ultimate goal is to clean and brighten your pieces thoroughly without fading, chipping, or other more permanent damage. Cleaning your china first should also make your stains stand out more, so you know exactly where to target with your baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

Once your dishware is cleaned, it's time to make a paste using baking soda and a small amount of water. Apply this to the stains and leave it in place for about 15 to 20 minutes so the baking soda can work its magic. After letting it set, use a toothbrush or another soft-bristled brush to scrub the stain, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a soft cloth.

Next, it's time to add the hydrogen peroxide. Thanks to its natural bleaching agents, this step should fully lift the stain. You simply apply the solution to the stain and let your dish sit again — this time for ten to fifteen minutes before brushing away the stain, rinsing, and drying.

If you find your stains still need more work, you can repeat the process or try adding a round with lemon juice or white vinegar.