Porcelain and faience
Wash white porcelain in the dishwasher on a short, low-temperature programme, spacing the pieces out to avoid knocks. Decorated faience and pieces with gilded lines should be washed by hand: lukewarm water, a mild detergent, and immediate drying with a soft cloth.
Crystal
Wash crystal by hand, one piece at a time, in lukewarm water with a drop of washing-up liquid, holding the piece by the stem. Avoid boiling water (risk of cracking) and the dishwasher, which dulls the sparkle. Dry with a lint-free cloth and store upright, without stacking.
Silver plate
Silver plate tarnishes on contact with air, moisture and certain foods (egg, vinaigrette, onion). Wash it straight after use, dry it carefully and polish it with a soft cloth or a dedicated product. Never store it damp, and avoid the dishwasher unless it is marked “dishwasher safe”.
Knives and steel cutlery
Stainless steel is dishwasher-safe but is prone to limescale marks from water: a rinse with a little white vinegar revives them. Dry quickly to avoid marks, and avoid leaving cutlery in contact with damp silver (galvanic couple).
Storage
Stack plates with a soft plate protector between them, store glasses upright without forcing them into each other, and do not overload the stacks: this is the leading cause of breakage indoors.