Polish Pottery Stoneware - Use and Care:
Polish stoneware may be used with confidence in your oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher. Each piece may be used in the regular oven at temperatures of up to 350 degrees.
The non-porous protective glaze finish provides improved grip and easy cleaning - no need to soak.
Stoneware pottery retains both heat and cold for long periods of time.
Please try to avoid dropping this stoneware. While our dishes are incredibly tough, all clay products are breakable.
Avoid sharp temperature swings: cold to hot or vice versa. Always allow stoneware to cool to room temperature prior to adding liquid or cleaning. Putting hot stoneware into cool water can cause it to crack or break. When taking a piece from the refrigerator or freezer, allow it to warm to room temperature before placing in the oven.
Do not use pottery dishes on an electric burner, under broiler or on direct heat source.
Stoneware can become really hot in the oven. Always use a pot holder or oven mitt when dealing with hot stoneware.
With a little care, your Boleslawiec stoneware dinnerware will provide years of beauty and enjoyment.

Polish Crystal Stemware - Use and Care:
The difference between glass and crystal is evident to the eye, and we can see it when a crystal chandelier casts color spectrums through the whole room. The higher the lead content, the more dazzling the chandelier.

The meaning of crystal, versus glass, changes according to the country. The word "crystal" means, in most of the western world, the presence of lead.   According to European Union rules, glass goods containing less than 4% lead are defined as "glass". Goods containing more than 10% lead are defined as "crystal", and goods containing more than 30% lead are defined as "highly leaded crystal".   In the USA it is the opposite - glass is defined as "crystal" if it contains only 1% lead.   Polish Crystal, the term "crystal" is used for any exquisite, high quality glass. Leaded crystal means crystal containing more than  24% lead oxide.

The presence of lead in crystal softens the glass and makes it more accessible for cutting and engraving.  Lead increases the weight of the glass and causes the glass to diffract light.  Glass can contain up to 40% lead, if maximum hardness is desired.  On the other hand, crystal can contain less than 24% lead if it has a high proportion of barium oxide, which ensures high quality light diffraction.

Care of Crystal and Glassware

Glassware and china are not used every day; however, they are usually cherished. Perhaps they were gifts from someone we care for a great deal. Setting our table with their brilliant beauty gives a feeling of elegance. Costly and “special” with good memories attached, they deserve particular care.

Hot foods should not be placed in your glassware unless it is treated specifically to be heat resistant. Crystal is sensitive to extreme heat and cold.

When china plates are stored, use padding between each plate to protect them. Padded containers are available on the market, for the other pieces of your glassware and china.

Paper towels or napkins may be used to pad between plates

 

Plastic bags large enough to hold several different pieces will work for storage however, make sure to close the bag securely. 

Cleaning:

To avoid chipping and possible breakage, avoid placing directly into the sink. Place a towel, rubber pad or use a plastic container. The divider between the sink should be padded also with a towel or rubber matting of some sort. Choose a mild detergent and avoid too many suds.  WASH ONE PIECE AT A TIME. 

 

Stemware can be broken easily by holding the stem, hold the bowel as you wash gently inside and out. If food is stuck on the glass, do not scrap it. Let is soaking a while in the warm water and it will loosen to be safely remove. Baking soda is the only safe product to use for scouring. The sink should not be crowded with too many items.

Rinse in container of hot water, the bottom covered with some sort of padding. The glassware should drain on a cushioned surface. If rinsed well the glasses should dry without drip-marks. If you want a “sparkle,” take the time to dry with a soft lint free cloth.

It is not suggested that you wash your crystal and china in an automatic dishwasher. Glassware washed in a dishwasher can develop a cloudy film. This may be caused by very hard water. You should use the maximum amount of detergent advised, or install a water softener. Rinse the glassware gently in a little vinegar water and polish with a soft cloth, and this should remove the film. 

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