"There has been a misconception that china,
Compared to other items of similar type, china is extremely durable.
Continues Carder, "They are actually the strongest,the strongest of all of the ceramic materials. The reason the pieces are thin is because they are that strong whereas other materials like earthenware and stemware are manufactured thicker because they are prone to chipping."
The assumption is that consumers should hand wash their fine china because of its value, but Carder emphasizes that hand washing is not always necessary.
"It is my recommendation that fine china is very safe to dish wash using the dishwasher. It has a very hard glaze on it and can be used every day with real confidence. In fact it is much stronger than most everyday products ironically."
The official Lenox website offers specific guidelines for dishwashing your Lenox china:
"When washing Lenox china in the dishwasher, use a mild liquid or powder detergent. Load china securely on racks so that the pieces do not touch, and so they won't be dislodged by water action. Ensure that the dishwasher is in good working condition and has no exposed metal racks. Also ensure that metal objects (pots, pans, utensils) do not come in contact with the china. Use a mild wash cycle, and let pieces cool before removing."
If you're a collector, you may fear the pattern or details of your current will fade with continued washings in a dishwasher, but Carder disagrees.
"You don't have to worry about the colors or decorations fading away like you might see in some older china because the decoration is now fired into a glaze."
This process solidifies the design will retain its original look, despite the agents used to clean it. Carder says, "The colors are actually made from fine powdered glass and fluxes, and when they fire they fuse into the glaze."
Are there exceptions to this? Carder notes, "The only vulnerable area would be the precious metal like the gold banding."
You should take special care of your china that has gold or platinum accents, because they are prone to damage. Carder explains, "If you were to take a pan scrubber or something like that, something that abrades it and rubs the edge, you will bring off the gold eventually because, after all, gold is a soft metal."
He does contend that the damage would not happen overnight.
"The metal bandings would take a lot of work to wear it away,maybe 10 years or something like that."
The official website also offers helpful hints about how to store your Lenox china: "When stacking fine china for storage, put a cushion between each piece to prevent the surface from being scratched by the piece above it. Keep in an area with sufficient storage space so that the pieces don't touch shelves or other pieces. You can purchase separators and zippered china protectors to store china or simply use napkins, paper towels or coffee filters."
