Melamine is the perfect solution for all of your homeware needs. It looks great, is durable, can save you money AND is easy to care for. Melamine is an organic-based compound, designed to be shatter-resistant and durable, ideal if you’re looking for products that look great in your home but are also practical. Melamine kitchenware is resistant to acids, alkalis and most food stains. However, it’s not invincible, so how can you keep your melamine homeware looking its best for as long as possible? These simple dos and don’ts will help you care for your melamine kitchenware, meaning you can keep it looking pristine for longer, enjoying it for years to come.

Caring for melamine homeware -Dishwasher with kitchenware inside

How to care for your melamine kitchenware

Caring for your melamine homeware will keep it looking brand new for longer. Melamine is different from other kitchenware, so there are some dos and don’t when it comes to caring for it. Melamine is extremely easy to care for and these simple tips will help you keep it looking perfect:

Handle your melamine homeware with care, like any other quality dinnerware. Melamine kitchenware looks and feels like porcelain and ceramics, all products are polished with a high-gloss finish. Melamine products may chip or become damaged when handled roughly, but unlike typical chine or porcelain, it will not shatter if dropped. Melamine’s durability means it has a much lower replacement rate than china, saving you money in the long term. For example, melamine has an annual replacement rate of around 10% to 20%, whereas china has a replacement rate between 50% and 150%.

Use plastic pads or sponges with plastic bristles to remove dry food. This will keep your melamine kitchenware clean, without causing any damage.

Wash your melamine in warm soapy water to remove any food or stains. For tough, stuck-on stains, pre-soak your kitchenware.

Wash your melamine in a dishwasher. That’s right – unlike glazed dishes, melamine tableware is 100% dishwasher safe! Thanks to its high heat retaining properties, melamine homeware will dry faster than standard dishes. Caring for and cleaning your personalised melamine homeware really is that simple. Tip: make sure you adjust the setting on your dishwasher to make sure the temperature does not exceed 100 degrees centigrade to avoid any heat damage when washing your melamine.

Inspect your dishes. Keep an eye out for any scratched, cracked, warped or melted plates. Contact your local recycling centre to find out how you can safely dispose of your melamine kitchenware in an environmentally friendly way.

What to avoid when caring for melamine homeware

Although Melamine products are extremely durable and easy to care for, they aren’t invincible. The last thing you want is to ruin your melamine design by making the mistake of using any products that will damage your kitchenware permanently. These simple tips will help you know what to avoid when it comes to caring for your melamine homeware:

How not to clean your melamine homeware - a red cross to symbolise what not to do

Don’t use your melamine homeware in an oven or microwave. They are not designed to withstand the high temperatures and could melt when overheated.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as steel wool or metal scourers. If you use such materials to clean your melamine kitchenware as this could damage the gloss finish of the products.

Do not use chlorine or bleach cleaners on your melamine homeware. This could permanently damage your personalised design.

Don’t submerge your melamine kitchenware in boiling water. Your melamine could absorb the heat and soften if it gets too warm.

Don’t use serrated knives or other sharp utensils as they could scratch or damage the surface of your melamine kitchenware.

Melamine homeware is lightweight and more durable than porcelain, that’s why it’s a firm favourite kitchenware choice. Now that you know how easy it is to care for melamine homeware, why not design your own bespoke products with Melamaster? Contact us today to find out more.