Lenox Use & Care

FINE CHINA

We make our fine china to be used—most importantly—enjoyed. With ordinary care, you can expect a lifetime of use from your Lenox china. Here are some helpful suggestions:

  • Never place china in contact with a direct flame or subject it to extreme temperature changes.
  • Scouring powders, detergents that are heavy-duty and harsh and steelk wool pads should not be used on dinnerware as they are abrasive.
  • All Lenox fine china is can be washed in the dishwasher. When washing in a dishwasher, use a powder detergent, or a mild liquid. Load china on racks so that each piece is not touching another and to protect it from being dislodged out of place due to the water. 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.
  • Serving pieces should be at room temperature before putting hot foods in them.
  • Metal marks: Sometimes, when your china’s surface touches aluminium foil trays, kitchen utensils or other metal items, it may leave dark streaks on them. To clean, use a cleaner that is gentle and non-abrasive and a wet sponge or cloth.
  • Stains From Tea, Coffee, Etc.: When tea, coffee or other types of foods stand on china, it may result in stains. Whenever possible, rinse promptly after use. Should stains develop, we recommend the following:
    • Apply a non-abrasive cleanser with a sponge or cloth, rubbing gently.
    • Or you can make a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 8 parts water. Allow stained pieces to soak in the solution for approximately one hour, then wash, rinse and dry.

BANDED CHINA (GOLD & PLATINUM)

  • Never place gold- or platinum-banded china in a microwave, unless the pattern is specified as having microwave-safe gold.
  • Tarnish (discoloration) of banding can be caused in many ways: hard water with high manganese and/or iron content, rust in dishwasher parts or interior plumbing, or contact with chemicals or chemical fumes in the environment. To remove discoloration of gilding:
    • Rub gently with a non-abrasive cleanser. This should easily remove surface spots in a few seconds. Excessive rubbing is unnecessary and may cause damage.
    • Rinse thoroughly.

STONEWARE

  • Lenox stoneware is dishwasher-, microwave- and freezer-to-oven-to-table-safe. It is suggested to allow pieces to cool before removing from the dishwasher, as they are prone to chip when hot.

EARTHENWARE

Earthenware is a ceramic body that offers a wide variety of beautifully sculpted and decorated designs. With simple care, your Lenox earthenware item will provide years of beauty and enjoyment. To ensure proper care of your Lenox earthenware, we recommend you follow these easy care instructions:

  • Lenox earthenware is hand wash only.
  • While the dish is hot, avoid immersing glazed earthenware in water.
  • Your earthenware should not soak in water.
  • Use of rubber or wooden utensils is recommended for glazed earthenware baking dishes.

18/10 STAINLESS STEEL

We craft our flatware of the highest quality 18/10 stainless steel so that our flatware sets bring years of enjoyment. 18/10 stainless steel is high quality, maintenance-free, and features stain-resistant finishes. These are among the reasons 18/10 stainless steel has become the most popular option when choosing flatware. Here are some care tips to follow:

  • Wash your flatware promptly after each use. Foods can leave acids or oils that may tarnish. Avoid prolonged soaking, as the corrosive effect of water may cause pitting or staining.
  • 18/10 stainless steel is dishwasher-safe. Use a mild detergent to avoid spotting. Loosely load your dishwasher so water circulates freely and avoid contact with aluminum, other metal objects, and the heating element, as high heat can be corrosive. Load the dishwasher in a way such that both the spoons’ and forks’ handles are facing downwards, and the knifes’ handles facing upwards.
  • If you are hand washing it, use soapy hot water. Rinse it, and then immediately use a soft cloth to dry it.
  • Dark marks caused by ingredients in coffee, vinegar, tea and salad dressings can be removed using metal polish.

STERLING & SILVERPLATE

With just a little extra care, you can enjoy your sterling and silver-plated pieces for years to come. Sterling, when properly used and cared for, improves with time. When the microscopic scratches on the surface of the silver blend over time, the result is a soft patina and every piece will have a satin shine that is elegant and beautiful. By using silver often and rotating pieces to ensure even wear, you enhance its luster and value. Here are some care tips to follow:

  • Wash silverware promptly after using. Foods like eggs, mayonnaise, and vinegar can stain sterling and permanently damage silverplate if left on the pieces for as little as an hour.
  • The best method is washing by hand. Use hot water and a gentle dishwashing liquid to rinse each piece. With a soft cloth, dry the pieces immediately to prevent the formation of water spots. When the pieces have cooled, put them away.
  • Clean weighted pieces that have filled bases by polishing, including compotes and candlesticks. They should not be immersed in water.
  • . When silverplate and sterling are not frequently used, they should be kept in a drawer that has been lined with tarnish-preventive cloth or a silver chest or a felt bag.
  • Occasionally, use a non-abrasive liquid or polish to keep sterling silver tarnish-free and to restore its luster. Dips and solutions are not recommended as they may remove the oxidation that can enhance the detail of the pattern.

SILVER-PLATED COLLECTIBLES

  • Silver-plated pieces should be cleaned with the same care as solid metals. If there is no tarnish present, clean with a phosphate-free detergent. Cleaners and polishes can easily be found in the local pharmacy, hardware, or department store. Note: Generally, polishes that need to be rinsed are considered less abrasive as polishing ingredients are suspended in the liquid. If you use this type of polish, dry the piece immediately with a cotton towel to avoid spotting. Don't use polishes that have dried up as the abrasive particles are now much too concentrated and can be harmful.
  • Never use steel wool, scouring pads, or toxic dips. To remove dried-on polish, use a wet horsehair brush, cotton ball, or toothpick. To avoid fingerprints, wear cotton gloves when handling your silver-plated pieces.

PEWTER

Pewter will not tarnish in the way silver and copper tarnish. Like all metals, pewter does oxidize when exposed to air but, unlike other metals, pewter oxidizes very slowly and evenly. This gentle oxidation means your pewter gradually develops the soft, warm patina that adds to its lasting charm. Pewter is ideal for serving food and beverages, but should not be used for cooking due to its low melting point. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your pewter products:

  • After each use, hand wash your pewter with soap and warm water, then follow with a good towel drying.
  • Do not put pewter in the dishwasher.
  • Do not use pewter as a storage container. Always line your pewter with glass or plastic if you intend to use it for plants or flowers.

CRYSTAL

Crystal stemware and serveware pieces can be used for more than special occasions. Heavy cut crystal is durable and can be used frequently. With ordinary care, crystal stemware is a treasure you can enjoy for a lifetime. Lenox crystal stemware includes iced beverage glasses, goblets, double old fashion, highballs, as well as wine and flutes glasses.

  • Before placing food on it, wash crystal serveware with a detergent that is mild.
  • Always hand wash your crystal, using warm water and a liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Avoid scrubbing or use of abrasives. Rinse with warm water and gently pat dry with a soft cloth.
  • Never store Lenox crystal stemware upside down. The lip is the most fragile part of the glass and in time will crack and chip from the weight of the bowl and stem.
  • Always allow air space around each piece of crystal when you store it. Since glass expands in hot temperatures, extra air space eliminates the possibility of the crystal breaking because it has expanded and touched another piece.

BANDED CRYSTAL STEMWARE (GOLD & PLATINUM)

  • Do not put gold- or platinum-banded crystal in the dishwasher.
  • Discoloration: Avoid using a soft-scrub cleaner to remove discoloration on your crystal stemware’s gold band. The abrasives on the soft scrubs may scratch or remove the gold edge line.
  • First, use a mild detergent to clean the stems.. If you are not successful in removing the red,  use a mixture of half water and half vinegar to wipe the gold band. 
  • If the mixture is unsuccessful, try using straight vinegar to remove the tarnish with straight vinegar.
  • Lastly, rub the gold area with a fine polishing cream in order to remove discoloration on the surface. Wash stems by hand after removing the discoloration on the gold with a detergent. Note: Do not use lemon. Lemon detergents tend to be more aggressive. Over time, aggressive cleaners can attack even the crystal. When this happens, the crystal can have a hazy or cloudy look.

WOOD

A thin coat of bee's wax protects Lenox wood products from stains. This means that unless the spill is acidic or remains on the wood for a period of time, the product should not stain. Wipe stains clean with a damp cloth. To care for fine wood finishes:

  • Occasionally apply another thin coat of bee's wax for protection.
  • Moisten a soft cloth with lukewarm water and soap or lemon oil and use it.
  • Try to avoid exposure to harsh chemical waxes, glass cleaners and direct sunlight.
  • Do not place hot pans on wood.
  • Do not used with place mats that are made with rubber as it has a tendency to cause damage to the wood finish.
  • Do not store the wood in environments that are overly damp or dry.

SPECIFIC PRODUCTS

TEA KETTLES

  • Prior to first use, you should wash the inside and outer surfaces of the teakettle with hot, soapy water. Then, rinse thoroughly.
  • Never overfill the teakettle as boiling water may be forced out of the spout.
  • Place the teakettle on the stove burner so that the spout is not pointed toward the front of the stove. When boiling water, always point the spout away from you.
  • WARNING! The teakettle handle may become hot during use.
  • Once the water in the teakettle comes to a boil, turn the burner off and allow at least 10-15 seconds before pouring and/or handling the teakettle. ALWAYS use a potholder or oven mitt to remove the teakettle from the stove burner.
  • In pouring from the teakettle, DO NOT tilt the teakettle more than 80 degrees to prevent possible burn injury. Hot steam may escape from the lid of the teakettle if it is tilted more than 80 degrees.

CANDLES & VOTIVES

  • Do not handle a votive while the candle is burning, as the exterior can become quite hot to the touch.
  • Do not leave a lit candle or votive unattended or within the reach of children.
  • If a votive has a lid, do not cover the votive with the lid while a candle is burning inside. If the lid is not removed, it will become exceedingly hot and cause a serious burn if touched.
  • Straighten the candlewick and trim to ¼ inch before lighting.

 MUSIC BOXES

  • Be careful not to overwind a musical movement as permanent damage may result.
  • Turn the key gently clockwise. Make sure it does not reach the point where it will no longer turn