How to Clean Antique Pottery

Antique pottery can bring joy to your family for many years. Many people are afraid to display this kind of pottery for fear of cleaning it later. It can be cleaned at home with some tender care though. 

Step 1- Check for Damage

If you have any cracks or chips in your pottery you should not attempt to clean it. The cleaning process can make the damage worse. Instead, consult a professional.

Step 2- Dust

Use your paint brush to gently dust the pottery. This will make the cleaning process easier.

Step 3- Soak Glazed Pottery

Glazed pottery can be soaked in a mixture of 2 cups ammonia to 2 gallons of hot water for 24 hours. This will remove any grime or build up without damaging the finish. Rinse the pottery with plain water, and set it in a safe place. Cover it with a towel to allow the piece to dry.

Step 4- Remove Stubborn Stains

Anything that wasn't removed in the ammonia mixture can be cleaned with peroxide. Make sure you use a 40% mixture for this. You can soak the piece for several days until the stains disappear. Dry as you would in the step above.