How To Clean A French Porcelain Limoges Box

  If you own one or more Limoges boxes, you want to display them in areas where they can be viewed, enjoyed and admired.

If you're the proud owner of French porcelain Limoges boxes, you want to showcase them in areas where they can be viewed and admired year-round. While many collectors choose to display their Limoges boxes in enclosed glass cabinets, it's nice to feature them on coffee tables, fireplace mantels, open shelves, and other areas of the home. The trick is knowing how to keep your Limoges boxes free from dust so they always look as pristine as the day you bought them.

The following tips will help you maintain the delicate, hand-painted surfaces and ornate gilding of your Limoges boxes.

As time goes by, dust and other residue settles on and into the crevices of any Limoges box. In order to keep your treasured Limoges boxes in their optimum condition, these tips will help keep them clean, shiny and attractive for years to come.

Limoges boxes are made of fine porcelain, the same material as Limoges tableware. Of course, all tableware is made in such a manner to be washed – and so can Limoges boxes. However, as Limoges boxes have delicate hand-painted surfaces, and some have ornate gilding, much more care needs to be exercised when cleaning a Limoges box.

Light Dusting

Dusting your Limoges boxes regularly with a soft cloth (or tissue) will keep them clean. Plain water is normally enough to wipe any fingerprint marks or light dust. A soft cloth or tissue works best for Limoges boxes with flat surfaces. I do not recommend immersing the Limoges box into water as the brass fittings can become tarnished and/or develop a patina in spots. If the metalwork gets wet, just make sure to wipe and dry it thoroughly.

Cleaning Ornate Limoges Boxes

Many peint main Limoges boxes have more ornate shapes with small parts or indentations. Cotton swabs do a good job of getting into hard-to-reach corners and crevices. A soft toothbrush dipped in water can be used to gently remove residue build up on the Limoges box. Avoid touching the gold areas of the Limoges with the toothbrush as it may scratch or remove the gold and thus damage your precious Limoges box.

Cleaning Built-Up Residue

If plain water does not remove the residue on your Limoges box, you can sparingly use a light spray of a common household cleaner on the cotton swab or toothbrush and gently brush off the area on the Limoges, then wipe with a wet napkin so no cleaning liquid remains on the porcelain. Again, as mentioned above, avoid rubbing the gold areas of the Limoges, as this may scratch or remove the gold - a not desirable outcome!

Limoges boxes are fantastic collectibles. They not only increase in value but are a great pleasure to behold. The small size of Limoges boxes makes them easy to display and to expand one's collection. It is always so much fun to find a new Limoges box to enhance your collection or to start a new theme.

To view an extensive and ever-growing selection of beautiful French Limoges boxes, including many exclusive styles, please visit LimogesCollector.com, one of the largest direct importers of French Limoges boxes in the US.

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